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"A thorough, level-headed, reader-friendly treatment of controversial and complex material." - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) On Upgrade Me" --Publishers Weekly
Product Description
According to a recent survey, the most popular question about science from the general public was: what came before the Big Bang? We all know on some level what the Big Bang is, but we don't know how it became the accepted theory, or how we might know what came before. In "Before the Big Bang", Brian Clegg (the critically acclaimed author of "Upgrade Me" and "The God Effect") explores the history of this remarkable concept. From the earliest creation myths, through Hershel's realization that the Milky Way was one of many galaxies, to on-going debates about Black Holes, this is an incredible look at the origins of the universe and the many theories that led to the acceptance of the Big Bang. But in classic scientist fashion Clegg challenges the notion of the 'Big Bang' itself, and raises the deep philosophical question of why we might want to rethink the origin of the universe. This is popular science at its best, exploratory, controversial, and utterly engrossing.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As always, Brian Clegg demonstrates a superbly researched love of his subject; all with enthusiasm, and an easy command of the English language. The result is a book that anyone can read (and should) without having to perform weighty mental contortions - Clegg has already done the 'heavy lifting'. This is a book about ideas, but to his credit Mr. Clegg manages to cover the most popular theories in a fast paced, lively and clear fashion all while handling some really difficult ideas. Don't let the subject matter scare you - this is for the general reader.
The real beauty of this book is that it explores what we really know about things that are taken for granted in most science writing: Black holes; wormholes; dark matter; dark energy - so much of the physics underlying these has a degree of speculation that is usually glossed over, yet Clegg explains it here so that it may be understood without having to have a PhD in Physics and/or Maths or both!
The real beauty of this book is that it explores what we really know about things that are taken for granted in most science writing: Black holes; wormholes; dark matter; dark energy - so much of the physics underlying these has a degree of speculation that is usually glossed over, yet Clegg explains it here so that it may be understood without having to have a PhD in Physics and/or Maths or both!
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Another great book! An interesting, creatively written book, that is above all a very enlightening.
I have read several of Brian's popular science books and highly recommend this author.
I have read several of Brian's popular science books and highly recommend this author.
6 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I read Brian Clegg's previous book on the history of infinity, really enjoyed it - he has a good writing style. This, however, was drawn out in comparison - he spends way too much time talking about the history of big bang theory and often repeats himself unnecessarily.
I bought the book thinking it would actually be more explorative than his infinity book but he packs all of the more interesting concepts and alternative theories into the last few chapters. Even then he seems to rush through them - after like 150-200 pages of setting the scene he only gives about 100-150 to the guts of the subject matter of the title. I was expecting a more in depth evaluation of string/m/brane theory. If this had been put forward as a history of big bang theory I would not have bought it - there have been countless books on the subject.
To summarise, if you dont know much about the big bang theory's history, you'll like this - if you do then steer clear.
I bought the book thinking it would actually be more explorative than his infinity book but he packs all of the more interesting concepts and alternative theories into the last few chapters. Even then he seems to rush through them - after like 150-200 pages of setting the scene he only gives about 100-150 to the guts of the subject matter of the title. I was expecting a more in depth evaluation of string/m/brane theory. If this had been put forward as a history of big bang theory I would not have bought it - there have been countless books on the subject.
To summarise, if you dont know much about the big bang theory's history, you'll like this - if you do then steer clear.
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