Coming of Age in the Milky Way by Timothy Ferris (PDF)

Description

From the second-century celestial models of Ptolemy to modern-day research institutes and quantum theory, this classic book offers a breathtaking tour of astronomy and the brilliant, eccentric personalities who have shaped it. From the first time mankind had an inkling of the vast space that surrounds us, those who study the universe have had to struggle against political and religious preconceptions. They have included some of the most charismatic, courageous, and idiosyncratic thinkers of all time. In Coming of Age in the Milky Way, Timothy Ferris uses his unique blend of rigorous research and captivating narrative skill to draw us into the lives and minds of these extraordinary figures, creating a landmark work of scientific history.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Cosmos is a battlefield for the conflict between science and religion. Putting aside those books that defends one option (there is a god behind everything) or the other (there isn’t), you have the chance of reading a book with no side to defend. This is the case, from my perspective, of “Coming of Age in the Milky Way.”Timothy Ferris is not a scientist but a journalist. In fact, a very special one. As long as you read the book you realize how much work there is behind the writing. I mean, hard work. Given that it is not easy to write about Space, Time and Creation, given the math and the physics and the chemistry involved, the merit is so big that you think that –in the case of Ferris– that is not a virtue but a talent.Thus, the merit of the book is that give you not only information but a Weltanschauung (a world view) that you won’t forget. In fact, I finished the reading two weeks ago and some ideas are still with me. Referring to the Kepler second law (“Each planet sweeps out equal areas in equal times”), Ferris writes: “The second law revealed something even more astonishing, a Bach fugue in the sky.” He is always giving you those sparks of beauty. And they are always in the right place. The book was not written as an excuse to make poetry but for showing us what we know about the cosmos and what we should expect for the next years. Anyway, the author has his inspired moments and –fortunately– share them with us.In this vein, chapter 19 “Mind and matter” offers the most inspired and attractive lucubration. The idea of a galaxy whose “ultimate purpose” is to build a nervous system brings you to the limits where poetry and science are touching each other. “Life,” tells us Ferris, “might be the galaxy’s way of evolving a brain.”All right, I won’t tell you the whole program that Ferris proposes. I would prefer you to read it by yourself. In any case is astonishing, beautiful and (why not) probable. It makes you dream and hallucinate. I mean it.To read “Coming of age…” won’t let you with the sensation that you could do something better, independently of having a program for proving that there is a god out there or not. Ferris is not trying to convince you of nothing. What he does is to let you hear the celestial music of the spheres. Nothing else.Finally, if you want to know about science, scientist, scientific progress, and not only that but understand them at a very good level, just buy it and then read it. You’ll see I’m right.

⭐There are a lot of glowing reviews here and it feels strange to be the one dissenting voice, but let me explain. First, let’s agree this book is for the layperson, not the Physics or Astronomy major, but for the person who simply likes science very much. I work in the auto repair business, but I’ve always loved science yet have no education in that field. I bought this on the strength of Ferris’ DVD’s which I’ve seen 2 of (Life Beyond Earth and Seeing in the Dark), and let me say they were very good (esp. the former).The majority of this book is good. Tim elaborates on some very interesting details I have not heard before, and in a humorous/interesting way, such as Kepler’s letter begging Galileo to borrow his telescope, or the details of Aristarchus’s sun-centered universe’s only evidence in one of the letters of Archimedes. Carl Sagan in “Cosmos” talks of Aristarchus quite a bit, but he never mentions this information, which prove very interesting.However, most of this book is a basic re-telling of how mankind learned of his/her place in the universe (as the title says!), BUT this has been done much better by Sagan in the forementioned “Cosmos.” Sagan makes the subject come to life much more, shows much more enthusiasm in explaining things. Ferris has a bit of a dry way about him (which was evident in the DVD’s), but he’s good. He’s just not Sagan. Let me also say that Bill Bryson in a “Short History of nearly Everything” gets much more technical than Ferris (in the quantum physics section), BUT again, Bryson does it with more interest than Ferris. I couldn’t understand most of that section (Bryson uses the “X-Files” as an example!), but in Bryson’s book I WANTED to keep reading and try to understand, with Ferris, after about 5 pages of the “Symmetry” section, I gave up.I picked up the hardback “Cosmos” when I was 9 years old. Yeah, nine. I read it and although there were vocabulary problems, I “got it.” This is not to brag how clever I was, but rather that Sagan does a much better job of “bringing you in” to the subject. The Bryson book is definitely too much for a 9 year old, but when I read that in my 30’s I was still “taken in.”If you read my other reviews you will see I love classical music. In music, there’s the saying that it’s “more than just the notes on the score.” In this book, you get the written notes, not the alive, performing symphony. Tim Ferris’ book is good… but well, there are better ones to draw you into the world of science.

⭐I have read this book several times, and given many copies away. Timothy Ferris is one of those rare scientists that can weave complicated theoretical information into a narrative that is fun and easy to read.This book is actually the history of mankind’s fascination with the heavens and his gradual increase in understanding of the cosmos over time. His in-depth descriptions of great minds and pivotal characters in the history of astronomy give color and insight into the joy of discovery. The reader is introduced to the personal side of great minds like Kepler, Galileo, Newton, and many more. We learn what it was like to try and compete for funding from the King while balancing scientific breakthroughs with religious dogma. And all the while Harris is spoon-feeding us the complex knowledge of physics and celestial mechanics.It is a delightful read, and a must-read, really, for anyone who seeks to be reasonably conversant in this important topic.Once finished, I believe you will never look up at the night sky the same way.

⭐What isn’t to like, history, psychology and a great take on life. Couldn’t put it down and will reread soon. High five to Timothy Ferris!!!Where are we in this great big cosmos and why us? Why now? Why not….

⭐I really enjoyed this book and have bought it as a present for others. The majority of the book is very enjoyable to read but at the end when it delves much more into science it is a little heavy and hard to read. However I love how it started and most of the book.

⭐I liked this book very much. Its very interesting and well written. I learned a lot from it. I recommend it.

⭐Quality of the paper below standard

⭐An absolutely fascinating book on how we perceive our world, our galaxy and our universe — and how we figured it out. Should be a university textbook.

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