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The Ascent of Gravity
The Quest to Understand the Force that Explains Everything
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The Ascent of Gravity
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Description
The Sunday Times Science Book of the Year 2017
'Does Einstein proud . . . Eminently readable' – Guardian
'No one has covered the topic with such a light touch and joie de vivre . . . a delight' – Brian Clegg
The Ascent of Gravity explores how gravity was the first force to be recognised and described, yet it remains the least understood. Understanding its secrets could unlock some of the biggest questions in science: What is space? What is time? What is the universe? And where did it all come from?
Award-winning writer Marcus Chown takes us on an unforgettable journey from the recognition of the 'force' of gravity in 1666 to the discovery of gravitational waves in the twenty-first century. As we stand on the brink of a seismic revolution in our worldview, Chown brings us up to speed on the greatest challenge ever to confront physics.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Ascent of Gravity by Marcus Chown has been praised for its engaging and accessible exploration of gravity, from Newton's laws to the complexities of quantum theory. Reviewers appreciate its clear, jargon-free explanations and the author's ability to present complex scientific ideas with wit and enthusiasm. It is noted for providing historical context alongside contemporary scientific debates, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in science.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781474601887
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 April 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 30.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 260g
Pages: 288
Collections
About the Author
Marcus Chown is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Formerly a radio astronomer at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he is cosmology consultant for NEW SCIENTIST. His books include WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, QUANTUM THEORY CANNOT HURT YOU and WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KELVIN, which was shortlisted for the 2010 Royal Society Book Prize. He is also the author of the app SOLAR SYSTEM FOR iPAD, which won THE BOOKSELLER Digital Innovation of the Year award. Marcus was a regular guest on the BBC4 comedy-science show, IT'S ONLY A THEORY, and Channel 4's SUNDAY BRUNCH. He has spoken at a variety of events, including the Cheltenham Literary Festival, Sydney Writers Festival, the National Theatre and Wilderness Festival. And he has also performed stand-up comedy at a variety of venues from an upturned inflatable cow on London's South Bank to a glass-bottomed boat in a shark tank at the Brighton Sealife Centre.
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