Preface

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents vii
3. Preface ix
4. Prologue: COSMOLOGICAL OVERVIEW 1
5. 1. PARTICLE EPOCH: Simplicity Fleeting 47
6. 2. GALACTIC EPOCH: Hierarchy of Structures 79
7. 3. STELLAR EPOCH: Forges for Elements 132
8. 4. PLANETARY EPOCH: Habitats for Life 190
9. 5. CHEMICAL EPOCH: Matter Plus Energy 248
10. 6. BIOLOGICAL EPOCH: Complexity Sustained 298
11. 7. CULTURAL EPOCH: Intelligence to Technology 369
12. Epilogue: A WHOLE NEW ERA 433
13. Further Reading 443
14. Glossary 445
15. Index 463
16. About the Author 479