Isaac Asimov's Guide to Earth and Space [Mass Market Paperback]

Isaac Asimov (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 23, 1992

A wide-ranging exploration of our universe -- from "what makes the wind blow?" to "how was the moon formed?" -- in questions-and-answer format, written in vintage Asimov style. "A fine introduction to modern astronomical theory." -- LIBRARY JOURNAL

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Asimov has now published at least 460 books and his list continues to grow. In this one, he tells us what scientists know today about the nature of the universe. He does so through 111 short (two- or three-page) chapters, each headed by a simple question: "What is sunlight?"; "What are stars?"; "How old is the universe?"; etc. The answers include historical background and current theory, presented in simple, easy-to-read terms. Although most of this is familiar ground to regular readers of scientific books and magazines, it is a fine introduction to modern astronomical theory for the intellectually curious high school student or intelligent but scientifically illiterate adult.
- Harold D. Shane, Baruch Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

A wide-ranging exploration of our universe -- from "what makes the wind blow?" to "how was the moon formed?" -- in questions-and-answer format, written in vintage Asimov style. "A fine introduction to modern astronomical theory." -- LIBRARY JOURNAL

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett (November 23, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449220591
• ISBN-13: 978-0449220597
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Astronomy > Astronomy
  • #68 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Physics
  • #78 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > History & Philosophy > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3 generations of the Andersons agreed this is GREAT!, July 1, 2003

By 

Travis C. Ward "C. William Anderson" (Silverton, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Isaac Asimov's Guide to Earth and Space (Mass Market Paperback)

I first read this book at about age 35. Then lent it to my 66-year-old father. Just as was I unable, so, too, was he unable to put it down for more than a meditative moment to complicate Asimov's musings.

After Dad read it I loaned it to my older son, then aged 12. He had the same addiction as Dad and I.

The three of us are not prone to dwell on science, history, or anything of great consequence often, but we still frequently discuss topics first brought to our attention by probably the greatest, and certainly one of the most prolific and diverse writers in history.

I challenge any reader to not contemplate many of the thoughts expressed by Asimov in this fascinating and intriguing book.

Asimov and Hawking were probably the two most intelligent science writers of the 20th Century. Asimov alone, however, also was a skilled writer of history and fiction.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read (as usual) -- but a bit simplistic, March 21, 2005

By 

jay kenyon "jayhawkeye2" (LAS VEGAS, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Isaac Asimov's Guide to Earth and Space (Mass Market Paperback)

Asimov's writing is in tip top form -- clear,straightforward, and with his sense of wit that is always present.

However, some of the questions are pretty elementary for most of his fans -- e.g., why does the moon go through phases, what is the future of our sun, what are tides...

Important questions, to be sure, but, not as engaging on his writings concerning the beginning of the universe, the atom, or measurements.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, May 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Isaac Asimov's Guide to Earth and Space (Mass Market Paperback)

If you've ever looked up in wonder at the stars in the night sky, or puzzled over the origins of the Earth, this is the book for you. A fabulous journey through centuries of scientific curiosity and discovery that left me wishing for more!