Black Holes, Quasars, & The Universe

by Harry L. Shipman

Astronomy, Physics

Genres: Physics

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Bob Koelle]

I just found a copy of this at a used book store. I read it as a kid, when I was in the middle of my astronomy phase, and this book was a big part of that. What I never realized was that the author was Harry Shipman, physics professor at the University of Delaware, which I would later attend, but not for astronomy. My son is in an astronomy phase now, and I hope he reads this.

[Sonia Halfner]

I remember in 9th grade, I'd go straight to a spot on a library shelf I knew so well, and take down a book that was always waiting for me: "Black Holes, Quasers and the Universe." It was a simple, black softcover with thin, concentric white rings spiraling into a black dot. I'd turn to the same page I'd thumbed so many times, and read (and re-read) a section I knew by heart: how an astronaut, at the event horizon of a black hole, is stretched infinitely "like spaghetti." My mind would reel and teeter on the lip of that event horizon, trying to "feel" what it would be like to be stretched that thin... then, with a delicious shudder, I'd put the book back on the shelf and go play - until my next, furtive, back hole fix...
For this reason alone, this admittedly dated but beguilingly written book gets my top vote. I even bought two copies off eBay to relive my childhood sci-fi fantasy...

[Stacey]

I found this while perusing at Half Price and was surprised to learn, after the fact, that it’s actually a textbook from the 70’s lol.

While some of the concepts are a bit outdated, the book still offers clear explanations and connects cosmic phenomena to larger ideas, encouraging us to think outside the box. Some of the physics went right over my head though, not gonna lie.

It’s fascinating to read theories that were once speculative but have since been proven to be true. I love that I have a piece of history on my bookshelf!

10/10 recommend if you’re a space lover like me!

[Eric Layton]

A somewhat dated (1980) yet very interesting book.

[Charles]

I don't remember a lot about this one. I read it back in the early 80s. I generally recall it as being a pretty good introduction to the topics of Black Holes and Quasars. It's probably a bit outdated now.

[Yanty Chen]

A good book,with narrative description and explanation about black holes and universe...trust me,there were'nt too much equation in this book

[John P]

This is a good book and Shipman has a somewhat unique perspective. But it is too dated and cannot be recommended except perhaps as a historical reference.

[Sam]

Diagnosed with insomnia my freshman year. I would read this before bed and it'd knock me out