Includes candid interviews with twenty-seven cosmologists in which they discuss their early influences, prejudices, world views, and theories
Read More
The authors experienced in cosmology/astrophysics, in the history and social study of science, and as writers about science have (beginning in 1987) interviewed 27 leadings figures (theorists, observers) in the world of research cosmology. Here they provide a photo of each of the persons interviewed, the brief biographical facts relating to his/her life, and a report (running typically to about twenty pages) of informed and probing discussion of how that scientist came to take up his/her line of research, of major influences, of pressing open questions and predicted future developments. The cosmologists in question emerge as people...interesting people...people of remarkable diversity. A good introductory essay serves effectively to set the stage. Beyond its interest both to students of the field and to the general public, the book is likely to engage influentially the imaginations of young readers. (NW) Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
Read Less