A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Poor, 26 Nov 2008
I completely agree with Grober, there are just too many pictures of personnel and very few of Nasa in space.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Poor, 26 Nov 2008
I completely agree with Grober, there are just too many pictures of personnel and very few of Nasa in space.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


excellent scientific strength training book, 27 Jan 2008
the review above says it all: excellent resource for the strength athlete or coach,although you may need a background in sports science, or be well read to understand parts of it.Not an easy read, but very,very informative with a lot of scientific data regarding strength development.
Highly recommended.

Superbly advanced strength and conditioning manual., 05 Mar 2001
This book draws heavily on the author's experiance in preparing the weightlifting, athletics and swimming teams of the former USSR. It is a well presented foundation for learning the concepts behind the soviet method of strength training. The book is primarily directed towards an academic or coach'sperspective, however the motivated home enthuasiast can benefit from Dr. Zatsiorsky's's knowledge.

The layout is simple and methodical. It begins with the basics of strength and conditioning. These first chapters are of great benefit to neophytes and sports scientists alike. The book then progresses to cover training, timing and exercising.This includes a great deal of data gathered from soviet athletes. Dr Zatsiorsky goes into detail on the scientific basis of the development of strength and condioning with regard to the neural system.He particularly stresses the use of strength training for injury prevention, and the specificity of the exercise selection and loading patterns.

I have used these principles when coaching young Shot Putters who went on to break national records here in Ireland.

An excellent book, not geared towards bodybuilding or power lifting, rather a scientific explanation of the basis of strength development.

The type of person who would benefit the most is one who is seeking knowledge of these principles to apply to their particular sport, IE Athletics, Rugby, Rowing and gymnastics et cetera.

Many thanks to the author for helping me to "think outside the box".

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Poor, 26 Nov 2008
I completely agree with Grober, there are just too many pictures of personnel and very few of Nasa in space.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


excellent scientific strength training book, 27 Jan 2008
the review above says it all: excellent resource for the strength athlete or coach,although you may need a background in sports science, or be well read to understand parts of it.Not an easy read, but very,very informative with a lot of scientific data regarding strength development.
Highly recommended.

Superbly advanced strength and conditioning manual., 05 Mar 2001
This book draws heavily on the author's experiance in preparing the weightlifting, athletics and swimming teams of the former USSR. It is a well presented foundation for learning the concepts behind the soviet method of strength training. The book is primarily directed towards an academic or coach'sperspective, however the motivated home enthuasiast can benefit from Dr. Zatsiorsky's's knowledge.

The layout is simple and methodical. It begins with the basics of strength and conditioning. These first chapters are of great benefit to neophytes and sports scientists alike. The book then progresses to cover training, timing and exercising.This includes a great deal of data gathered from soviet athletes. Dr Zatsiorsky goes into detail on the scientific basis of the development of strength and condioning with regard to the neural system.He particularly stresses the use of strength training for injury prevention, and the specificity of the exercise selection and loading patterns.

I have used these principles when coaching young Shot Putters who went on to break national records here in Ireland.

An excellent book, not geared towards bodybuilding or power lifting, rather a scientific explanation of the basis of strength development.

The type of person who would benefit the most is one who is seeking knowledge of these principles to apply to their particular sport, IE Athletics, Rugby, Rowing and gymnastics et cetera.

Many thanks to the author for helping me to "think outside the box".

The Universe in a nutshell, 12 Apr 2008
This is much more than a book about galaxies. Within the small space of a Very Short Introduction John Gribbin manages to pack in as great deal about the history of astronomy, cosmology, and the fate of the Universe. Although it is in a (sort of) academic series, it's as readable as his less academic books, and bang up to date. Explains how our Milky Way is just an average galaxy, one of hundreds of billions of galaxies in the expanding Universe. Great value!

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Poor, 26 Nov 2008
I completely agree with Grober, there are just too many pictures of personnel and very few of Nasa in space.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


excellent scientific strength training book, 27 Jan 2008
the review above says it all: excellent resource for the strength athlete or coach,although you may need a background in sports science, or be well read to understand parts of it.Not an easy read, but very,very informative with a lot of scientific data regarding strength development.
Highly recommended.

