Backstairs to the Universe

The complete history of astronomy based on its most important scientists

The starry sky has fascinated mankind since time immemorial. For thousands of years, our ancestors gazed up at constellations and celestial spheres with the naked eye. Then, 400 years ago, Galileo pointed the first telescope at the sky and discovered a hitherto unknown world. After that, galaxies were investigated with the aid of huge telescopes, and Einstein developed his theory of the infinite uni verse. Ernst Peter Fischer recounts the stories of the most significant astronomers throughout history. Through their lives we gain access to their insights, and the riveting adventure of exploring space from its beginnings to the current day is unfurled before our eyes.

Ernst Peter Fischer, born in Wuppertal in 1947, is a science historian and journalist, who contributes to GEO, Bild der Wissenschaft, Weltwoche and FAZ, amongst others. He is Professor of the History of Science in Constance and was editor of the Mannheimer Forum from 1989 to 1999, succeeding Hoimar von Ditfurth. He has written numerous books, including The Einstein Pocket Reader, The Other Education and The Big Book on Evolution. Read more on www.epfischer.com.