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Rating: 
Summary: Come on a Journey to the Edge of Space and Time
Review: "This is the best book of its type I have ever seen--not really a textbook, despite its accurate coverage of the most interesting parts of modern astronomy, but not just a coffee table book either, although it is superbly designed, illustrated and produced. It is something in between and marvelous.... Presented with an almost magical combination of authority, wonder, and love." -Science Books & Film, American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science "Astronomer Terence Dickinson presents the state of current knowledge and theory about the universe in accessible form." -The Washington Post Stand on the deserts of Mars. Plunge into the abyss of a giant black hole. Venture to the seething center of our own galaxy. Through more than 100 full-color illustrations and photographs and an authoritative text by Dickinson, "The Universe and Beyond" takes the reader on a realistic journey from the Earth's surface to the most remote boundaries of the universe--and farther. Using recent astronomical discoveries--not science fiction--Dickinson describes massive cannibal galaxies, unveils the mysteries of quasars and outlines the inevitable fate of our ever-expanding universe.
Rating: 
Summary: A good general text for the beginning astronomer
Review: A friend and I are taking an intro to astonomy course and this is one of the recommended texts. I can certainly see why. It's a very clearly written work with a heavy emphasis on planetary and solar astronomy and a lucid discussion of stellar objects visible with personal telescopes, subjects that the noviate astronomer is most likely to find of interest. The author also dedicates two chapters to the subject of theoretical astrophysics at the very basic level of cosmology, ie) the theory of the origin, the possible ultimate destiny of the universe, and the liklihood of the existance of coevil universes parallel to our own. Dickinson also throws his lot in with those who would believe in UFOs, to the extent that while he doesn't believe in the sightings people report--however well meaningly--he does believe that intelligent life is out there and may well already know of our existance. He gives a thorough and lucid outline of why he believes this to be the case. He also summarizes the SETI project and the ultimate change in position on this topic of high visibility astronomers like the late Carl Sagan, Iosif Shklovskii, and Ben Zuckerman. A very interesting book, and one that whets the appetite for further information.
Rating:
Summary: A good general text for the beginning astronomer
Review: A friend and I are taking an intro to astonomy course and this is one of the recommended texts. I can certainly see why. It's a very clearly written work with a heavy emphasis on planetary and solar astronomy and a lucid discussion of stellar objects visible with personal telescopes, subjects that the noviate astronomer is most likely to find of interest. The author also dedicates two chapters to the subject of theoretical astrophysics at the very basic level of cosmology, ie) the theory of the origin, the possible ultimate destiny of the universe, and the liklihood of the existance of coevil universes parallel to our own. Dickinson also throws his lot in with those who would believe in UFOs, to the extent that while he doesn't believe in the sightings people report--however well meaningly--he does believe that intelligent life is out there and may well already know of our existance. He gives a thorough and lucid outline of why he believes this to be the case. He also summarizes the SETI project and the ultimate change in position on this topic of high visibility astronomers like the late Carl Sagan, Iosif Shklovskii, and Ben Zuckerman. A very interesting book, and one that whets the appetite for further information.
Rating:
Summary: Easy to read review of cosmology and astronomy
Review: Easy to read, modern review of cosmology and astronomy. Contains some of the best produced astronomical illustrations. Terence Dickinson is an astronomy writer. He received the 1992 Royal Canadian Institute's Sandford Fleming Medal for achievements in advancing public understanding of science.
Rating:
Summary: Easy to read review of cosmology and astronomy
Review: Easy to read, modern review of cosmology and astronomy. Contains some of the best produced astronomical illustrations. Terence Dickinson is an astronomy writer. He received the 1992 Royal Canadian Institute's Sandford Fleming Medal for achievements in advancing public understanding of science.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Excellent, highly readable book about the various aspects of the universe. Presented with fabulous photos, images, and illustrations. An absolute must-have for anyone interested in astronomy. So fantastic, it will even inspire those NOT interested in astronomy. Suitable for elementary school kids (for the photos) on up. Dickinson has an absolute talent for writing about astronomy in a clear, concise way without talking down to you or relying on too much technical jargon and does all that and makes it fascinating too. Wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: Excellent, highly readable book about the various aspects of the universe. Presented with fabulous photos, images, and illustrations. An absolute must-have for anyone interested in astronomy. So fantastic, it will even inspire those NOT interested in astronomy. Suitable for elementary school kids (for the photos) on up. Dickinson has an absolute talent for writing about astronomy in a clear, concise way without talking down to you or relying on too much technical jargon and does all that and makes it fascinating too. Wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction Book
Review: If you have a passing interest in the universe this book is a great introduction. Dickinson's writing is flowing and brings truly mind boggling discussions into everyday perspective. The production quality is excellent and is in the format of a coffee table book with incredible Hubble photographs. I purchased this book as an introduction and have read it at least five times it's that good. Read it at night and have some really good dreams.
Rating:
Summary: Exciting adventure into the cosmos
Review: Terence Dickinson has out done himself with his latest work. Not since Sagan's Cosmos has the universe been explained in such a exciting and dymanic way. This is a wonderful merging of science fact, theory and imagination. The mental visualizations of journeys into the center of the Milky Way galaxy, over the event horizon and into a black hole and into the cosmic ocean of space and time stretch the human mind. Combine this fluid and engrossing text with the latest astronomical images and art work and this book stands out like bright supernova. I hope that all who are even remotely interested in astronomy will read this.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book overall!
Review: Well laid-out book with awesome pics and logical flow. Definitely a professional work. It does not get very deep in explanations but there is enough material for a novice to get started. Overall: VERY GOOD!
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