"A Short History of the Universe is a superb book that gives an entertaining and enlightening overview of modern cosmology."-William J. Kaufmann III, author of Universe and (with Larry L. Smarr) Supercomputing and the Transformation of Science" Th e book is an a uthoritative view of contemporary cosmology by a respected cosmologist and is a fine addition to the Scientific American Library."-Jay M. Pasachoff, Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy, Williams College"Joseph Silk is one of our generation's most articulate scientists. In A Short History of the Universe, he masterfully weaves the latest and most compelling features of our big bang world view into a grand tapestry. The result is a wonderful synopsis of current cosmology. The perspective is huge, the details rich and unassailable, the exposition clear and accessible. I warmly recommend it to lay and professional cosmologists alike."- Eri c J. Chaisson, Director, Wright Center for Science Education, and Professor of Physics, Tufts University