Superbly advanced strength and conditioning manual., 05 Mar 2001
This book draws heavily on the author's experiance in preparing the weightlifting, athletics and swimming teams of the former USSR. It is a well presented foundation for learning the concepts behind the soviet method of strength training. The book is primarily directed towards an academic or coach'sperspective, however the motivated home enthuasiast can benefit from Dr. Zatsiorsky's's knowledge.

The layout is simple and methodical. It begins with the basics of strength and conditioning. These first chapters are of great benefit to neophytes and sports scientists alike. The book then progresses to cover training, timing and exercising.This includes a great deal of data gathered from soviet athletes. Dr Zatsiorsky goes into detail on the scientific basis of the development of strength and condioning with regard to the neural system.He particularly stresses the use of strength training for injury prevention, and the specificity of the exercise selection and loading patterns.

I have used these principles when coaching young Shot Putters who went on to break national records here in Ireland.

An excellent book, not geared towards bodybuilding or power lifting, rather a scientific explanation of the basis of strength development.

The type of person who would benefit the most is one who is seeking knowledge of these principles to apply to their particular sport, IE Athletics, Rugby, Rowing and gymnastics et cetera.

Many thanks to the author for helping me to "think outside the box".

The Universe in a nutshell, 12 Apr 2008
This is much more than a book about galaxies. Within the small space of a Very Short Introduction John Gribbin manages to pack in as great deal about the history of astronomy, cosmology, and the fate of the Universe. Although it is in a (sort of) academic series, it's as readable as his less academic books, and bang up to date. Explains how our Milky Way is just an average galaxy, one of hundreds of billions of galaxies in the expanding Universe. Great value!

What Picture?, 24 Oct 2008
I can only think that the reviews of this book were by Physicists or by Radiologists who are tied to K-space
For Radiologists new to MR it is very limited.
If you are a Radiologist buy Leyendecker: Abdominal and Pelvic MRI, it has a good technical introduction and actually does relate the technical detail to the images.

useful and current, 02 Mar 2004
I bought this to help my practice in reporting MRIs rather than to pass exams. It has proved a good buy and has demystified pulse sequences to a certain extent. I am particularly pleased that specific pulse sequences on both siemens and phillips scanners are explained.
I still am confused about spatial encoding and fourier transformation but i dont think any book can make these subjects understandable!!
I would reccomend this book to radiologists who are interested in learning what those numbers in the top corner of the film actually mean.

Thank heavens !, 29 Sep 2003
At last a book about MRI which I didn't want to put down and which actually made me laugh out loud!
It is the best book I have read as far as understanding MRI physics and principles goes and makes a dry subject bearable and understandable.
I would thoroughly recommend it and think it will soon be indispensable in MRI depts.

Bridget Jones does MRI!, 24 Apr 2003
This book is actually funny, the laughing type of funny. It's not just the Bridget Jones' style week in the life of an MR radiographer, but hidden in the text are various one-liners - like the bit about taking off you watch and emptying your pockets when you visit CT! As well as lightening the subject the humour shows that the authors are not merely remote academics (it is a book primarily about MR physics) but real hands-on MR practitioners and excellent communicators.

So how hard is the physics? Well you have to read far into the book to get any. That's because it's written in a "back-to-front" manner. This ingenious trick enables the reader to become familiar with scanners, scanning and images without having to get bogged down with those bothersome protons and flipping and the like. Eventually the basic physics is introduced but by this time you are so well grounded in the practical aspects of MR - the pictures bit - that you are better equipped to handle the protons.

Another clever idea is having a main text, which is exceptionally easy to read, and optional advanced boxes (printed in a different colour). This makes the book accessible as a basic introductory text and also for more advanced students. It is possible however to learn almost all you need to know without reading the advanced blue bits (well at least I did). All the maths is in the advanced boxes -there are no equations in the main text (thankfully). Also, very handy for exams and interviews, each chapter starts with a summary of what you need to know from that chapter before it delves into the whys and wherefores.

