Isaac Asimov's Guide to Earth and Space

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 241 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 02-25-2025


About this item

A thrilling nonfiction tour of the cosmos that brings the universe down to Earth, from one of the all-time masters of science fiction.

No one makes sense out of science like Isaac Asimov. Are you puzzled by pulsars? Baffled by black holes? Bewildered by the big bang? If so, here are succinct, crystal-clear answers to more than 100 of the most significant questions about the essential nature of the universe - questions that have fired the imagination since the beginning of history.

Over the course of this fantastic voyage, the origins, the discoveries, and the stunning achievements of astronomy will unfold before your eyes. You will experience close encounters with giant planets, exploding stars, distant galaxies, and more. For anyone who has ever asked the ultimate questions, who has ever looked up at the sky and asked What in heaven is going on?, Isaac Asimov's unique vision, skill, and authority will bring the big picture into focus.

"A fine introduction to modern astronomical theory." (Library Journal)


Top reviews from the United States

  • Show-Me Skeptic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book for All Ages
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2007
    This is a very well-written book, suitable for all ages. Asimov is an entertaining teacher of the basic facts about Earth and space (e.g., the Earth is round, it rotates about its own axis, it revolves around the Sun). But, what is even more important, he is a master at describing the thought processes of the various philosophers and scientists who established these facts in the face of traditional beliefs (e.g., the Earth is flat, it is unmoving, the Sun goes round the Earth).

    It is thus a wonderful book for anyone who would like to learn how to determine the truth in this age of fundamentalism and conflicting claims posted on the Web and propagated by e-mails. The desire and the ability to think clearly and logically have always been rare commodities -- and have become even more uncommon today, even in technologically advanced communities such as the USA.

    The book costs less than $7, which makes it a great stocking stuffer. But it is worth more than $70, or even $700.
  • Jack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2019
    Quick, easy read. I love learning about things like this. I wish I would have ordered the second volume way sooner because now I'm waiting around for it
  • Renfrew Fan
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Master Explainer making clear hundreds of topics which may have before confused the scientifically-minded layman...
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2015
    I love Asimov's non-fiction works. This one is a rehash of several of his early works on physics and astronomy. For me, it was wonderful to have access to the ideas in these long-out-of-print works. For the newcomer to Asimov, it will be an amazing, understandable introduction to the topic. For the Asimov veteran, it will be an easy, enjoyable read - even if you read most of it in much older books before. Written in the 80's, it is amazing how he couches his descriptions in broad terms which have not changed in the ensuing 30+ years - and how he leaves prescient caveats which have all turned out to be correct... Such an incredible person - a must-read for any science-minded layman.
  • Ed Evans
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's basic Asimov and a nice place to read about Earth Science as well as space.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2015
    This is Asimov writing for the novice with an interest in science. I bought for the Earth science ideas because of global warming; he has a different take on global warming, but definitely finds it's a possibility given the global engineering that we humans have performed.
    There's much more here and it's a good place to begin reading for the general reader with a new interest in basic, popular science.
  • Mike
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great writer
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2010
    Asimov was prolific and I've read many of his sciencetainment books and they're all great. This one is no exception. Even the outdated books are great reads. This is the kind of book, and Asimov's others like it, that are great for filling up a young'uns library; or, if you haven't read them yourself, to put on your reading list.
  • Robert Gouger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Asimov explains scientific creation
    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2020
    Great origins for explained scientific mysteries. A layman’s guide to visual representations of the past. Although dated in its assumptions most of the thoughts hold standard today.
  • RJH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Space to Understand
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2018
    The book was well written. Asimov has a wonderful ability to bring science to a level for none scientific lead people.
  • robuck
    4.0 out of 5 stars Page after page of easily read, interesting knowledge.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
    An easy to read rational and clearly written history of how we discovered knowledge of the greater world around us. The simple but profound methods of discovery used by early scientists is an inspiration to thoughtful people. Asimov sets out more recent 20 century discovery and cuases us to wonder, where to now.

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