The Red Limit Pb [Paperback]

The Red Limit is another of Timothy's Ferris excellent distilliations of astrophysics for public consumption. As usual, he is skilled not only in making science concepts comprehensible but bringing into vivid detail the *story* of science -- how we know what we know. It even includes the occasional philosophical discussion.

So why the low rating? Because this book is twenty years old. I had assumed that the reprint would maybe have some updated material, but it doesn't. This is effectively a book on the State of Cosmology circa 1983.

Don't waste your money on this. Ferris's own Whole Shebang is better written and more up to date. You might also check out Lonely Hearts of the Cosmos, which is a very similar book but far better and has been updatee for the most recent discoveries. Bill Bryson's Brief History of Nearly Everything only covers cosmology in basic detail, but is also far more up-to-date.

A great review of the discovery of the expanding universe; the science is interesting and understandable for the lay person. Even more compelling is the drama of the scientists themselves, there life, personalities,strengths, foibles and their wonderful discoveries. It is science and history of science combined in an easy to read 250 page book that helps us all comprehend just a grasp of the incomprehensable nature of our existence in this universe.

The Red Limit

By Timothy Ferris

Book Review

By Richard E. Noble

The Red Limit is a fascinating cosmological exploration. This is the second time I have read this book. It is the perfect book for the non-scientist. I have no background in science but like to make an attempt to know what is going on in the science of the universe.

Cosmology and astrophysics are truly out of my category. But because of writers like Timothy Ferris I am able to jump right in and swim around. This man is a find for me. I will be reading more of his works in the future.

In this book the author takes us through the various scientists and their insights that have brought us to the theoretical evaluations that are most prevalent today in regards to the universe. How our Universe may have begun and how many have come to the conclusion that it is growing and expanding.

We learn about the instruments, the telescopes, the mirrors and lenses. We learn about the craftsmen and inventers involved. We learn about the astronomers, and the astrophysicists and how and why they have made their determinations.

Timothy Ferris is a writer, a teacher, a journalist and a professor. This is a difficult subject for me but Professor Ferris's ability with words made everything easy and simple. There is nothing covered in this book that I did not understand. Or maybe I should say, there was nothing by way of Mr. Ferris' explanations of these complicated processes and happenings that I did not feel I was provided with insight and some modicum of understanding of these notions that are truly "way out there." I feel now that I have some basis on which to move forward.

Personally I am extremely dubious of this whole Big Bang notion and the interpretation of Mr. Hubble's discovery - as was he, I find noted in the text. But since these are the prevailing thoughts on this subject I am very happy to find an author who can explain to the likes of one like me what is thought to be going on.

The author writes clearly an intelligibly. His explanations are cogent and concise.

I have tried other science writers but to this point this man is the best. I am going to try and read all of his books and I feel that I will be nothing but better off for my effort.

This book lays it all out. The reader can accept it or not accept it. The author is extremely objective and gives all points of view their due. I have absolutely no complaints with this author. He knows how to tell a story too. Great book!

Richard Noble - The Hobo Philosopher - Author of:

"A Summer with Charlie" Salisbury Beach, Lawrence YMCA

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews  4.2 out of 5 stars