So what does it cover? All the basics: scanners and the scanning suite, safety, basic clinical protocols, image contrast, pixels and matrices, image optimisation, artefacts and how to avoid them, image formation, resonance and relaxation, contrast agents, equipment and bioeffects. That's part A, the bit you can read backwards (and you really can). Part B consists of more specialist topics including all those difficult to remember sequences, angio, cardiac, spectroscopy and a useful chapter on QA. Finally chapter 16 includes EPI, functional, perfusion and diffusion, hyperpolarised gases and parallel imaging (SENSE and SMASH).

MRI from Picture to Proton contains probably more than any one MR professional needs to know but it's hard to imagine why you would need any other MR physics book ever. It's very easy to read, beautifully produced (2 colours on every page and a full colour section) with loads of images and very clear diagrams and in paperback (a hardback version is also available) at £34.95 it's not too expensive. I loved it. They should make it into a movie.

May sound backwards! It couldn't be more foreward!!, 18 Jan 2003
Probably the most significant MRI book that covers the physics, safety and basic clinical applications. The book has a novel approach by working from picture to proton. It is easy to read due to the excellent writing. The diagrams are fantastic, being clear and well anotated. The book is excellent for the first time reader through to the advanced reader. Complex physics is there but is separated in boxes that can be read by those who like that sort of thing. If you want to dip in to check something out, it is well referenced within the book so that links to underpinning knowledge can be checked out in other chapters (it works).

The week in a life of an MRI radiographer introduces humour for the first time into a text like this.

I firmly believe that this will become a key text for many courses and departments with MRI and replace other popular texts as the essential first book to buy and hopefully be very fullfilling for much longer.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Poor, 26 Nov 2008
I completely agree with Grober, there are just too many pictures of personnel and very few of Nasa in space.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


excellent scientific strength training book, 27 Jan 2008
the review above says it all: excellent resource for the strength athlete or coach,although you may need a background in sports science, or be well read to understand parts of it.Not an easy read, but very,very informative with a lot of scientific data regarding strength development.
Highly recommended.

Superbly advanced strength and conditioning manual., 05 Mar 2001
This book draws heavily on the author's experiance in preparing the weightlifting, athletics and swimming teams of the former USSR. It is a well presented foundation for learning the concepts behind the soviet method of strength training. The book is primarily directed towards an academic or coach'sperspective, however the motivated home enthuasiast can benefit from Dr. Zatsiorsky's's knowledge.

The layout is simple and methodical. It begins with the basics of strength and conditioning. These first chapters are of great benefit to neophytes and sports scientists alike. The book then progresses to cover training, timing and exercising.This includes a great deal of data gathered from soviet athletes. Dr Zatsiorsky goes into detail on the scientific basis of the development of strength and condioning with regard to the neural system.He particularly stresses the use of strength training for injury prevention, and the specificity of the exercise selection and loading patterns.

I have used these principles when coaching young Shot Putters who went on to break national records here in Ireland.

An excellent book, not geared towards bodybuilding or power lifting, rather a scientific explanation of the basis of strength development.

The type of person who would benefit the most is one who is seeking knowledge of these principles to apply to their particular sport, IE Athletics, Rugby, Rowing and gymnastics et cetera.

Many thanks to the author for helping me to "think outside the box".

The Universe in a nutshell, 12 Apr 2008
This is much more than a book about galaxies. Within the small space of a Very Short Introduction John Gribbin manages to pack in as great deal about the history of astronomy, cosmology, and the fate of the Universe. Although it is in a (sort of) academic series, it's as readable as his less academic books, and bang up to date. Explains how our Milky Way is just an average galaxy, one of hundreds of billions of galaxies in the expanding Universe. Great value!

