"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
Submitted by Publisher, June, 2001
Summary
Cosmology: The Science of the Universe is a broad introduction to the science of modern cosmology, with
emphasis on its historical origins.
The first edition of this best-selling book received worldwide acclaim for its lucid style and wide-ranging exploration
of the universe. This eagerly awaited second edition updates and greatly extends the first with seven new chapters
that explore early scientific cosmology, Cartesian and Newtonian world systems, cosmology after Newton and before
Einstein, special relativity, observational cosmology, inflation and creation of the universe. All chapters conclude
with a section entitled Reflections containing provocative topics that will foster lively debate. The new Projects
section, also at the end of each chapter, raises questions and issues to challenge the reader
Table of Contents
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 red shifts
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
