'I do not hesitate to say that this is simply the best book on cosmology at a semi-popular level I have ever read - and I read most of them ... It gives the reader the history, the meanders, the highlights, the beauty and the greatness of the whole enterprise. More, it gives the reader effective tools to reach his ... Read moreown conclusions ... an outstanding work of scientific exposition that I strongly recommend.' General Relativity and Gravitation 'This long-awaited update to Harrison's classic textbook is ideal for those who have exhausted the beginners' accounts and want to dig deep into the science and philosophy. Harrison offers fresh ways to think about basic principles, and he strolls down long-forgotten byways that give such richness to the subject.' Scientific American From reviews of the first edition: 'This book is a remarkable synthesis of scientific thought about the Universe in the large. It is the product of the large thinking, large scholarship, and large generosity of mind of Professor Harrison ... Harrison's easy mastery of style that so well matches his subject makes this an exhilarating exercise ... The highest tribute I can offer to Harrison's splendid book is that I have not ceased to reflect upon it since I finished reading it.' William McCrea (ex-president of the Royal Astronomical Society), Contemporary Physics 'Unusual, discursive, non-mathematical, full of reflective comments and disturbing questions, packed with unexpected citations ... A beginning serious interest in cosmology can find no better satisfaction than in this helpful overview.' Phil Morrison, Scientific American 'This is the second edition of Harrison's first class book on elementary cosmology for all to understand ... The book is provocative and readable.' Irish Astronomical Journal Unusual, discursive, nonmathematical, full of reflective comments and disturbing questions, packed with unexpected citations....A beginning serious interest in cosmology can find no better satisfaction than in this helpful overview...this book may well blow your mind. Scientific American This very well written book belongs on the shelf of all physicists and in all libraries. Choice Harrison's text owes its appeal to its literate presentation of a wide variety of cosmological topics, from the creation myths of ancient Babylon to the relativistic models of Alexander Friedman...so much of Harrison's book is timeless, and so much of it is unique, that it deserves to stay in print for a long time. Like the subject of cosmology itself, Harrison's Cosmology is simultaneously uplifiting and exasperating. Perhaps that is why I admire it so much and will be recommending it to students for many years to come. American Journal of Physics Show Less