What Picture?, 24 Oct 2008
I can only think that the reviews of this book were by Physicists or by Radiologists who are tied to K-space
For Radiologists new to MR it is very limited.
If you are a Radiologist buy Leyendecker: Abdominal and Pelvic MRI, it has a good technical introduction and actually does relate the technical detail to the images.

useful and current, 02 Mar 2004
I bought this to help my practice in reporting MRIs rather than to pass exams. It has proved a good buy and has demystified pulse sequences to a certain extent. I am particularly pleased that specific pulse sequences on both siemens and phillips scanners are explained.
I still am confused about spatial encoding and fourier transformation but i dont think any book can make these subjects understandable!!
I would reccomend this book to radiologists who are interested in learning what those numbers in the top corner of the film actually mean.

Thank heavens !, 29 Sep 2003
At last a book about MRI which I didn't want to put down and which actually made me laugh out loud!
It is the best book I have read as far as understanding MRI physics and principles goes and makes a dry subject bearable and understandable.
I would thoroughly recommend it and think it will soon be indispensable in MRI depts.

Bridget Jones does MRI!, 24 Apr 2003
This book is actually funny, the laughing type of funny. It's not just the Bridget Jones' style week in the life of an MR radiographer, but hidden in the text are various one-liners - like the bit about taking off you watch and emptying your pockets when you visit CT! As well as lightening the subject the humour shows that the authors are not merely remote academics (it is a book primarily about MR physics) but real hands-on MR practitioners and excellent communicators.

So how hard is the physics? Well you have to read far into the book to get any. That's because it's written in a "back-to-front" manner. This ingenious trick enables the reader to become familiar with scanners, scanning and images without having to get bogged down with those bothersome protons and flipping and the like. Eventually the basic physics is introduced but by this time you are so well grounded in the practical aspects of MR - the pictures bit - that you are better equipped to handle the protons.

Another clever idea is having a main text, which is exceptionally easy to read, and optional advanced boxes (printed in a different colour). This makes the book accessible as a basic introductory text and also for more advanced students. It is possible however to learn almost all you need to know without reading the advanced blue bits (well at least I did). All the maths is in the advanced boxes -there are no equations in the main text (thankfully). Also, very handy for exams and interviews, each chapter starts with a summary of what you need to know from that chapter before it delves into the whys and wherefores.

So what does it cover? All the basics: scanners and the scanning suite, safety, basic clinical protocols, image contrast, pixels and matrices, image optimisation, artefacts and how to avoid them, image formation, resonance and relaxation, contrast agents, equipment and bioeffects. That's part A, the bit you can read backwards (and you really can). Part B consists of more specialist topics including all those difficult to remember sequences, angio, cardiac, spectroscopy and a useful chapter on QA. Finally chapter 16 includes EPI, functional, perfusion and diffusion, hyperpolarised gases and parallel imaging (SENSE and SMASH).

MRI from Picture to Proton contains probably more than any one MR professional needs to know but it's hard to imagine why you would need any other MR physics book ever. It's very easy to read, beautifully produced (2 colours on every page and a full colour section) with loads of images and very clear diagrams and in paperback (a hardback version is also available) at £34.95 it's not too expensive. I loved it. They should make it into a movie.

May sound backwards! It couldn't be more foreward!!, 18 Jan 2003
Probably the most significant MRI book that covers the physics, safety and basic clinical applications. The book has a novel approach by working from picture to proton. It is easy to read due to the excellent writing. The diagrams are fantastic, being clear and well anotated. The book is excellent for the first time reader through to the advanced reader. Complex physics is there but is separated in boxes that can be read by those who like that sort of thing. If you want to dip in to check something out, it is well referenced within the book so that links to underpinning knowledge can be checked out in other chapters (it works).

The week in a life of an MRI radiographer introduces humour for the first time into a text like this.

I firmly believe that this will become a key text for many courses and departments with MRI and replace other popular texts as the essential first book to buy and hopefully be very fullfilling for much longer.

Top-notch science book and a good intro to heavyweight cosmological topics, 08 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book, and have just started reading it again. I'm a big fan of Jim Al-Khalili's work, and the attempts he makes to explain seriously heavy cosmological ideas to everyday people.

