Martin Harwit Bücher

This classic text - aimed at senior undergraduates and beginning graduate students in physics and astronomy - presents a wide range of concepts in sufficient depth to give the reader a quantitative understanding of the subject. Emphasising physical concepts, it provides the student with a series of astrophysical sketches, concluding with a synthesis of all the subjects discussed in the book, sketching the history of the universe from its beginning to the formation of the Sun and the planets.

The book explores the significant advancements in our understanding of the cosmos throughout the twentieth century, highlighting key factors that fueled this rapid progress. It delves into the scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and cultural shifts that shaped our perception of the universe, providing insights into the evolution of astronomical thought and the impact of these developments on society.

The narrative centers on the historic mission of the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, leading to unprecedented devastation and the end of World War II. Fifty years later, controversy erupted over an exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum, culminating in congressional demands to cancel the display and remove the museum's director. This conflict highlights the tension between historical representation and political influence, ultimately leading to the resignation of the museum's director amid a significant alteration of the exhibit.