Universe

Helge Kragh is Emeritus Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. His books include Masters of the Universe (2015).

Universe is a distillation of Kragh’s many writings on the history of cosmology. Rather than describing what the Universe looks like, his focus is on how conceptual models have evolved, from those of the ancient Greeks to today’s. Presenting these frameworks in simple, dramatic and refreshing ways, his account is lucid, coherent and captivating. - NatureIt is nearly impossible to look up at the stars on a clear night and not wonder about one’s place in the universe. Many wide-ranging theories have been put forth to explain it all, but the relatively recent development of high-powered space telescopes has significantly advanced these theories. In this work, historian of science Kragh has assembled and woven together what is likely the most comprehensive gathering of these theories ever made . . . Kragh offers an important and fascinating title, highly recommended for all academic collections, particularly those with an emphasis on physics and astronomy. - Library JournalHelge Kragh is the leading historian of scientific studies of the universe. He also possesses a rare ability to make complex ideas accessible and understandable. In Universe, we see him in sparkling form, presenting a lucid and engaging account of how people have envisioned the universe from ancient Greece to the twenty-first century. A reader could not ask for a better guide to this captivating story. - Robert Smith, Professor of History, University of AlbertaIn this book Helge Kragh, one of the premier historians of cosmology, offers a lively account of our conceptions of the universe from Aristotle to the present. Written for a broad audience, it also addresses ultimate pressing mysteries like what came before the Big Bang; the ultimate fate of galaxies, black holes, and life; and whether we may live in a multiverse. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the changing conceptions of our place in the universe. - Steven J. Dick, former NASA Chief Historian