The Structure and Evolution of the Universe: An Introduction to Cosmology (Rare, 1959)

So many advances have been made in astronomy and cosmology since the author’s The Structure Of The Universe was first published in 1949 that when a new edition was called for it was clear that much of the book would have to be re-written. Not only has the great Palomar telescope come into use since 1949, but the new science of radio-astronomy has revealed a wealth of previously unsuspected data. Also there has been a shift of interest on the theoretical side: with advancing knowledge more attention has been directed to problems of world evolution, including the origin of the elements. To take account of all these developments, and because the present text differs so greatly from the original, the title has been modified to indicate that this is essentially a new book. Moreover, the chapter on space and time has been expanded and an appendix has been added on the problems of why physical space has three dimensions. The book is illustrated with a number of beautiful photographs, including several taken with the Palomar telescope. Although the primary object is to provide an up-to-date account of the latest observational data and theories in a form suitable both for the student and the layman, the historical aspect has not been neglected and the book gives a comprehensive picture of the subject. Of the previous edition a review said: “It is on the same level of difficulty and excellence as the books of Jeans, Eddington and Russell.” — The Tribune, England. HARPER & BROTHERS, New York