
Title: | Epic of evolution : seven ages of the cosmos |
Authors: | Eric J. Chaisson |
Material Type: | book |
Publisher: | new York : Columbia University Press, 2006 |
ISBN / ISSN / EAN : | 978-0-231-13560-3 |
Size: | xviii, 478 p. / ill. / 24 cm |
Bibliography note: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
Languages: | English |
Class number: | QB981 |
Subjects: | Cosmology ; Life--Origin |
Description: |
Prologue: cosmological overview - 1. Particle epoch: simplicity fleeting - 2. Galactic epoch: hierarchy of structures - 3. Stellar epoch: forges for elements - 4. Planetary epoch: Habitats for life - 5. Chmical epoch: matter plus energy - 6. Biological epoch: Complexity sustained - 7. Cultural epoch: Intelligence to technology - Epilogue: A whole new era. Eric Chaisson Receives Walter P. Kistler Book Award for 2007 Dr. Chaisson is the 2007 recipient of the Walter P. Kistler Book Award, which recognizes authors of science-based books that make important contributions to the publics understanding of the factors that may impact the long-term future of humanity. In Epic of Evolution, Eric Chaisson leads the reader through all known forms of evolution, for all of known time, showing how the arrow of time, over billions of years, can be neatly partitioned into seven epochs: particle, galactic, stellar, planetary, chemical, biological, and cultural. Of all the known clumps of matter in the Universe, he writes, life-forms are surely the most fascinating ... [but] the arrow of time is not pointing at us. The next great epoch, Chaisson writes, will likely be ethical evolution. The Walter P. Kistler Book Award is given annually to authors of science-based books that significantly increase the knowledge and understanding of the public regarding subjects that will shape the future of our species. It includes a cash prize of US$10,000 and a certificate, and is presented personally by the originator of the award program, Walter Kistler, benefactor of the Foundation. |
Permalink: | https://isulibrary.isunet.edu/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=6465 |
Copies in the Library (1)
Barcode | Call number | Media type | Location | Section | Status | Donated by | Digital Bookplate |
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010462 | QB981.C43 2006 | Book | ISU Library | Main collection | Available |