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Big Bang
The Origin Of The Universe
by Simon Singh


9.5

based on 14 reviews
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based on 2 votes
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Official Author Site

The science writer (and BBC producer) tackles the study of cosmology and profiles the scientists who developed the Big Bang theory in a work aimed at the lay-person.

Fourth Estate, 532 pages
01/01/2005
$27.95

ISBN: 0007162200

Nonfiction
Science & Nature

All reviews are classified as one of five grades: Outstanding (4 points), Favorable (3), Mixed (2), Unfavorable (1) and Terrible (0). To calculate the Metascore, we divide total points achieved by the total points possible (i.e., 4 x the number of reviews), with the resulting percentage (multiplied by 100) being the Metascore. Learn more...

Kirkus Reviews

A clear, lively, and comprehensive view of the way science arrived at the leading theory of how everything began. [15 Dec 2004, p.1192]

Publishers Weekly

There's no better account of the big bang theory than this. [6 Dec 2004, p.52]

The Independent Scarlett Thomas

Singh is a very gifted storyteller who never misses the chance to make his subject clearer or more entertaining.

The New York Times William Grimes

It is hard to imagine a grander, more thrilling story than the one Simon Singh tells in "Big Bang."

Washington Post Dennis Drabelle

Above all, Singh keeps track of the human stories behind the evolution of an idea.

Los Angeles Times Lawrence M. Krauss

Although much of the material in "Big Bang" has indeed been covered in earlier books, there are fascinating historical nuggets interspersed throughout, and the account itself is so comprehensive, compelling and clear that it proves a useful addition to the literature. [6 Mar 2005]

The Economist

Mr Singh explains even the most complicated ideas with subtlety, grace and wit.

The Guardian Gerry Gilmore

Singh tells his tale well, with chatty anecdotes leavening the astrophysics.

Library Journal Gloria Maxwell

This readable book provides an accessible overview of this complex scientific theory. [1 Dec 2004, p.158]

Daily Telegraph Andy Martin

This is an epic tale brilliantly told, packed with courage and tragedy, heroes and martyrs, with one or two jokers in the pack. But Singh could have skipped the first 100-odd pages.

Daily Telegraph Emma Crichton-Miller

Singh's unerring eye for picturesque anecdote and his capacity for simplifying complex scientific ideas is a winning formula.

San Francisco Chronicle William S. Kowinski

While this linear, chronological narrative helps illustrate a chain of science, it doesn't always make for a lively flow.

The New York Times Book Review Owen Gingerich

His book, especially in the first 80 pages, contains a number of historical errors.... The modern part of Singh's story, although flawed, comes off considerably better.

The Independent John Gribbin

This is a disappointing book... [Singh] offers a rather pedestrian history of humankind's expanding vision of the universe.

The average user rating for this book is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 2 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Dale B gave it a10:
After reading this book, I still don't know exactly how the cosmos works...but I know a lot more than I did before reading it. Singh makes these complex theories almost understandable as he traces the history of cosmic inquiries from the ancients to the present. His diagrams and chapter consolidations are clear and to the point. A really well done scientific inquiry that the average person can read and appreciate.

t lo gave it a9:
Notice that the unfavorable reviews come from astronomers and phycisists, and the glowing reviews come from those who this book is aimed at - the curious person who wants to understand the big bang theory and the field of astronomy. I learned a hell of a lot from this book, but what stands out most for me is how damn funny it is. Singh's humor reminded me of 'Everything is Illuminated' at times. I honestly laughed out loud at least a dozen times. To say this is the best science book I've ever read is an understatement, and though I am a bit disappointed by some of the factualy errors that others have pointed out, the bulk of the material is obviously correct and gave me - finally - a firm foundation of understanding of this branch of modern science.

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Big Bang The Origin Of The Universe by Simon Singh

Big Bang
The Origin Of The Universe
by Simon Singh