Creation of the Universe traces the development of the Big Bang theory, from the expansion of the universe to quantum cosmology, from the formation of large scale structure to the physics of the Planck era. Fang Li Zhi, a leading Chinese astrophysicist and Li Shu Xian (co-author and wife) trace the advances in cosmology and recount experiences made by scientists — their frustrations and hardships, hopes and joys — in an easily comprehensible and often humorous manner. Complex topics are elucidated with anecdotes from Eastern and Western philosophy.
Sample Chapter(s)
Chapter 1: Physical Intimations of an Ancient Chinese Story (2,008 KB)
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Contents:
- Physical Intimations of an Ancient Chinese Story
- Expansion without Centre
- Age of the Universe
- Finiteness and Infiniteness of Space
- Matter Visible and Matter Invisible
- How Order was Born of Chaos
- The Thermal History of the Universe
- Synthesis of Elements
- Origin of Asymmetry
- Inflation of Vacuum
- Physics of the First Move
- The Anthropic Principle and Physical Constants
Readership: Physicists, philosophers, historians, physics undergraduates and graduates, and everyone interested in an overview of modern cosmology.
“… is a worthwhile elementary treatment of the cosmology of the early Universe written with a liveliness and simplicity that will surely encourage students to pursue the subject further.”
John D Barrow
Nature
“… a superb guide to what is known about cosmology….The authors also leave you with a sense of anticipation and excitement.”
David Hughes
New Scientist
“The book is well written and interesting, particularly in its use of Chinese stories throughout … The book contains all the standard material found in such texts. The chapters on the thermodynamics of the Universe are particularly good … this is a first-rate book of its genre and is heartily recommended.”
Kenneth Dunn
Mathematical Reviews
“The best popular account of the science that explains how the universe can be friendly to life is a book, ‘Creation of the Universe’, by the Chinese astronomers, Fang Li Zhi and Li Shu Xian. The book was translated into English and published by World Scientific Publishing in 1989. Fang Li Zhi is the famous dissident astronomer now living in exile in the United States. I particularly recommend Chapter 6, with the title ‘How Order Was Born of Chaos’. This tells the same story that I am telling you today, but with more detail and more depth.”
Freeman J Dyson
Oppenheimer lecture at University of California, Berkeley
