To the ancient Greeks the universe consisted of earth, air, fire, and water. To Saint Augustine it was the Word of God. To many modern scientists it is the dance of atoms and waves, and in years to come it may be different again. What then is the real Universe? History shows that in every age each society constructs its own universe, believing it to be the real and final Universe. Yet each universe is only a model or mask of the unknown Universe. Originally published in 2003, this book brings together fundamental scientific, philosophical, and religious issues in cosmology, raising thought-provoking questions. In every age people have pitied the universes of their ancestors, convinced that they have at last discovered the ultimate truth. Does the modern model stand at the threshold of discovering everything, or will it, like all the rest, come to be pitied?

A 2003 synthesis of scientific, philosophical and religious issues in cosmology.

About the Author
Edward Harrison is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Massachusetts, and adjunct Professor of Astronomy at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona.

Reviews
Review of the hardback: From reviews of the first edition: 'In an age where philosophers and social scientists are trying to outdo one another in imitating physicists, it's refreshing and perhaps fitting that a physicist should remind them that there are important subjects that can't be approached in this way ... Harrison has done a marvellous piece of historical research, and the book is filled with gems ... He speaks in the language of science about mankind's age-old need to find meaning and order in a seemingly senseless Universe.' James Trefil, New York Times
Review of the hardback: '... a fascinating blend of historical narrative, science popularisation, and philosophical argument.' Robert Romer, American Journal of Physics
Review of the hardback: '... it exposes roots of our perennial search for meaning to our lives, to our world pictures, to our social universes, to the unknown Universe ... It is a book to be read and reread.' Harold Cassidy, American Scientist
Review of the hardback: '... well produced, informative ... reasonably priced and will appeal to anyone of a philosophical turn of mind ...' Astronomy Now



Book Information
ISBN 9780521773515
Author Edward Harrison
Format Hardback
Page Count 342
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 697g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 160mm * 22mm