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Epic of Evolution: Seven Ages of the Cosmosby Eric Chaisson
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:In this enthralling and illuminating book, Eric Chaisson, author of the classic work "Cosmic Dawn," synthesizes current scientific thinking regarding the origin and evolution of the universe. How did everything around us-the air, the land, the sea, and the stars-come to be? What is the source of order, form, and structure characterizing all material things? Drawing on recent breakthroughs in astrophysics and biochemistry, Chaisson explores the development of the most microscopic and the most immense aspects of our universe, including the idea that all objects-from quarks and quasars to microbes and minds-are interrelated. "Epic of Evolution" is a stunning view of how various changes, operating across almost incomprehensible domains of space and nearly inconceivable stretches of time-all by means of the cosmic evolutionary combination of chance and necessity-have given rise to our galaxy, our star, our planet, and ourselves. Review:"Chaisson attempts to explain the origin of the universe and the evolution of everything in it, in nontechnical terms. With such a huge topic, it's hardly surprising that he paints with broad strokes and glosses over specifics. Nonetheless, his writing is clear and his overview will both educate and entertain the average reader. Chaisson (The Hubble Wars), head of the Wright Center for Science Education at Tufts, structures his book by following the chronology of change and development in the universe, beginning with the creation of atomic particles 15 billion years ago at the time of the Big Bang. Subsequent chapters describe the evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, chemical interactions, life and human culture. Chaisson does a good job of explaining two overarching concepts. First, 'all ordered systems seen in nature differ not in kind but only in degree, namely, the degree of complexity.' Second, he repeatedly and articulately describes the nature of the scientific method, demonstrating how science differs from other ways of understanding the world. Given the never-ending public controversy over evolution, this point is particularly appropriate for the generalist audience. Photos and illus." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Synopsis:This creative synthesis gives a coherent view of current scientific thinking on the universe's beginnings from the formless era of radiation through the origins of human culture.This creative synthesis gives a coherent view of current scientific thinking on the universe's beginnings from the formless era of radiation through the origins of human culture. Synopsis:Explaining cutting-edge discoveries and a range of ideas and theories, Eric Chaisson provides a creative and coherent synthesis of current scientific thinking on the universe's beginnings. He takes us on a tour of the seven ages of the cosmos, from the formless era of radiation through the origins of human culture. Along the way, he examines the development of the most microscopic and the most immense aspects of our universe and the complex ways they interact.
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