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. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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There is an embarrassment of books about the universe for the general reader, but few manage to pack so much, so elegantly, into such a compact space as this does. The book is generously illustrated. ― The Guardian 09/02/02/
Coles takes you gently through everything from Blue Shift to parallel Universe in a thoroughly entertaining read ―
TNT Magazine
a pleasure to read ―
New Scientist, 29/09/01
Book Description
A compact introduction to cosmology, ranging from the Big Bang theory to quantum cosmology, superstrings, and dark matter
About the Author
Peter Coles is Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics and Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sussex. He has co-written two textbooks on cosmology, and over a hundred technical articles on various aspects of the Big Bang theory. He is also author of Einstein and the Total Eclipse and Hawking and the Mind of God.