Lives of the Planets: A Natural History of the Solar System

by Richard Corfield

Book Overview

Lives of the Planets describes a scientific field in the midst of a revolution. Planetary science has mainly been a descriptive science, but it is becoming increasingly experimental. The space probes... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465014038
• ISBN13: 9780465014033
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Basic Books (AZ)
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.6" x 9.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The Universe for Dummies

I can see why people say this has a misleading title , and why intellectual snobs don't like it. Its a really great top level summary of the exploration of our universe - each chapter is a different planet/object Sun, Mercury etc. and the latest theory of the nature/history of each. I've just been to Cape Kennedy so am a late convert to space ... and this is just great for someone like me. Very easy to read ... nice structure ... i.e. a chapter per planet - so you can skip around if you like - its a bit like a collection of short stories ... good intro for dummies (like moi)

I enjoyed this book very much

R. Corfield describes development of our knowledge about solar system and gives recent information on research of the planets. It is excellent book.

A fine, wide-ranging review of solar system history

LIVES OF THE PLANETS: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM offers a survey of the most recent advances in astronomy which are leading into new areas of experimental science. Blending a history of astronomical inquiry with a focus on new discoveries and new ways of analyzing data, LIVES OF THE PLANETS offers a fine, wide-ranging review of solar system history and study and promises to interest a wide audience, from high school to college collections, to public lending libraries alike. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

fascinating look at space...

a fascinating romp through the planets and the discoveries that we've made about our solar system and beyond. this book is completely up-to-date and is written with a reverent look at the discoveries and the great unknown of the solar system. with a wry Brit attitude and a few personal touches this book never gets boring or too scientific. Mr Corfield clearly loves the subject and we feel it. Incredible pictures!

A lively guide to the solar system

This up-to-date, engaging introduction to planetary science draws on the amazing range of discoveries made by space probes over the course of the last 45 years. Corfield not only provides a well-written overview of what we now know about the earth's companions in space: he personalizes the journey with his own experiences as a planetary scientist, provides interesting anecdotes and details about the missions themselves, and makes a compelling case for the intellectual and emotional value of space exploration.