The author brings the subject up to 2015 with the obligatory new discovery combined with a fine history of cosmology, and he makes it clear that our knowledge and ignorance seem to be expanding in parallel. Since satisfying results have yet to turn up, Clark's book ends on a cliffhanger, but readers will be entirely pleased with the experience. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Herein lies the tale of intrepid astronomers, across time and cultures, who were the first to observe, identify, and document our misbehaving Sun. A delightful, informative read. -- Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, author of 'Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries?'
The balance of brief biographies, technical exposition, intriguing trivia, and big-picture thinking is just right for the context. There's plenty of fresh and fascinating information to learn. The exciting recent discovery of gravitational waves will make this title all the more relevant for the cosmologically curious. -- Library Journal
In this well-researched and very well-written book, Clark tells the embattled, little-known history of modern astronomy, a spry tale full of intrigue, jealousy, spite, dedication and perseverance. -- Publishers Weekly
Clark is writing for a popular science audience who will enjoy his lively and eminently readable account of the lives and scientific careers of those whose work furthered the understanding of the Sun-Earth connection. -- Richard C. Canfield - Physics Today
Strikes a new chord in American cosmological thinking. Clark has taken a comprehensive perspective to discover nuances in the meaning of well-known theories from the most celebrated theorists. -- San Francisco Book Review
Accessible to any reader with basic mathematical understanding, but also enriching for specialists, providing ample references to technical papers for further reading. The Unknown Universe reminds us that the quest for knowledge demands uncompromising skepticism and abundant humility alongside the insatiable curiosity that has always characterized the human heart. -- Science
A sprightly and spirited narrative. I found myself captivated by the characters, the colossal problems they tackled, and the stunning conclusions they finally reached. I commend Clark for combining so many interesting ideas into a single, fast-paced, beautifully crafted story. -- Dava Sobel, author of 'Longitude,' 'Galileo's Daughter,' and 'The Planets?'
Clark's easily absorbed prose places readers deep in the middle of exciting new models, ideas and analysis that are requiring scientists to rethink what they had thought they knew about outer space. -- Shelf Awareness
Stuart Clark illuminates the dawn of astrophysics. No faceless automatons, the scientists in this tale blend a passion for their work with the more worldly passions of pride, jealousy, greed, and lust. -- Robert P. Kirshner, Clowes Professor of Science, Harvard University
