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How the Universe Got Its Spots

Diary of a Finite Time in a Finite Space
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( 1,379 ratings, 153 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In How the Universe Got Its Spots by Janna Levin, the author embarks on a fascinating journey to explore the nature and shape of the universe. By weaving together letters and essays, she ponders intriguing questions about the cosmos, such as its curvature and dimensions, offering insights that blend theoretical physics with personal reflections. Levin's narrative invites readers to contemplate the profound mysteries of space while engaging with complex scientific ideas in an accessible manner.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this captivating exploration of cosmology if you are intrigued by the mysteries of the universe and how they relate to abstract concepts like art and philosophy. Janna Levin shares her personal journey into the cosmos, blending scientific insight with a uniquely poetic perspective that brings the wonders of the universe to life.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Is the universe infinite or just really big? With this question, cosmologist Janna Levin announces the central theme of this book, which established her as one of the most direct, unorthodox, and creative voices in contemporary science. As Levin sets out to determine how big "really big" may be, she offers a rare intimate look at the daily life of an innovative physicist, complete with jet lag and the tensions between personal relationships and the extreme demands of scientific exploration.

Nimbly explaining geometry, topology, chaos, and string theory, Levin shows how the pattern of hot and cold spots left over from the big bang may one day reveal the size of the cosmos. The result is a thrilling story of cosmology by one of its leading thinkers.

[A] lovely, utterly original book. . . . This intimate account of the life and thought of a physicist is one of the nicest scientific books I have ever read-personal and honest, clear and informative, entertaining and difficult to put down.  Alejandro Gangui, American Scientist

Gorgeously written.  Mary Carmichael, Newsweek

Highly original. . . . Few scientists are capable of putting their understanding and experiences into words as effectively.  Peter Coles, Nature

Science as it is lived. . . . [Levin's] book is a gift.  Corey S. Powell, Discover

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 book by Janna Levin is praised for its originality, blending scientific insights with personal reflections. It is celebrated for its clear writing, personal touch, and engaging narrative that makes complex cosmological concepts accessible. The unique format, structured as letters to the author's mother, provides an intimate look at both the science and the life of a physicist.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691232270

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 January 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 68 b/w illus.

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Janna Levin is professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University and director of sciences at Pioneer Works, a nonprofit cultural center in Brooklyn. Her books include Black Hole Blues, Black Hole Survival Guide, and a prize-winning novel, A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines. She presented NOVA's Black Hole Apocalypse and has delivered iconic stories at The Moth and TED.

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