Publisher Description

How did everything around us-the air, the land, the sea, and the stars-originate? What is the source of order, form, and structure characterizing all material things? These are just some of the grand scientific questions Eric J. Chaisson, author of the classic work Cosmic Dawn, explores in his enthralling and illuminating history of the universe. Explaining new discoveries and a range of cutting-edge ideas and theories, Chaisson provides a creative and coherent synthesis of current scientific thinking on the universe's beginnings. He takes us on a tour of the seven ages of the cosmos, from the formless era of radiation through the origins of human culture. Along the way he examines the development of the most microscopic and the most immense aspects of our universe and the complex ways in which they interact.

Drawing on recent breakthroughs in astrophysics and biochemistry, Chaisson discusses the contemporary scientific view that all objects-from quarks and quasars to microbes and the human mind-are interrelated. Researchers in all the natural sciences are beginning to identify an underlying pattern penetrating the fabric of existence-a sweepingly encompassing view of the formation, structure, and function of all objects in our multitudinous universe. Moreover, as Chaisson demonstrates, by deciphering the scenario of cosmic evolution, scientists can also determine how living organisms managed to inhabit the land, generate language, and create culture.

Epic of Evolution offers a stunning view of how various changes, operating across almost incomprehensible domains of space and nearly inconceivable stretches of time and through the evolutionary combination of necessity and chance, have given rise to our galaxy, our star, our planet, and ourselves.

Notes

The author of the classic Cosmic Dawn presents a lucid new understanding of the origins of the universe.

Table of Contents

Preface Prologue: Cosmological Overview 1. Particle Epoch: Simplicity Fleeting 2. Galactic Epoch: Hierarchy of Structures 3. Stellar Epoch: Forges for Elements 4. Planetary Epoch: Habitats for Life 5. Chemical Epoch: Matter Plus Energy 6. Biological Epoch: Complexity Sustained 7. Cultural Epoch: Intelligence to Technology Epilogue: A Whole New Era Further Reading Glossary Index

Review

His writing is clear and his overview will both educate and entertain the average reader. Publishers Weekly Greatly appealing for exuding the scientific spirit that asks not merely what things exist but why they exist. Booklist In clear prose, Chaisson simplifies complex subjects. -- Gary Budzak Columbus Dispatch A vivid picture... Even the most knowledgeable of readers can learn... This is one epic I can recommend without hesitation. -- Bill Barlow Astronomy Now A thoroughly enjoyable read, and I recommend it highly. Science Books and Film A current and coherent exploration of ideas. Northeastern Naturalist

Promotional

In this enthralling and illuminating book, Eric Chaisson, author of the classic work Cosmic Dawn, synthesizes current scientific thinking regarding the origin and evolution of the universe. How did everything around us-the air, the land, the sea, and the stars-come to be? What is the source of order, form, and structure characterizing all material things? Drawing on recent breakthroughs in astrophysics and biochemistry, Chaisson explores the development of the most microscopic and the most immense aspects of our universe, including the idea that all objects-from quarks and quasars to microbes and minds-are interrelated. Epic of Evolution is a stunning view of how various changes, operating across almost incomprehensible domains of space and nearly inconceivable stretches of time-all by means of the cosmic evolutionary combination of chance and necessity-have given rise to our galaxy, our star, our planet, and ourselves.

Review Quote

"In clear prose, Chaisson simplifies complex subjects." -- Gary Budzak, Columbus Dispatch

Promotional "Headline"

In this enthralling and illuminating book, Eric Chaisson, author of the classic work Cosmic Dawn , synthesizes current scientific thinking regarding the origin and evolution of the universe. How did everything around us-the air, the land, the sea, and the stars-come to be? What is the source of order, form, and structure characterizing all material things? Drawing on recent breakthroughs in astrophysics and biochemistry, Chaisson explores the development of the most microscopic and the most immense aspects of our universe, including the idea that all objects-from quarks and quasars to microbes and minds-are interrelated. Epic of Evolution is a stunning view of how various changes, operating across almost incomprehensible domains of space and nearly inconceivable stretches of time-all by means of the cosmic evolutionary combination of chance and necessity-have given rise to our galaxy, our star, our planet, and ourselves.

Details