The Giant Leap: Mankind Heads for the Stars

by Adrian Berry

Book Overview

Some time within the next two centuries, humankind will embark on a momentous voyage that will take us out of our solar system and to the stars. The Giant Leap explains why it will happen, how it might happen, and why it is a good idea. Adrian Berry, dubbed the Dean of English science writers, extrapolates from his wide knowledge to inquire into the possibilities of far-space exploration. Berry writes with lucidity and humor, demonstrating not only a broad spectrum of scientific knowledge but also an intimacy with the works of science fiction writers. His predictions are always rooted in scientific fact.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312877854
• ISBN13: 9780312877859
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 342 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Great Book!

One of the best I have read that shows the way to the future of space exploration, and technology of the future.

A good read on a fascinating subject

An enjoyable light read which can be achieved at near light speed! This is journalism close to its best, addressing a complex subject from multiple angles. Where it succeeds is in the subject matter. How many of us have wondered what the step beyond exploring our solar system will mean? It's pretty much all here, though there are a few caveats needed. This is not reference material and is almost totally derivative of previously published books and papers. The coverage is also rather wide and some may feel short-changed by Mr Berry not following through on some of the topics covered.Some may find the topic of politics not addressed to their satisfaction - in chapters 'Starships and Politicians' and 'Twilight of the State'. Elsewhere, the detail is reminiscent of a newspaper article: when it comes to detail within ones area of expertise there are real howlers. This may be to some the weakest part of the book, challenging the authority that Mr Berry assumes by writing this book. Another reviewer has spotted the error in the timeline for 1965, which has Ed White being the first spacewalker instead of Alexei Leonov. A minor slip, but not solitary. The author fails to flag that civilisations are unlikely from first generation stars (no heavy elements from which life can appear) (ref p61 etc). The discussion of navigational errors getting the crew 'lost' is unlikely as we have 3-D info on every star within 100 light years of the Sun and computers even today can create star maps from anywhere in the vicinity of the Sun. There are some throw-away lines that need that - to be thrown away. The author occasionally uses too wide a paint-brush for his canvas, notably p182, "the modern electronics industry" is supposedly based on the Apollo lunar module descent computer. An almighty howler is (p29 and p258) that the Managing Director in JVC invented videorecorders in 1975. The first practical video recorder was first demonstrated in 1956. Even John Logie Baird made video recordings in 1927! Of course he means domestic videos, but even then 'invention' is too much. But these are simply where technical proof-reading has been inadequate. The book remains enjoyable despite the above comments. (page numbers refer to UK edition which may differ)

A good book for mankind.

What a great book! I learned a good deal on subjects ranging from the internet, Polynesian colonization and economics. The author's idea for investors using their money while on long interstellar voyages I think is ingenious. At last someone has come up with a good use for the planet Mercury and why we should go there. Some people might take issue with some of the things listed in Appendix I, like who invinted gunpowder and who made the first spacewalk. All in all a very good read.