About this item
Highlights
- A half century ago, a shocking Washington Post headline claimed that the world began in five cataclysmic minutes rather than having existed for all time; a skeptical scientist dubbed the maverick theory the Big Bang.
- Author(s): Simon Singh
- 560 Pages
- Science, Cosmology
Description
About the Book
This brief history of the beginning of the universe comes from the bestselling author of "Fermat's Enigma" and "The Code Book." Black-and-white photos and illustrations.Book Synopsis
A half century ago, a shocking Washington Post headline claimed that the world began in five cataclysmic minutes rather than having existed for all time; a skeptical scientist dubbed the maverick theory the Big Bang. In this amazingly comprehensible history of the universe, Simon Singh decodes the mystery behind the Big Bang theory, lading us through the development of one of the most extraordinary, important, and awe-inspiring theories in science.
Review Quotes
"It's hard to imagine a grander, more thrilling story...fast-paced...hugely entertaining...Big Bang is, quite literally, cosmic." -- New York Times
"Inimitable. . . . There's no better account of the big bang theory." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"A clear, lively, and comprehensive view of the way science arrived at the leading theory of how everything began."- -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This book is a blast...who knew that the Big Bang could be so much fun?" -- James Gleick, bestselling author of CHAOS and FASTER
"Singh is one of the best science journalists writing today...Impressive." -- London Times (Sunday)
"An expert but friendly guide to help you decode the mysteries [of the universe] with crisp, clear running commentary." -- Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind
"Singh's unerring eye for picturesque anecdotes and his capacity for simplifying complex scientific ideas is a winning formula." -- Saturday Daily Telegraph (London)
"(Singh) is a gifted expositor, ready to venture to places other science popularisers don't even try to reach." -- The Mail (on Sunday)
"Highly readable... Singh brings the colourful protagonists in his story to life." -- New Scientist
"Singh spins tales of cryptic intrigue in every chapter." -- Wall Street Journal on The Code Book
"Entertaining and satisfying. . . . Offers a fascinating glimpse into the mostly secret competition between codemakers and codebreakers." -- USA Today on The Code Book
"Enthralling...commendably lucid...[Singh's] book provides a timely and entertaining summary of the subject." -- Economist on The Code Book
"Brings together...the geniuses who have secured communications, saved lives, and influenced the fate of nations. A pleasure to read." -- Chicago Tribune on The Code Book
"An absorbing tale of codemaking and codebreaking over the centuries." -- Scientific American on The Code Book
"The history of mathematics comes alive even for those who dread balancing their checkbooks." -- Publishers Weekly on Fermat's Enigma
"An excellent account of one of the most dramatic and moving events of the century." -- New York Times on Fermat's Enigma
"Fascinating...Simon Singh loves storytelling and has a knack for digging up underappreciated characters." -- New York Newsday
"Singh is a gifted writer...a good storyteller...and [he] knows how to describe and explain complex and esoteric subjects." -- San Diego Union-Tribune