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Edward Robert Harrison
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Cosmology: The Science of the Universe 2nd Edition

by Edward Harrison (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 55 ratings
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Cosmology: The Science of the Universe is a broad introduction to the science of modern cosmology, with emphasis on its historical origins. The first edition of this best-selling book received worldwide acclaim for its lucid style and wide-ranging exploration of the universe. This eagerly awaited second edition updates and greatly extends the first with seven new chapters that explore early scientific cosmology, Cartesian and Newtonian world systems, cosmology after Newton and before Einstein, special relativity, observational cosmology, inflation and creation of the universe. All chapters conclude with a section entitled Reflections containing provocative topics that will foster lively debate. The new Projects section, also at the end of each chapter, raises questions and issues to challenge the reader.
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  1. ISBN-10
    052166148X
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0521661485
  3. Edition
    2nd
  4. Publisher
    Cambridge University Press
  5. Publication date
    March 28, 2000
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    7.25 x 1.5 x 10 inches
  8. Print length
    578 pages
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American

Don't say we didn't warn you: this book may well blow your mind. Of course, boggled brains are an occupational hazard in cosmology, the branch of astrophysics that studies the universe on its very largest scales. Practitioners of the field talk about the origin of time and the possibility of parallel universes in the way most people make shopping lists. But why should they have all the fun? This long-awaited update to Harrison's classic textbook is ideal for those who have exhausted the beginners' accounts and want to dig deep into the science and philosophy. Harrison offers fresh ways to think about basic principles, and he strolls down long-forgotten byways that give such richness to the subject. Unfortunately, the book does not keep up with the fast-paced changes of the past several years, including the mounting evidence for cosmic acceleration and a cosmological constant. But then, there are Scientific American articles for that.

EDITORS OF SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN

Review

"Unusual, discursive, nonmathematical, full of reflective comments and disturbing questions, packed with unexpected citations....A beginning serious interest in cosmology can find no better satisfaction than in this helpful overview...this book may well blow your mind." Scientific American

"This very well written book belongs on the shelf of all physicists and in all libraries." Choice

"Harrison's text owes its appeal to its literate presentation of a wide variety of cosmological topics, from the creation myths of ancient Babylon to the relativistic models of Alexander Friedman...so much of Harrison's book is timeless, and so much of it is unique, that it deserves to stay in print for a long time. Like the subject of cosmology itself, Harrison's Cosmology is simultaneously uplifiting and exasperating. Perhaps that is why I admire it so much and will be recommending it to students for many years to come." American Journal of Physics

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; 2nd edition (March 28, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 578 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 052166148X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0521661485
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.91 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.25 x 1.5 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 55 ratings

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Edward Robert Harrison

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
55 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Vladimir Borissenko
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books, that I have
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2011
Verified Purchase
This book is one of the best, that I have. It contains the essence of modern cosmology, and not overloaded with different formulas or equations. At the end of each chapter there are quotations of some references, that makes your understanding of the subject enlightened by the thoughts of famous scientists and arts of great authors.
The book is very beautiful and pleasure to read. This is one of those, that make me think deeper and more comprehensive, helping to understand the world, which we live in. I think, that there is a little bit more philosophy, than phisics, so if you are impressed with the lights of the dark night sky, and want to start discovering the unknown world of the Universe, even if you think, that you don't know enought phisics or math to understand the basics of cosmology, I definitely recommend you to start with this book.
5 people found this helpful
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sunsetwavelengths
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Cosmology
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2013
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What a wonderful book. I'm amazed how much information this book contains, and at how eloquently the author paints visions for us with his words. It's worth taking a few pages at a time to truly absorb and reflect before pressing on. By the end, you will hopefully feel like I did--that Mr. Harrison has woven together the essence of all we know with the unknown of consciousness and the possibility of an unknown power. Mr. Harrison is never arrogant, and for someone with his incredible expanse of knowledge, that's saying something.

