Astronomy through the ages : the story of the human attempt to understand the universe

"In Astronomy through the Ages, Sir Robert Wilson tells the story of how our understanding of the universe has evolved through history - of how the sedate and stable star field of ancient times has been replaced by the vast and explosive universe we know today. [...] While focusing on the human side of astronomical discovery, Wilson also provides readers with a basic understanding of difficult concepts, explaining relativity and quantum mechanics without using technical language or mathematics. Remarkable in its scope and clarity, Astronomy through the Ages provides an accessible view of historical discoveries and modern advances and shows why excitement about astronomy is even greater today than when Galileo first gazed in wonder at the rings of Saturn."--Provided by the publisher.