Universe: A Guide to Everything

A sweeping, reflective history of how we've tried to understand the universe.

The physical universe is a most peculiar concept, not only different from the objects it contains but also from space itself. Cosmology--the science that seeks to explain it--has always differed from other sciences, drawing on philosophy and even theology. These influences remain, even in today's data-driven cosmological models. This accessible and far-reaching book traces the development of cosmological thought from antiquity to the twenty-first century, with particular focus on the foundational work of Einstein, Hubble, and others in the early twentieth century. It explores how modern theories rest on a surprisingly fragile base and argues that many cosmic mysteries may remain permanently unsolved. Rich in historical and philosophical insight, this is a lucid guide to what we know--and perhaps cannot know--about the universe.

Author: Helge Kragh
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Published: 06/05/2026
Pages: 192
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.84lbs
Size: 8.59h x 5.82w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781836391791


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 04/01/2026 pg. 85

About the Author
Helge Kragh is emeritus professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. His books include Masters of the Universe.