Modern Cosmology in Retrospect [Hardcover]

B. Bertotti (Editor), R. Balbinot (Editor), S. Bergia (Editor), A. Messina (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 31, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0521372135 | ISBN-13: 978-0521372138

This volume recounts the development of modern cosmology, in chapters contributed by many of the leading protagonists. Modern cosmology aims to determine the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe. It is an area of modern science that has engendered fierce debates that have captured public interest. This is an absorbing account of physical and observational cosmology, the great cosmological debates, important observations and the riddle of the dark matter. The enormous controversy surrounding the Big Bang theory is retold in personal recollections from H. Bondi, W. McCrea, and Fred Hoyle. Next are three chapters on the discovery of cosmic radio waves and the contributions made by radio astronomers to current cosmology. The book concludes with a tribute to some of the pioneers of cosmology. This is fascinating reading for astronomers, professional cosmologists, general physicists, historians, philosophers of science and general readers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Highly recommended for readers interested in the astronomical universe." T. Page, Choice

"Rarely have I been in a position to unreservedly recommend a book, but happily this book is an example of such a case....For anyone interested in cosmology, this book is a must. The vast majority of the contributions can be assimilated by the knowledgeable layman as a backdrop for understanding of more contemporary aspects of cosmology. For that reason, this book should be read not only by laymen, but by professionals as well who hope either to contribute directly to the subject or to pass the knowledge on to the next generation." George W. Collins II, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

"Written by and for professionals, it is nevertheless largely accessible to enthusiasts at all levels of interest and expertise....There are illuminating personal anecdotes by Hermann Bondi, Fred Hoyle, and William McCrea. Historical reviews highlight the great debates of the past: the distances to the spiral nebulae, the Big Bang versus the steady-state theory, and the nature of cosmic rays." Joseph Silk, Sky & Telescope

"...an absorbing collection of reminiscences and records of the confusions, controversies, and right and wrong turns in the development of relativistic cosmology..." Mathematical Reviews

"...gives a reconstruction of major events in the development of modern cosmology as reported by several of the protagonists in the field." Philosophy in Science

Product Details

• Hardcover: 446 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (May 31, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521372135
• ISBN-13: 978-0521372138
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,951,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)