Prefaces; Introduction; Part I: 1. What is cosmology?; 2. Early scientific cosmology; 3. Cartesian and Newtonian world systems; 4. Cosmology after Newton and before Einstein; 5. Stars; 6. Galaxies; 7. Location and the cosmic center; 8. Containment and the cosmic edge; 9. Space and time; Part II: 10. Curved space; 11. Special relativity; 12. General relativity; 13. Black holes; 14. Expansion of the universe; 15. Cosmic redshifts; 16. Newtonian cosmology; 17. Cosmic box; 18. Many universes; 19. Observational cosmology; Part III: 20. The early universe; 21. Horizons in the universe; 22. Inflation; 23. The cosmic numbers; 24. Darkness at night; 25. Creation of the universe; 26. Life in the universe; Index.
Thoroughly revised and updated introduction to past and present cosmological theory.
'I do not hesitate to say that this is simply the best book on cosmology at a semi-popular level I have ever read - and I read most of them ... It gives the reader the history, the meanders, the highlights, the beauty and the greatness of the whole enterprise. More, it gives the reader effective tools to reach his own conclusions ... an outstanding work of scientific exposition that I strongly recommend.' General Relativity and Gravitation 'This long-awaited update to Harrison's classic textbook is ideal for those who have exhausted the beginners' accounts and want to dig deep into the science and philosophy. Harrison offers fresh ways to think about basic principles, and he strolls down long-forgotten byways that give such richness to the subject.' Scientific American From reviews of the first edition: 'This book is a remarkable synthesis of scientific thought about the Universe in the large. It is the product of the large thinking, large scholarship, and large generosity of mind of Professor Harrison ... Harrison's easy mastery of style that so well matches his subject makes this an exhilarating exercise ... The highest tribute I can offer to Harrison's splendid book is that I have not ceased to reflect upon it since I finished reading it.' William McCrea (ex-president of the Royal Astronomical Society), Contemporary Physics 'Unusual, discursive, non-mathematical, full of reflective comments and disturbing questions, packed with unexpected citations ... A beginning serious interest in cosmology can find no better satisfaction than in this helpful overview.' Phil Morrison, Scientific American 'This is the second edition of Harrison's first class book on elementary cosmology for all to understand ... The book is provocative and readable.' Irish Astronomical Journal
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