The Short Story of the Universe: A Pocket Guide to the History, Structure, Theories and Building Blocks of the Cosmos

Review "The Short Story of the Universe is ideal for amateur astrophysicists, as well as high school or college students taking astronomy classes." -The New York Journal of Books "'The Universe is everything around us; it is the entirety of existence, ' the book begins. 'The Universe is old... And the Universe is huge.' So telling this short story is no small task. But Lavender has been an astronomer and author for decades and is a great tour guide to the cosmos, whose beauty and majesty we are finally able to observe." -Ars Technica "The explanations are written in accessible language that might satisfy a highly curious 9th grader but that will also help adults as they wade their ways through other textbooks and science articles in the general press." -Forbes Product Description The Short Story of the Universe is a new introduction to the subject of the universe. Covering 130 key components that make it up - from dwarf galaxies and spiral arms to red giants and the planets of the solar sytem - and linking these to the universe's structure and the theories that help us understand it, this book simplifies this riveting yet mind-boggling subject, telling the story of how it came into being and how it will eventually be no more. Accessible and concise, generously illustrated throughout, and with all the essential information presented without jargon, readers are given all the tools they need to enjoy the fascinating history of the deepest depths of the universe. Book Description From the Big Bang to black holes and supernovas, this is the complete story of the universe unravelled into one concise narrative. About the Author Gemma Lavender is Content Director of Knowledge & Education at Future Plc, Editor of All About Space magazine and an Editor at the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory. She holds a PhD in astrophysics, degrees in astrophysics and the physical sciences and is a researcher in physics education at Cardiff University. She is the author of several books on space and physics, including Quantum Physics in Minutes.