Magnificent Universe Ibs583618

by Ken Croswell

The awesome wonder of the cosmos has inspired the human imagination for millennia: what we learn about the cosmos tells us not just where we are, but who we are and now, at the turn of this millennium, thanks to science and technology that were unimaginable only a century ago, a rich new portrait of our universe has emerged.Magnificent Universeis the most complete, authoritative, and lavish celebration of the heavens ever created. No other book approaches...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684845946
• ISBN13: 9780684845944
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 4.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 10.8" x 14.1"

Customer Reviews

Indescribably spectacular

I first saw this book in the souvenir shop at the Hayden Planetarium in New York and I absolutely had to have it. This is an astounding compilation of stunning photographs of our universe. It is a coffee table book, about 11" x 14" so the photographs are very large with incredible detail. The book is broken down into four sections with each one more inclusive. The first section is on the planets. It includes amazingly detailed photos of all the planets as well as comets and meteors with detailed descriptions of each planet. The second section is about the stars. There are splendid pictures of nebulae that are more fantastic than the most spectacular fireworks display you could ever imagine. There is an interesting discussion of the birth of stars, how they differ and how long they last. There are also photographs of the remnants of supernovas as well as double stars and star clusters. The third section is on galaxies. Again, we have breathtaking photography of various galaxies, including fascinating and informative descriptions about the birth and evolution of galaxies. The last section is on the universe. This is more descriptive than illustrative and discusses the Big Bang and the evolution of the universe as it expanded, cooled and formed galaxies.In addition to the sections mentioned above, there is also an interesting appendix filled with tables of information on planets, stars and galaxies including their distance, discovery dates and vital statistics.This awesome book is educational, inspirational and beautiful beyond words. It is perfect for students, lovers of astronomy or anyone else who appreciates the lovely wonders of nature.

Splendiferous

This visually is one of the most beautiful books I have encountered and I'm 62. The layout is perfect; the astronomical information is scholarly yet understandable to a lay person -- easily an intensive course in undergraduate astronomy; the scientific information is liberally sprinkled with poetic insights and a subtle sense of humor that enhance the scholarship of the work. These spectacular photographs of our primordial home hopefully will invoke a nostalgia in the deepest core of our collective unconsicous and remind us that we human beings are "astounding, lucid confusions" (Rumi) who live together on one beautiful, small blue ball in a glorious universe which abounds with mystery and awe.

Absolutely one of the most beautiful books on Astronomy!!!

The pictures are absolutely incredible. I was pleased to find that there was little text in the work; Sometimes pictures are better than words. Every single picture is completely awe inspiring. The texture of the paper along with the high gloss finish is also quite pleasing. I found myself completely mesmorized by the work. All in all, a beautiful book for anyone to have.

A masterpiece of astronomical photography

I was looking for a photographical display including the most up to date astronomical images available. I wasn't interested in a textbook book style format which was loaded with technical data. I was rather hoping to locate a work which would capture the breathtaking photographic capabilities that are currently available with the latest technological advances. "Magnificent Universe" was no disappointment. I was happily surprised to find nearly all images to be full page in size with a number of incredible 2-page centerfold images! The most common responce we hear from our friends is, "Wow!" Regards, Stan

Most Beautiful Astronomy Book Ever Published!

The more than 100 full-color, full-page photographs literally brought tears to my eyes. The wonder of yes, to use that word from the title, the magnificence of our universe is captured in a way that is admirably described in the text. What a coffee table book to own for the new millennium. I have seldom felt as inspired or so filled with awe when holding a book as I have with Dr. Croswell's latest.