Ancient Light: Our Changing View of the Universe [Paperback]

Alan Lightman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1993

MIT astrophysicist and science writer, Alan Lightman takes the reader on a grand tour of the Universe. In this compact volume he explores the history of cosmology, the theories and the evidence, the new discoveries, the outstanding questions, and the controversies.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Big Bang model of the cosmos assumes a uniform, homogeneous universe, yet we now know that galaxies cluster together. This "lumpiness" of matter, along with the peculiar velocities of some galaxies and the superabundance of invisible "dark matter" (detected--but not glimpsed--through gravitational studies) has led many scientists to question the Big Bang and even to pose alternate models. MIT astrophysicist Lightman looks at these developments in a concise, enjoyable introduction to the major problems and controversies at the frontiers of cosmology. He reviews the latest descriptions of the birth of the universe during the first trillionth of a second, scans the new collaboration between particle physics and cosmology, and unravels the search for a GUT (grand unified theory) that would link the fundamental forces of nature. Photos, diagrams, a glossary and biographical sketches of key figures help make this a highly accessible tour of the universe.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

A short, understandable account of our changing view of the universe and of the scientists who are behind that change...Lightman has done a good job of telling the story of an exciting science.
--William Kolata (New York Times Book Review )

Alan Lightman seeks to mediate between the worlds of modern cosmology and ordinary perception outside its strange precincts--explaining its major theories in simplified terms, introducing its cast...One senses in Ancient Light Alan Lightman's respect for the tiny wondering human mind, whatever its ability to grasp the conundrums of modern cosmology.
--David Mehegan (Boston Sunday Globe )

Lyrical...With its reliance on plain English, metaphor, and creative analogy, Ancient Light brings cosmic abstractions down to Earth with nary a jolt. This little book is a must-read for anyone whose gaze extends beyond his or her own world into the one we--and our ancestors--share.
--Thea Singer (Boston Phoenix Literary Section )

A charming, lucid, and accessible book that is the epitome of good popular science. I have read no finer introduction to cosmology.
--David Hughes (New Scientist )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Harvard University Press (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674033639
• ISBN-13: 978-0674033634
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #815,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alan Lightman, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences since 1996, is adjunct professor of humanities at MIT. He is the author of several books on science, including "Ancient Light: Our Changing View of the Universe" (1991) and "Origins: The Lives and Worlds of Modern Cosmologists" (with R. Brawer, 1990). His works of fiction include "Einstein's Dreams" (1993), "The Diagnosis" (2000), which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and, most recently, "Reunion" (2003).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Only for beginners., November 29, 2002

By 

Luc REYNAERT (Beernem, Belgium) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ancient Light: Our Changing View of the Universe (Paperback)

This book gives a brief outline of the different cosmic models (steady state, Big Bang, the anthropic principle) and an explanation of the instruments and techniques used to explore the cosmos.
It is a little bit out of date.
I also missed the swinging style and the speculations of John Gribbin's 'In the Beginning' or Martin Rees' 'Before the Beginning'.
For a more profound and up-to-date introduction to cosmology I recommend the more difficult book 'The elegant Universe' by Brian Greene.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, August 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancient Light: Our Changing View of the Universe (Paperback)

I first came across this book in my English class during my freshman year in college. It was very easy to read, and most of all, it was very inspirational. It's a great book to read when you're looking for something to enjoy peacefully, and yet, think about. Highly recommended!