Prisons of Light - Black Holes / Edition 1

by Kitty Ferguson

Overview

In this jargon-free review of one of the most fascinating topics in modern science, acclaimed science writer Kitty Ferguson examines the discovery of black holes, their nature, and what they can teach us about the mysteries of the universe. In search of the answers, we trace a star from its birth to its death throes, take a hypothetical journey to the border of a black hole and beyond, spend time with some of the world's leading theoretical physicists and astronomers, and take a whimsical look at some of the wild ideas black holes have inspired. Prisons of Light—Black Holes is comprehensive and detailed. Yet Kitty Ferguson's lightness of touch and down-to-earth analogies set this book apart from all others on black holes and make it a wonderfully stimulating and entertaining read.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521625715
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/12/1998
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	5.71(w) x 8.86(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

Prologue; 1. A cosmic case of burnout; 2. Matters of gravity: Newton and Einstein; 3. The capture of light; 4. Tripping the theoretical fantastic; 5. Crossing the bar; 6. Contemplating an enormous nothing; 7. Evidence in the case; 8. Hearts of darkness; 9. The search goes on; 10. Passages into the labyrinth; 11. Black hole legends and far out ideas; Epilogue.

Editorial Reviews

"The reader...will be amply rewarded not only with knowledge, but also with the humor, fantasy, poetry and awe Ferguson brings to the subject." Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"Ferguson succeeds in explaining...black holes at a level that will be inviting to those with little or no prior knowledge. Her writing style is lucid, her analogies good. Just when you thought it was all over, black holes are back." John Barrow, New Scientist

"...an enjoyable, informative read for all." The Bookwatch

From the Publisher

Paper reprint of the 1996 cloth edition (49518-0). A generously illustrated guide for the layperson seeking understanding of the life cycle of a star, Newton's and Einstein's theories of gravity, the capture of light, tidal effects, the hazard of gravity waves, gravitational redshift, and theories about black holes. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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