The Complete Idiot's Guide to Theories of the Universe

by Gary F. Moring

Looks at religious, philosophical, and scientific theories surrounding the nature and origin of the universe, covering such topics as the Big bang theory, general relativity, quantum theory, evolution, and creationism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0028642422
• ISBN13: 9780028642420
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive and comprehensible

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Theories of the Universe is the only book of the dozens I've read on cosmology to approach the mysteries of the universe from not only the perspective of science, but philosophy, mythology and even religion. Just as important, author Gary Moring presents these diverse perspectives in a conversational style and at a completely comprehensible level. This book deserves a place on your bookshelf between Cosmos and The Universe in a Nutshell, though of the three it will most likely be the more practical reference and more often recommended.

If facts are what you need - here is a great book!

I really enjoyed reading Gary Moring's book. I am longer in the tooth than most readers and missed studying many of the current theories in school so I enjoy trying to keep abreast of things by reading publications such as "Discovery", "Nature",and the "Smithsonian". Often times I run into concepts and ideas in these magazines that are not fully explained and even if they are I often don't understand it. This book has been a great source for me to go to for a brief, clear, and completely understandable explanation. I thank Mr.Moring for his effort in making even complex ideas understandable and very readable. As far as the religious angle, it has helped me understand where it is coming from and the part history has played in the world's beliefs. I would highly recommend this book to everyone that wants to understand the world and their place in it.

This book covers everything! (and covers it well)

I'm a highschool student (I'm currently taking my first physics course) and I've really gotten into string theory and quantum mechanics......I've TRIED reading all of these books by Steven Hawking and such, AND GOTTEN VERY VERY CONFUSED.This book totally brought me out of my confusion.... it's got such great explanations of everything! It may not be very detailed compared to "A Brief History of Time" but atleast I can actually understand it.Besides the string theory etc. stuff, I found the philosophy and theology very enlightening. This book brings everything together.

Gary Moring has done it again!

Following the success of his "Guide to Understanding Einstein", Gary Moring has demystified the myriad of universal constructs for us laypeople. He has a unique way of explaining and expanding all those concepts in physics that made your brain hurt the first time. His wit and wisdom is refreshing in tomes of this sort! A must read for all who seek to understand cosmology - and enjoy it in the process!

A great overview of Cosmology!!

The study of cosmology often falls only into the realm of science, but in this refreshing approach to the topic, the author provides the reader with an incredible array of different points of view. You not only get quantum mechanics and string theory, but also religious, philosophical and historical prespectives too. How it all started, where it's going and how it may all end are looked at from several avenues, giving the reader an insight into the broad area of topics that are all a part of cosmology. From ancient Mesopotamia to hidden dimensions and from alchemy to particle accelerators, this insightful book on cosmology introduced me to whole new level of thinking about my place in the universe. I highly recommend this fascinating look into the cosmos.