Title: Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries
Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
First published November 1, 2006
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780393062243 (ISBN10: 0393062244)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
Neil deGrasse Tyson, the nation’s best-known astrophysicist, brings us Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries, a collection of his favorite essays on cosmic topics. In his signature style, Tyson guides readers through the mysteries of the cosmos with stunning clarity and childlike enthusiasm.
From the physics of black holes to the search for life in the universe, Tyson simplifies some of the most complex concepts in astrophysics while sharing his infectious excitement about our universe. With a blend of content, accessibility, and humor, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the wonders of the cosmos.
About the Author
Neil deGrasse Tyson grew up in New York City and attended public school. He later earned a BA in Physics from Harvard and a PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia.
In 2001, President Bush appointed Tyson to a commission that studied the future of the U.S. aerospace industry. The commission made recommendations to Congress and government agencies about space exploration, transportation, and national security.
President Bush appointed Tyson again in 2004 to a commission on the implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy. This commission helped create a path for a new space vision that could be successful for America.
In 2006, Tyson was appointed to NASA’s Advisory Council, which guides the agency through budget restrictions.
Tyson has written for professional publications and for the public. He wrote monthly essays for Natural History magazine and has authored fifteen books, including The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist and Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution.
Tyson also hosted a PBS NOVA four-part mini-series called Origins.
Tyson’s other books include Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet. The PBS NOVA documentary The Pluto Files was based on the book.
In 2012, Tyson released his tenth book, Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier.
From 2006 to 2011, Tyson hosted PBS NOVA’s spinoff program NOVA ScienceNOW. He also created StarTalk, a program that brings science to commercial radio and combines celebrity guests with informative banter.
StarTalk was nominated for a Best Informational Programming Emmy.
Tyson has received twenty-one honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal. The International Astronomical Union named an asteroid “13123 Tyson” in his honor, and a native species of leaping frog in India was named Indirani Tysoni.
People Magazine even voted Tyson “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive” in 2000.
Tyson’s most recent book, Astrophysics for People In A Hurry, was a bestseller in the U.S. and internationally. The book provides an introduction to all the latest news and information about the universe in an easy-to-read format.
Editoral Review
Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries is a fascinating and informative book written by Neil deGrasse Tyson, a renowned astrophysicist and science communicator. Published in 2006, this book delves into the mysteries and wonders of the universe, exploring a range of topics from black holes to the search for extraterrestrial life.
For readers who are interested in science, this book is a must-read. It is written in a style that is both accessible and engaging, with Tyson’s trademark wit and humor adding to the overall enjoyment of the text.
The book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the universe. The topics covered include the birth and death of stars, the search for intelligent life in the universe, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to make complex scientific concepts understandable for the average reader. Tyson has a talent for breaking down difficult ideas into manageable pieces, using analogies and metaphors to help readers grasp the concepts he is discussing.
He also has a way of making the science feel relevant and meaningful, showing how it is connected to our everyday lives.
Another strength of the book is its historical and cultural significance. Tyson draws on a wide range of sources, including ancient myths and legends, to illustrate the ways in which humans have been fascinated by the cosmos throughout history.
He also discusses the ways in which scientific discoveries have impacted society, from the development of the atomic bomb to the way we understand our place in the universe.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the text to be overly technical at times, with Tyson delving into the minutiae of astrophysics in a way that can be difficult to follow.
Additionally, while Tyson is an engaging writer, some may find his style to be too informal or irreverent for a book that is dealing with such weighty topics.
Overall, Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in science and the universe. It is well-written, informative, and thought-provoking, and it will leave readers with a greater appreciation for the mysteries of the cosmos.
While it may not be perfect, it is still a highly recommended read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. While the book has some flaws, its strengths more than make up for them.
Tyson’s ability to make complex ideas understandable and his talent for making science engaging and relevant are truly impressive. Anyone with an interest in science or the universe should definitely give this book a read.
