Beat the rise! Delivery fees are going up soon. INFO

Close Notification

Your cart does not contain any items

Universe

A Guide to Everything

Helge Kragh

$37.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English
Reaktion Books
01 July 2026
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.

'In this book Kragh, one of the premier historians of cosmology, offers a lively account of our conceptions of the universe from Aristotle to the present. Written for a broad audience, it also addresses ultimate pressing mysteries like what came before the Big Bang; the ultimate fate of galaxies, black holes, and life; and whether we may live in a multiverse. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the changing conceptions of our place in the universe.'

Steven J. Dick, former NASA chief historian

'Kragh is the leading historian of scientific studies of the universe. He also possesses a rare ability to make complex ideas accessible and understandable. In Universe, we see him in sparkling form, presenting a lucid and engaging account of how people have envisioned the universe from ancient Greece to the twenty-first century. A reader could not ask for a better guide to this captivating story.'

Robert Smith, professor of history, University of Alberta
By:  
Imprint:   Reaktion Books
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 138mm, 
ISBN:   9781836391791
ISBN 10:   183639179X
Pages:   192
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

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

Reviews for Universe: A Guide to Everything

""Helge Kragh is the leading historian of scientific studies of the universe. He also possesses a rare ability to make complex ideas accessible and understandable. In Universe, we see him in sparkling form, presenting a lucid and engaging account of how people have envisioned the universe from ancient Greece to the twenty-first century. A reader could not ask for a better guide to this captivating story."" - Robert Smith, Professor of History, University of Alberta ""In this book Helge Kragh, one of the premier historians of cosmology, offers a lively account of our conceptions of the universe from Aristotle to the present. Written for a broad audience, it also addresses ultimate pressing mysteries like what came before the Big Bang; the ultimate fate of galaxies, black holes, and life; and whether we may live in a multiverse. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the changing conceptions of our place in the universe."" - Steven J. Dick, former NASA Chief Historian


See Also