Author:Kitty Ferguson
What is a black hole? Could we survive a visit to one? Perhaps even venture inside? What would we find? Have we yet discovered any real black holes?
And what do black holes teach us about what physicist John Archibald Wheeler called “the deep, happy, mysteries of the universe”?
These are just a few of the tantalizing questions examined in this jargon-free review of one of the most fascinating topics in modern science. In search of the answers, we trace a star from its birth to its death throes, take a fabulous hypothetical journey to the border of a black hole and beyond, spend time with some of the world’s leading theoretical physicists and observational astronomers scanning the cosmos for evidence of real black holes, and take a whimsical look at some of the wild ideas black holes have inspired.
Ferguson succeeds in explaining black holes at a level that will be inviting to those with little or no prior knowledge. Her writing is lucid, her analogies good. Just when you thought it was all over, black holes are back.
—— John Barrow, New ScientistAn astute blend of entertainment and enlightenment, the sort of book that might have come from George Gamow as part of his series Mr Tompkins in Wonderland. Ferguson’s grip on her material is firm, her style crisp, lucid and lively.
—— Werner Israel, Physics WorldKitty Ferguson marshals her argument well, taking a bite at a time and giving the reader the opportunity to digest before cramming in the next. Her text is carefully thought out, vivid and accurate. I’m glad I read it.
—— Roger O-Brien, Journal of the British Astronomical SocietyThe reader will be amply rewarded not only with knowledge, but also with the humor, fantasy, poetry and awe Ferguson brings to the subject.
—— Publishers WeeklyA terrific combination of both natural and intellectual history, informed by penetrating insight
—— IndependentThis is the book of range and ambitions that his many admirers hoped he would write. Refreshing, droll, politically alert, occasionally self-mocking, he has the enviable ability both to write historical overview and also to slip into the woods like a dryad, bringing us back to the trees themselves, their colours and lights and textures
—— GuardianA writer to cherish
—— Evening StandardA characteristically rich and individual mix of history, natural science, folklore, poetry, politics and personal observation... Mabey's writing is a brilliant in its minutely observed detail as in its broad sweeps
—— Diane Summers , Financial TimesAs always, Mabey's thoughts make compelling reading... This is a book by a man who doesn't just know, but understands trees
—— Tree NewsIt's a scientific, historical, poetic account written in a quietly humorous, thoughtful style
—— Tom Moriarty , Irish TimesHe found his best form as a storyteller and interpreter of the dynamic nature of our native woodlands.
—— Ian Edwards , Reforesting ScotlandAn informative history of the English relationship with trees
—— Arminta Wallace , Irish TimesElegant and heartfelt… Part eco-memoir, part monograph, wholly engrossing
—— Daily TelegraphFantastic
—— Neil Denny, Little AtomsA truly compelling book, savage and sparkling by turns
—— Kathryn Hughes , Mail on SundayAlan Root’s overflowing life as a dedicated, adventurous film-maker and naturalist is almost the story of wild East Africa itself in those glorious and tragic years surrounding the advent of political independence…a fresh, honest, often moving (and humorous) account, a terrific contribution to the literature
—— Peter MatthiessenRequired reading for anyone who wants to experience the joys and sorrows of conservation in today's Africa
—— Wilbur SmithRoot’s enthralling memoir…is the best true-life adventure story to come out of Africa for years
—— Sunday TelegraphHis is a funny, harrowing, beautifully written love letter to Africa
—— Christopher Hart , Sunday TimesIn this captivating memoir [Root] documents his brushes in the bush and his passion for wildlife
—— Big Issue in the NorthOscar-nominated filmmaker Root has written the most extraordinary love letter to Africa – packed with drama and knowledge, tragedy and hope... A completely gripping and important study of this complex and disappearing natural environment
—— Sally Morris , Daily MailHis is an extraordinary story laced with tragedy
—— Mail on Sunday[Root's] life story, vividly related here, is crammed with incident and adventure. Curious, creative and fearless, he has diced with death on numerous occasions and been mauled several times in his efforts to capture the daily lives of everything from silver-back gorillas to leopards in the wild on film. A gripping account of a life well lived
—— Good Book Guide