E-Book Overview
A vibrant collection of essays on the cosmos from the nation's best-known astrophysicist. “One of today’s best popularizers of science.”—Kirkus Reviews.Loyal readers of the monthly "Universe" essays in Natural History magazine have long recognized Neil deGrasse Tyson's talent for guiding them through the mysteries of the cosmos with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. Here, Tyson compiles his favorite essays across a myriad of cosmic topics. The title essay introduces readers to the physics of black holes by explaining the gory details of what would happen to your body if you fell into one. "Holy Wars" examines the needless friction between science and religion in the context of historical conflicts. "The Search for Life in the Universe" explores astral life from the frontiers of astrobiology. And "Hollywood Nights" assails the movie industry's feeble efforts to get its night skies right. Known for his ability to blend content, accessibility, and humor, Tyson is a natural teacher who simplifies some of the most complex concepts in astrophysics while simultaneously sharing his infectious excitement about our universe.
E-Book Content
Praise for DEATH BY BLACK HOLE “Tyson proves that no topic is too big or small for his scrutiny…. [He] tackles an impressive range of subjects… with great humor, humility, and—most important— humanity.” —Wook Kim, Entertainment Weekly “[Tyson] demonstrates a good feel for explaining science in an intelligible way to interested lay readers; his rather rakish sense of humor should aid in making the book enjoyable.” —Library Journal “Neil deGrasse Tyson has mined his columns from Natural History magazine for his most interesting essays on exploring the cosmos [written] in his characteristically fun and jaunty style.” —Sky and Telescope “Highly enjoyable.” —Bookends “…Tyson’s style will connect with general readers. Whatever readers’ scientific tastes, something in Tyson’s wide-ranging collection will sate them.” —Gilbert Taylor, Booklist “Vibrant collection of essays.” —Book Passage “Dr. Tyson has a grand time dissecting certain forms of foolishness. Get it, plan to savor it. Savor ‘Coming to Our Senses,’ a gorgeous dissection. It’s one of those essays that makes you call up your friends and start reading quotes over the phone. Light, elegant and rich.” —Angela Gunn, USAToday.com “An exciting journey through the extremes of the universe.” —Commonwealth Science News “The ideal book for those fascinated by space, the cosmos, black holes, and all the questions and wonders therein. The perfect book for the reader who wants simple and clearly defined answers.” —Alex Telander, Bookloons.com “Tyson comes across as having an excellent grasp of the current state of astrophysics, cosmology, chemistry and other scientific disciplines…he conveys knowledge clearly to the nonspecialist, often with ingratiating humor and wit.” —Roy E. Perry, The Tennessean “[An] eclectic mix of subjects…. Of most value in the book is Tyson’s thorough explanation of each subject, enlarging the reader’s understanding, even about familiar things.” —Kathy Avakian, Journal of Amateur Astronomers Association of New York DEATH BY BLACK HOLE ALSO BY NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution (with Donald Goldsmith) My Favorite Universe (A 12-Part Video Lecture Series) One Universe: At Home in the Cosmos (with Charles Liu & Robert Irion) Cosmic Horizons: Astronomy at the Cutting Edge (with Steven Soter, eds) The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist Just Visiting This Planet Universe Down to Earth Merlin’s Tour of the Universe NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON DEATH BY BLACK HOLE AND OTHER COSMIC QUANDARIES W. W. NORTON & COMPANY New York • London Copyright © 2007 by Neil deGrasse