Space, Time, Infinity: The Smithsonian Views the Universe [Unabridged] [Hardcover]

James S.Trefil (Author), Kenneth L. Franklin (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Beginning with humankind's earliest views of the cosmos recorded in Egypt, Babylon, and Greece, and evi dence from megalithic sites such as Stonehenge, Trefil quickly traces the rise of Western astronomy to contem porary views of stars, galaxies, and in finity. Issues of cosmology, astrophys ics, and cosmogony are treated lucidly and richly illustrated with hundreds of colored pictures and diagrams. Impor tant unsolved scientific problems are explored, as well as questions such as the existence of extraterrestrial life. Completely up-to-date scientifically, this book tells a story of immense scope. Highly recommended for lay people and a beautiful addition to pub lic libraries. E. Robert Paul, History of Science Program, Dickinson Coll., Carlisle, Pa.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 255 pages
• Publisher: Smithonian Books/Pantheon Books; 1st edition (October 12, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394548434
• ISBN-13: 978-0394548432
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,711,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious Presentation of the Subject, December 6, 2003

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Avid Reader (Franklin, Tn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Space, Time, Infinity: The Smithsonian Views the Universe (Hardcover)

The inside of the book matches the breathtaking cover - a closeup of one quadrant of Saturn with the rings, seemingly hanging in space. It is over-sized, filled with illustrations, photographs and charts that work in harmony with the exquisite prose.

Trefil reveals his subjects through the use of two scales - the first being a chronological one and the second scale one of size (from largest to small) We begin with mankind's attempts to understand the heavens and our increasing knowledge of the cosmos. In order we are presented with superb coverages of galaxies, the Solar Sytems and finally Earth. After that he asks provocatively, "Are We Alone" and devotes an entire to the subject, introducting readers to the famous Drake formula used in determining the chance of extraterrestrial civilizations.

A discussion of time is followed by more intriguing chapters on the future of astronomy and mankind's role in space. A unique contribution that traces matter from the Big Bang to the quantum level preceds a final chapter on "Unsolved Problems". This is a book for the ages, one that I purchased years ago at the Smithsonian and have read, browsed and studied for years.