Fred Hoyle [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Simon Mitton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2005

The first astronomer to publicize his subject on radio and television, Sir Fred Hoyle rose to national prominence in the 1950s as a result of his controversial ideas on the origins of the universe. Famous for his work on the thermonuclear reactions inside stars that made possible the beginnings of life, he developed the 'steady state' theory of the universe, soon challenged by the rival 'big bang' theory, which led to a bitter dispute between Hoyle and his rivals - not only fellow scientists but also archaeologists and palaeontologists whose conclusions he had challenged. This is a major scientific biography of one of the greatest, and best-known, scientists of the twentieth century, written in an enjoyable and accessible style.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'An elegantly written and thoroughly documented biography of a great and immensely influential scientist who was a fascinating personality as well.' Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and President of the Royal Society

'This is the first comprehensive exploration of both the science and the man, told by one of the few living writers equally familiar with both. It is a rich and complex story related with confidence and authority, allowing general readers to better understand why science is too fascinating not to be shared more broadly throughout our culture.' Lawrence M. Krauss, popular science author

'Simon Mitton has thrown new light on Hoyle's life with a biography that is more structured, more balanced, more complete and arguably more insightful than Hoyle's own account.' Simon Singh, journalist and popular science author

'I read [Fred Hoyle's first book] when at high-school and it inspired me to become an astronomer so I, personally, have much to thank Fred Hoyle for. But I would also like to thank Simon Mitton for making Hoyle's life and work come alive in his book - one that I cannot recommend too highly.' Gnomon

Book Description

The scientific life of Fred Hoyle (1915-2001) was truly unparalleled. During his career he wrote groundbreaking scientific papers and caused bitter disputes in the scientific community with his revolutionary theories. Written from personal accounts and interviews with his contemporaries, this book gives valuable insights into Fred Hoyle's unforgettable life.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Aurum Press Ltd; illustrated edition edition (April 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854109618
• ISBN-13: 978-1854109613
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,014,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am an award winning science writer specialising in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, physics, and the history of science (astronomy). I have an MA degree in Physics from the University of Oxford and a Ph D in physics from the University of Cambridge. My most recent published book is Fred Hoyle: A life in science, which Cambridge U Press re-issued in March 2011. It is regarded as the definitive biography of this famous cosmologist who coined the term The Big Bang to account for the origin of the universe. Ihave just delivered a typescript to Princeton U Press for a book about the origin of structure in the universe.