What I think he does extremely well in this book is to help you build a difficult-to-understand concept in your mind, without a single mind-bending equation. This is all the more amazing, given that a sizeable portion of the information contained in this book is based on theory rather than proven fact.

The only thing that didn't work for me in this book was the attempts at humour. I really like the conversational style, as it really aids your understanding of the information, but the jokey comments remind me of seminars I've been to in the past where the listeners laugh at the speaker's jokes just to be kind and save embarrassment.

But anyway, apart from that, the book is faultless and it thoroughly deserves five stars. I would suggest reading it, even if you aren't interested in this subject. I think it would also work really well as an audiobook too.

An excellent read, not too technical and humorous to boot, 18 Feb 2008
I thought this book was excellent. I've been fascinated by this subject for years and have attempted (and failed) to read Hawking, Einstein et al because I just found them too complicated and too filled with equations to make sense. I have 2 hons degrees so I don't think I am that stupid (I hope not!) but I just found Hawking and the like to be unreadable- their concepts are not explained in laymans terms and unless you are an expert in quantum mechanics its like wading through treacle. This book, however, was perfect for a dunce(!) like me and the author gave practical examples and diagrams for most of the complicated concepts such as how black holes work and the concept of time. The style of writing is also very accessible and smattered with the author's own personal thoughts and witty observations which I liked as it made it seem more like we were having a conversation rather than him talking at me about subjects that i don;t understand. For example, in the time travel section he uses the film "The Terminator" to illustrate the time travel paradox which having seen the film, was really helpful and I actually understood what he was saying (yay!).

The book inevitable throws up more questions that answers but this is the nature of cosmology and science in general I think. There are some fascinating insights into the possibility of time travel and the fact that according to the laws of gravity, it is technically possible and I was blown away by the idea of Planck time (a measurement of time that is so small, there are more planck units in a single second than there are seconds since the universe began). The concept of infinity was also brilliantly explained and it made me realise that the universe in which we live is more mysterious and unfathomable than I ever realised possible. An excellent book which makes this subject understandable. I actually feel more intelligent having read it!!

Fascinating book, accessible to all., 09 Jan 2005
To someone (like myself) who has little or no knowledge of physics, this book is a REAL eye-opener. It is incredibly exciting, and has a deal of humour to boot.

Some parts DO require concentration to get your head around, and I must admit on one or two occasions being slightly lost. Thankfully though 99% of the book was quite easy to follow.

Primarily the book is focused on giving the reader an overview of Einstein's Theories of Relativity, and in particular how these could be applicable to time travel.

My only slight criticism is that the author does seem to concentrate on building/using time machines from a practical viewpoint, as though the reader is a Sc-Fi fan.

Before reading it I thought the universe was born billions of years ago with the Big Bang, and that I was at a certain point in time, and it would carry on ad infinitum after I die. Not necessarily so according to modern physics!

A very small sample of amazing information that I learned was:

Time could start running backwards if the Universe stops expanding and starts contracting.
Time slows down the quicker you go (near the speed of light time almost stops, or speeds up to infinity depending on your viewpoint).
Gravity doesn't pull objects, but bends space itself so objects 'fall' into it.
Gravity bends time and slows it down. Very heavy gravitation can almost stop time.
That the 'present' depends on where you are in space (and your speed), and that all future & past events may co-exist.

The book also touches on Quantum Mechanics, which is even weirder i.e. particles appearing from nowhere and being in 2 places at the same time.

Fantastic, 08 Aug 2002
I find myself coming back to this book over and over again. Everytime you read it you learn something new. The author's writing style is informal, and he explains the various concepts in the book very clearly, with lots of examples and occasional diagrams. Overall, an absoluetly fascinating book to go along with A Brief History of Time.

An absolutely excellent book, 16 Aug 2001
A brilliantly written book for both scientists and non-scientists alike. Unlike most science texts, this one is gripping and informative, written in a clear easy style. Superb.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the me