Physics: From Newton to the Big Bang by Albert and Eve Stwertka
	(Illus.; from the History of Science series) Franklin Watts Inc. 1986 95pp. 0-531-10224-6 Glossary; Index JH, YA, GA *

In lucid prose and clear diagrams, the authors of this book explain the contributions of Aristotle, Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo that were synthesized by Newton into the law of universal gravitation and later extended by Einstein with his theory of relativity. Then the synthesis of the dual nature of light (wave and particle) and the relationship of energy and matter published by Einstein are discussed and applied to radio waves and satellite astronomy and a possible explanation for the creation and the future of the universe. Along the way, the authors cover such related topics as tides and precession, Halley's Comet, satellites, black holes, colors and the spectrum, the red shift, and the unified field theory. A good glossary and index add to the usefulness of the fact-filled, engaging text. The authors should be commended for making a difficult subject understandable and clear.

--Reviewed by Mary H. Perry in Science Books and Films, 22/4 (March/April 1987), p. 231.