The Big Bang

David Harland describes the historical development of particle physics, and explains, in a non-mathematical way, how particle physics has influenced the structure of the Universe from the very beginning of time. He demonstrates the close links between discoveries in particle physics and in cosmology up to the present. He describes how our understanding of the Universe has developed from the discovery that the Universe is expanding, to the idea that all matter originated in a hot, Big Bang, then explains the many subtle improvements to the basic theory that have been necessary to understand how the very smallest particles and earliest structures (the 'microscale') in the Universe evolved to produce the Universe as it is now (the 'macroscale'). The author also describes how scientists are attempting to develop a 'Theory of Everything' that would explain how an instant after the Big Bang a single primordial force was transformed into the four forces of nature that we observe today, which hitherto were believed to be 'fundamental'.

From the reviews:

"Harland’s nicely written book chronicles the rapidly developing field of cosmology-the place where astronomy and particle physics converge. … The book is liberally sprinkled with useful charts and photos that illustrate the more difficult concepts. It is written in a nontechnical yet accurate manner that will appeal to science buffs. … This reviewer is glad to have this book on his shelf. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through graduate students; two-year technical program students." (T. D. Oswalt, CHOICE, February, 2004)

"The book shows the historical development of two separate aspects of physics that come together to yield an understanding of the Universe as a whole. … The book is densely packed with information, referencing all important and relevant works, and showing the tedious nature of research and discovery and the perseverance required … . It gives an excellent review of the development of astronomy and particle physics and the key players involved in their discovery. … This book should be in all astronomy library collections." (Shirin Haque, The Observatory, Vol. 124 (1178), 2004)

"Organised in two distinct sections, it is a more than adequate introduction into the history of man’s understanding of his Universe, both on the smallest quantum scales and the largest astronomical scales. It is this duality that sets the book apart from many of its peers. … there would be few recent books more suited to provide a first foray into the subject." (Roger Feasey, Auckland Astronomical Society Journal, November, 2003)