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Product Description
New Scientist, September 29, 2001
a pleasure to read
Product Description
This book is a simple, non-technical introduction to cosmology, explaining what it is and what cosmologists do. Peter Coles discusses the history of the subject, the development of the Big Bang theory, and more speculative modern issues like quantum cosmology, superstrings, and dark matter.
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First Sentence
Cosmology is a relatively new branch of physical science. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Cosmology is a relatively new branch of physical science. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.
Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.
The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An Introduction not a Simplification
This is the first book I've read from Oxford University Press' A Very Short Introduction series. Launched in 1995, there are now over 300 in the range covering topics as diverse as... Read more
Published 1 month ago by A. Brown
short, precise and up to date
I bought this book for someone else as an introduction
to modern cosmology. The book is intended for an non
expert audience and touches on all major issues in... Read more
to modern cosmology. The book is intended for an non
expert audience and touches on all major issues in... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Hubert
A great introduction to a fascinating subject
As a complete newbie to Astronomy, Cosmology, Nuclear physics etc., but feeling I might be interested in it, I found this book to be just a perfect introduction. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Cyclops
Good intro, but slightly out of date
I found this to be a very useful introduction to Cosmology - though the concepts are notoriously difficult to understand, Coles writes well and covers all the basics. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Darthy
:)
It is a book for those who enjoyed Science, especially Astrophysics and Universe.
For those, who do keen to know any of the dark sky, it is surely the one to get.
For those, who do keen to know any of the dark sky, it is surely the one to get.
Published on 4 May 2010 by T. T. Yan
Very good but needs a new updated edition to be perfect
I like this book, and several others in the series of "Very Short Introduction to...". I read some relevant chapters on the way to a talk on Highest Energy Physics at the Science... Read more
Published on 23 Dec 2009 by M. Ringrose
Yet Another Goody in the Series
Fine summary of the state of knowledge, if slightly dated.
Excellent as quick refresher, well written, knowledgeable and witty style.
Excellent as quick refresher, well written, knowledgeable and witty style.
Published on 15 July 2009 by M. Pearson
Stunning
This is an outrageously well-written and FUN book covering the biggest topic it is possible to imagine (in our physical world, at least). Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2009 by Dr. Geoffrey Kemball Cook
Not that bad.
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the... Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2003
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