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Conceptions of Cosmos: From Myths to the Accelerating Universe: A History of Cosmology
Presenting a history of how the universe at large became the object of scientific understanding, this title offers an integrated and comprehensive account of cosmology that covers all major events from Aristotle's Earth-centred cosmos to the discovery of the accelerating universe.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2006
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About the author
Helge Kragh
61 books39 followersHelge Stjernholm Kragh is a Danish historian of science.
Kragh studied mathematics and physics at the University of Copenhagen before obtaining his PhD in 1981 at the University of Roskilde. He is a professor at the Centre for Science Studies of Aarhus University.
Kragh's areas of study are the history of physics from the mid-19th century onward, the history of astronomy, the history of cosmology and the history of chemistry.
Kragh studied mathematics and physics at the University of Copenhagen before obtaining his PhD in 1981 at the University of Roskilde. He is a professor at the Centre for Science Studies of Aarhus University.
Kragh's areas of study are the history of physics from the mid-19th century onward, the history of astronomy, the history of cosmology and the history of chemistry.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 9, 2017
Kragh presents a comprehensive yet speedy overview on humankinds conceptions of the cosmos. He does this in a very attractive way: skipping the nonsensical animistic forms (just skimming some more intellectual ones) and speeding it up until he reaches the 20th century. This is the moment in history when in less than a century our view of the cosmos has changed so dramatically and radically, that its worth more than half the book.
Kragh deals with the different theories and versions of theories in their historical perspective and doesn't shy away of sketching philosophical implications. This is an excellent book or anyone interested in cosmology (or history of science in general), but some prior knowledge of physics, astronomy and cosmology is necessary in order to be able to fully comprehend this book.
On a sidenote: this book stimulated me to read more of Kragh - one of the best writers on physics I have come across (Gerald Holton's textbooks come close).
Kragh deals with the different theories and versions of theories in their historical perspective and doesn't shy away of sketching philosophical implications. This is an excellent book or anyone interested in cosmology (or history of science in general), but some prior knowledge of physics, astronomy and cosmology is necessary in order to be able to fully comprehend this book.
On a sidenote: this book stimulated me to read more of Kragh - one of the best writers on physics I have come across (Gerald Holton's textbooks come close).
November 28, 2017
It is a very informative, well written, and objective introduction to the history of Cosmology. I would recommend.
September 1, 2015
During different astronomical workshop some time I use to present a lecture titled 'Changing Vision of the Cosmos'. The most amazing part of this book is its contents similar as my lecture presentation topics. When I found I just said, WOW! :P
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews