Physics and Cosmology are moving forward with unprecedented speed. It’s therefore difficult to recommend any one volume which can summarize our latest understanding of the Universe. This is as good as any, published in 2007. Gribbin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gribbin) attempts the complete sweep of the Universe from its beginning at the Big Bang to its possible ends, including the processes of evolution and the emergence of life. The author is one of the most admired science writers for his attempts to convey complex ideas in simple language. Some say his explanations are on the pedantic side, defining his terms systematically and taking not much for granted in the reader. Others say that’s all to the good because it secures the reliability of what he is conveying. Decide for yourself in this heartily recommended book.
256 pages in Penguin paperback edition.
ISBN 978-0141021478