Mr. Harrison has become my favorite author. I wish I would have started reading him before he passed away. If you haven't read 'Masks of the Universe', I highly recommend it also. This book illuminates the realization that if form holds, the ideas we now hold will be greatly modified or expunged by future generations. When we consider the particle/wave duality dependency on observation or the enigma of entanglement, can we truly be confident in our knowledge of the cosmos?
4 people found this helpful
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T. W.
4.0 out of 5 stars Surprising Facts
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2010
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Well, I'm just a layperson (i.e. not an expert or particularly learned in the arena of Cosmology), but I can say this book gives you details beyond the typical textbooks. There's a lot of surprising facts and history in here you just don't get in the typical texts or introductory cosmology course. Unfortunately, there isn't enough math, but there is a lot of interesting history in here. For example, it shares that Simon Stevinus actually performed an experiment similar to the likely allegorical story of Galileo dropping different masses and watching them fall at the same rate (I'd never even heard the name Stevinus before this book). There are many other examples of obscure scientists getting their dues in the book (names you probably never heard unless your a professor or something - even if you studied (minored in my case) physics as an undergrad you probably haven't heard these names - I sure hadn't). I was a bit concerned about the treatment of centrifugal acceleration (and yes, I know the difference between centripetal and centrifugal), however. This is a very confusing topic for most students, and this book doesn't explain it very well. Anyhow, it does discusses some of the philosophical worldviews that underpin our models of the universe which I found very interesting. Overall, it seems like a great book so far. I like it, so I think you ought to give it a chance. It isn't half bad and contains lots of obsure knowledge you probably won't find easily elsewhere.
2 people found this helpful
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Pavel
5.0 out of 5 stars Cosmology by Edward Harrison
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2023
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I have never seen a more interesting book.Thank you very much
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bowonwing
5.0 out of 5 stars "Life in the Universe"
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2013
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From "Cosmology: The Science of the Universe," second edition (2000), by Edward Robert Harrison:

This is the last chapter of this book. Under the subheading "Where are they?," on page 547, Mr. Harrison writes:

"They must demonstrate their fitness to mingle with alien creatures, and self-destruction is the perfect way of demonstrating unfitness."

See also: "Galactic selection" on pages 546-547; "Not impossibly the survival of extraterrestrial technological civilizations (or ETC's) depends on a 'galactic selection' law, a law that states: 'Destructively aggressive intelligent forms of life cannot colonize the Galaxy.' Conceivably it operates in two modes: the first is automatic, and the second is judicial."

I paid $40 for this book shipped, and these sentences alone is worth the price of admission.
3 people found this helpful
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Keith
5.0 out of 5 stars Cosmology: The Science of the Universe
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2009
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This was a very good book to read on the subject that covered a wide range of topics on Cosmology, based on other comments it may not cover latest knowledge in the field; but as an interested reader I found it to be very informative. The book is a very good introduction to the subject. There are some mathematical concepts introduced and proper understanding may require one to have had college calculus and physics courses, but it is not necessary.
2 people found this helpful
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Yixuan Wang
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2016
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Good
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Lisa S.
5.0 out of 5 stars highly recommended. A cosmology primer for the advanced beginner and ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2017
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Classic text, highly recommended. A cosmology primer for the advanced beginner and someone who wants a thorough historical analysis and discourse.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Mr. C. G. M. Mason
5.0 out of 5 stars Cosmology - Going back to look forward in the vastness of space-time.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2014
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Look back time proved that delivery was efficient. Nicely packaged and will/have read it by the time i have finished - Nicely laid out and with a little readjustment of brain matter easy to read and i now understand. Thanks to Author for his words and to Seller for a job well done!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The book is in good condition I have read this before and found valuability ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2016
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The book is in good condition I have read this before and found valuability in this particular book, however I bought it again for a second reading after parting with it which I will enjoy this second reading.
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avionna
5.0 out of 5 stars cosmology entry book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2012
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So far so good as I plough my way through; material is presented in an understandable way for the beginner but time will tell if I can remember "some" of it. !
I would recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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