The Cyclical Serpent: Prospects For An Ever-repeating Universe

by Paul Halpern

Overview

A comparative overview of common images of the universe from world art and folklore and their similarities to our current scientific understanding.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738208848
Publisher:	Basic Books
Publication date:	06/27/2003
Series:	Prospects for an Ever-Repeating Universe
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Paul Halpern is Professor of Physics at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and the author of many trade science books, including The Cyclical Serpent, Countdown to the Apocalypse, and The Pursuit of Destiny. He lives in Philadelphia.

Editorial Reviews

In this survey for lay readers, physicist Halpern (Cosmic Wormholes; Time Journeys) shows how present notions of cosmology, the natural history of the universe, have evolved. He explains the main findings and hypotheses of modern astrophysical work against a counterpoint of relevant philosophical and religious concepts. Chapters proceed from examination of Hindu and other ancient images of the cosmos to presentation of current studies and debates concerning the origin, shape, composition and fate of the universe, including the essence of time. (Is the nature of the cosmos linear, cyclical without boundary?) While occasional segments are too long and some titles are cryptic, the text maintains a level of clarity that holds attention. Accounts of recent scientific findings and models are not overly technical, and Halpern often clarifies difficult concepts with apt analogies and metaphors (even conceptualizations from science fiction find their place). Illustrations not seen by PW. (June)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Halpern, a popular science author and physics professor, presents mythology and philosophy of the past and images of science fiction's depiction of the future and compares them with the body of knowledge physicists possess today on the linear versus cyclical nature of the universe. He explains breakthroughs in 20th century physics and cosmology and their implications for proving the existence of a cyclical, eternal universe. Includes b&w photos and drawings. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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