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Timothy Ferris begins The Whole Shebang with a succinct account of how we have come to know what we know about the universe. Then he explains the meaning behind the exciting new developments that have put cosmology in the headlines -- including the discovery of planets orbiting stars other than our sun, glimpses through the Hubble Space Telescope of how the universe looked when it was only a fraction of its present age, and the detection of structure in relic radiation from the big bang that may hint at the mechanisms of genesis.
Ferris provides a lucid, nontechnical overview of current research and a forecast of where cosmological theory is likely to go in the twenty-first century. A master analogist, he presents accessible explanations of relativity and quantum physics, "inflationary" models indicating that the universe is much larger than had been thought, and "string" theories that portray all matter as made of space.
The centerpiece of The Whole Shebang is a visionary account of near-future science, in which light is shed on the possibility that our universe is one among many universes, each with different physical laws and differing prospects for the emergence of life.
The Whole Shebang explores questions that have occurred to even casual readers who are curious about nature on the largest scales: What does it mean to say that the universe is "expanding," or that space is "curved"? How could there have been an "origin" of the universe; what happened "before"? Why is quantum uncertainty so puzzling to many scientists, and why do some regard it as one of the
Written with the literary flair that earned Ferris the accolade "the greatest science writer in the world," The Whole Shebang interweaves probing scientific explication, lyrical descriptions, and finely honed profiles of the lives and personalities of the scientists and philosophers who have contributed to human understanding of the cosmos. Above all, it demonstrates that for all its abstractions, cosmology -- the scientific study of the universe as a whole -- is a very human activity whose theories and observations must ultimately answer to the human mind.
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Book Description Condition: Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # P10J-00581
Book Description Condition: Fair. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,400grams, ISBN:9780753804759. Seller Inventory # 9073785
Book Description Softcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. First Edition. Softcover edition in Near Fine / Very Good+ condition published by Phoenix of London. The covers are in great shape with only a hint of shelf wear. The binding is square and tight. The interior pages are clean and unmarked. The book will be carefully packaged for shipment for protection from the elements. USPS electronic tracking number issued free of charge. A brilliant and accessibly written report on the current state of cosmology, from parallel universes to life on Mars. Cosmology has seized front page headlines remarkable regularly over the last 5 years, and the Whole Shebang provides an excellent background to the news stories, as well as to the ideas of leading scientists. The book takes the reader through all thecentral issues of the field, and the wide variety of breakthroughs of recent years: the inflationary universe immediately subsequent to the big bang, the discovery and significance of large scale galactic structure, the evolution of the universe and the many-worlds hypothesis of parallel universes. Seller Inventory # 14835
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. ALL ITEMS ARE DISPATCHED FROM THE UK WITHIN 48 HOURS ( BOOKS ORDERED OVER THE WEEKEND DISPATCHED ON MONDAY) ALL OVERSEAS ORDERS SENT BY TRACKABLE AIR MAIL. IF YOU ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE UK PLEASE ASK US FOR A POSTAGE QUOTE FOR MULTI VOLUME SETS BEFORE ORDERING. Seller Inventory # mon0000823517
Book Description Condition: Good. Some outer edges have minor scuffs. Cover has light scratches/marks. Textblock has marks. Reading content is in very good condition. Seller Inventory # 075534-23-04-2024-EE