Synopses & Reviews
In this jargon-free review of one of the most fascinating topics in modern science, acclaimed science writer, Kitty Ferguson, examines the discovery of black holes, their nature, and what they can teach us about the mysteries of the universe. In search of the answers, she traces a star from its birth to its death throes, takes on a hypothetical journey to the border of a black hole and beyond, introduces us to the world's leading theoretical physicists and astronomers, and takes a whimsical look at some of the wild ideas black holes have inspired. Kitty Ferguson's lightness of touch and down-to-earth analogies set this book apart from all others on black holes and make it a wonderfully stimulating and entertaining read for everyone. Kitty Ferguson is the author of Stephen Hawking: Quest for a Theory of Everything (1992) and The Fire in the Equations: Science, Religion and the Search for God (1994).
Review
"The reader...will be amply rewarded not only with knowledge, but also with the humor, fantasy, poetry and awe Ferguson brings to the subject." Publisher's Weekly, starred review"Ferguson succeeds in explaining...black holes at a level that will be inviting to those with little or no prior knowledge. Her writing style is lucid, her analogies good. Just when you thought it was all over, black holes are back." John Barrow, New Scientist"Through astute use of definitions, stories, illustrations and verbal imagery, Ferguson describes how gravity might overwhelm the exclusion principle of certain larger stars to create a black hole; what a visit to a black hole might turn up (with all due respect to the improbability of ever returning from such a trip); how black holes hide and what traces give them away; as well as major candidates and how they have been smoked out. The reader willing to apply a modicum of concentration and curiosity will be amply rewarded not only with knowledge, but also with the humor, fantasy, poetry and awe Ferguson brings to the subject." Publishers Weekly, starred review"Ferguson succeeds in explaining the most important aspects of black holes at a level that will be inviting to those with little or no prior knowledge. Her writing is lucid, her analogies good." New Scientist"I recommend Prisons of Light for a clear and accurate introduction to black holes for the general science reader. The volume also would be good supplemental reading in a science awareness course or to stimulate the interest of physics students." Dale L. Doering, Science Books &Films"Ferguson takes the readers on a patient, painstaking explanation of black holes, using lay English to explain the ideas behind black holes....Ferguson does a much better job of explaining all this than any 500-word review can hope to accomplish. This book is an excellent guide for those fascinated by things astronomical but lacking the scientific background to make sense of more technical texts." Jim Trageser, The American Reporter Book Review"Writing in an engaging style with subtle humor, she creates a fresh presentation of material in an interesting pattern....Nicely illustrated...the book leads readers through a scientific detective story....this work is recommended for all public and university libraries..." K. Larsen, Choice
Synopsis
In this jargon-free review of one of the most fascinating topics in modern science, acclaimed science writer Kitty Ferguson examines the discovery of black holes, their nature, and what they can teach us about the mysteries of the universe. In search of the answers, we trace a star from its birth to its death throes, take a hypothetical journey to the border of a black hole and beyond, spend time with some of the world's leading theoretical physicists and astronomers, and take a whimsical look at some of the wild ideas black holes have inspired. Prisons of Light--Black Holes is comprehensive and detailed. Yet Kitty Ferguson's lightness of touch and down-to-earth analogies set this book apart from all others on black holes and make it a wonderfully stimulating and entertaining read.
Synopsis
The first truly accessible account of black holes - beautifully written and fun to read.
Synopsis
What is a black hole? Could we survive a visit to one? Have we yet discovered any real black holes? These tantalizing questions are answered in this tour-de-force, jargon-free and fun book. Prisons of Light - Black Holes is comprehensive and detailed. Yet Ferguson's lightness of touch and down-to-earth analogies set this book apart from all others on black holes and make it a wonderfully entertaining read.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [203]-205) and index.