A skillful account of the universe, the nature of life and where in the universe life might occur.
Lively, clear and up-to-date overview of astronomy, cosmology, biology and evolution, specifically as related to the search for extraterrestrial life.
Since hard evidence for life on other planets is holding steady at zero, Impey (Astronomy/Univ. of Arizona) follows the accepted course by giving readers a history of almost everything even tenuously relevant. He begins with the Big Bang, describing the formation of the universe and the nature of life itself. Then he recounts the history of life on Earth, moving on to explore the possibility of environments that support earthlike creatures elsewhere in the cosmos and paying special attention to extreme environments that might support odd forms of life. Readers will perk up to learn that living organisms on Earth thrive at freezing temperatures typical of Mars, in settings as hot and dry as Venus and at the bottom of the ocean in the absence of light and oxygen. In fact, the debate over whether life exists elsewhere in the universe now generates only modest controversy, since it turns out microorganisms can live almost anywhere. Scientists expend far more energy arguing about the conditions necessary for complex creatures like human beings. Higher life forms may require less extreme temperatures, a rocky, earthlike planet possessing an atmosphere and a sun not much different from ours—or they may not, the author hastens to add. Anyone fascinated by this subject probably has a layperson’s familiarity with science, but Impey is taking no chances. Better-informed readers will probably skim his basic introduction to Einstein, Darwin, DNA and the mechanics of evolution. Despite occasionally succumbing to the “science is really fun!” tendency by including silly educational anecdotes, he does an impressive job explaining an avalanche of information, including such recent major discoveries as the first planets found orbiting distant stars.
A skillful account of the universe, the nature of life and where in the universe life might occur.Pub Date: Dec. 18, 2007
ISBN: 978-1-4000-6506-6
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2007
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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