Review by Choice Review
This second edition of Longair's 1998 book is extensively revised and updated. It is a superb and extensive overview of the physics and evolution of the universe, beginning with the big bang and continuing through discussions of such topics as cosmology, clusters of galaxies, gravity fluctuations, and the intergalactic medium. Longair (Univ. of Cambridge, UK) succeeds in his goal of writing at an appropriate level for upper-level undergraduates and beginning graduate students. He makes difficult material understandable by using clever analogies, such as calculating the number of bricks required to explain the gravitational influence of dark matter in the universe. Informal topic headings such as "What Are the Theorists Trying to Do?" and "What Went Wrong" are inviting and indicative of Longair's authority in the field. With 202 figures and 20 tables, the coverage is exhaustive. The book is valuable both for academic coursework and as a reference source. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. T. Barker Wheaton College (MA)
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
