On the Shores of the Unknown: A Short History of the Universe

In this fascinating book, astronomer Joseph Silk explores the Universe from its beginnings to its ultimate fate. He shows how cosmologists study cosmic fossils and relics from the distant past to construct theories of the birth, evolution and future of the Universe. Stars, galaxies, dark matter and dark energy are described, as successive chapters detail the evolution of the Universe from a fraction of a microsecond after the Big Bang. Silk describes how physicists apply theories of subatomic particles to recreate the first moments of the Big Bang, and how astronomers chart the vast depths of space to glimpse how the most distant galaxies formed. He describes the search for dark matter and the dark energy that will determine the ultimate fate of the Universe. This highly readable account will appeal to all those with an interest in the story of the Universe.

Table of Contents:
Prologue; 1. Building blocks of the cosmos; 2. The expansion of the universe; 3. Cosmic microwave background; 4. The first 10-43 seconds of the Universe; 5. Genesis of baryons and helium; 6. Testing the Big Bang; 7. Dark matter; 8. Baryonic dark matter; 9. Intergalactic matter; 10. Origin of structure; 11. Large-scale structure; 12. Galaxy formation; 13. What lies ahead.

About the Author :
Joseph Silk is Savilian Professor of Astronomy in the Department of Physics, University of Oxford.

Review :
'To give an account of the history of the universe in a book fewer than 250 pages long is no easy task, but Joseph Silk has approached it with skill and obvious enthusiasm.' Patrick Moore, Times Higher Education Supplement '... a lively appreciation of the wonder and weirdness that the universe contains ... a comprehensive masterly performance enhanced by stunning photographs.' New Scientist '... masterfully summarises what we currently know and what we currently do not know about the Universe.' Marcus Chown, BBC Sky at Night Magazine 'This book, as its secondary title suggests, describes the origin and development of the Universe, and does so with clarity and in sufficient detail to satisfy the needs of a serious student of cosmology and to provide the professional astronomer with a valuable resume of current beliefs. It is also enjoyable to read in terms of its size and presentation, which is a benefit for all readers but particularly helpful for the layman, who, to get the most out of it, will need to read it several times. ... clear and concise ...' The Observatory 'This is ... a concise and authoritative tour of cosmological thought stripped of unnecessary complexity. ... in these 240 pages you will find a pared-down story that covers the essentials ... written by one of the greats of the field, Joseph silk, and it shows. The great pleasure of this book is that it does not read like an abridged version: it is written with precision, confidence and a sure eye for the essentials. ... it's a page-turner - a really compelling read. One reason for this is the confidence of Silk's style. ... The other reason is that the history of the universe is so fascinating - and this is a book that illuminates both that story and the way that scientists have unravelled it so far.' Astronomy & Geophysics