Origins of Life in the Universe [Paperback]

Robert Jastrow (Author), Michael Rampino (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0521532833 | ISBN-13: 978-0521532839

This concise and beautifully illustrated book traces the evolution of the Cosmos from the Big Bang to the development of intelligent life on Earth, conveying clear science in an engaging narrative. By mapping the history of the Universe for introductory science and astrobiology course for non-science majors, this book explores many of the most fascinating questions in science. What is the origin of the Universe? How do stars and planets form? How does life begin? How did intelligence arise? Are we alone in the Cosmos? Physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and geology are combined to create a chronicle of events in which the swirling vapors in the primordial cloud of the Universe evolved over billions of years into conscious life. Features: •The most fascinating questions on the history of the Universe are answered in this text for one-semester introductory science courses.
•The strong narrative and exciting color images of this incredible story will motivate non-science students to develop an understanding of science and life on Earth
•Explains science in a way that isn't overwhelming for non-science majors.
•Questions for the student prompt critical thinking.
•Combines astronomy, geology and biology to give a broad introduction to these sciences for non-science students.
•Coverage of the latest discoveries in astrobiology conveys the excitement of this fast-moving field.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Extraordinarily well written, a very pleasant learning experience for me ... Jastrow and Rampino have written a remarkable text that should be read by all undergraduates who require a science distributive." - Edward Berger, Dartmouth College

"This book is a great introduction to the grand journey of 14 billion years of cosmic evolution from the Big Bang to human evolution! It presents a sweeping synthesis of the sciences ranging from astronomy and astrophysics to planetology, geology, climatology, evolution of life and molecular biology and makes an original and exciting text for a general introductory science course for non-science majors." - Vivien Gornitz, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies

"Jastrow and Rampino have managed a tour-de-force, from the origin of the universe to the emergence of life on Earth and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Their book makes engaging reading and provides an excellent first overview of this subject for non-specialists." - Christian Koeberl, University of Vienna

"... a comprehensive look at astrobiology in an accessible, well-written text aimed at undergraduate students who do not pursue science as a principal subject. ... Its completeness in the book's strength. No aspect relating to the origins of life is left uncovered ... this book gives an extremely comprehensive understanding of the evolution of life and the possibility for life beyond our own planet, and it should serve as an excellent textbook for an introductory astrobiology course." - Ellen Stofan, Nature Geosciences

"...the text is descriptive and requires no mathematical skills. ...As is typical of Jastrow's books, this one is very clearly written and very well illustrated. ...Highly recommended." - A. Spero, CHOICE

Book Description

What is the origin of the Universe? Are we alone in the Cosmos? Answering some of the most fascinating questions in science, this textbook employs an engaging narrative to tell the story of the Universe, for short introductory science and astrobiology courses.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 444 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521532833
• ISBN-13: 978-0521532839
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,676 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you've wanted to know about life, the universe, and everything..., November 27, 2009

By 

Tiger Samarinka - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Origins of Life in the Universe (Paperback)

If you've ever wondered how we came to be here on this planet of ours, in our galaxy, in this universe, then this is the book for you. It is beautifully illustrated, very well explained, from cosmology to astronomy to planetary science to geology to chemistry to biology. Although intended as a textbook for a science-distribution requirement for non-science majors, I found it to be a fascinating read on its own. It renewed my wonder at this strange phenomenon of life and the many factors that enable it.