A Big Bang in a Little Room

"Merali, an accomplished science writer, weaves a picture of modern cosmology from its results, its history and the motivations of individuals. Thoughts from Alan Guth, Andrei Linde and Alex Vilenkin about the development of cosmic inflation, and from Joe Polchinski about the evolution of string theory (to mention a few), wonderfully convey the sometimes thrilling and often circuitous nature of scientific progress, and its emotional ups and downs..[T]heir wisdom and quirks shine in Merali's excellent prose."-Nature "[Merali] gives readers not only up-close looks at revolutionary science in the making but also memorable glimpses of the colorful revolutionaries... Science has never offered broader intellectual horizons!"-Booklist, starred review "In her elegant and perceptive book, Merali unpacks the science behind what we know about our universe's beginnings and traces the paths that many renowned researchers have taken to translate these insights to new heights: the creation of a brand-new "baby" universe, and not an empty one, either, but one with its own physics, matter, and (possibly) life...[Merali] effortlessly explains the complex theories that form the bedrock of this concept, and she brings to life the investigators who have dedicated much of their careers in pursuit of fundamental truths... A rich and wonderful cosmological history that illuminates the scientific possibility of the nearly unthinkable."-Kirkus "A Big Bang in a Little Room takes readers on a journey through the history of cosmology and unravels the ideas behind the provocative claim, made by some of the most respective physicists alive, that we can nurse other worlds in the tiny confines of the lab."-Publishers Weekly, Fall Announcements "A charming reading tour of some of the most creative and unconventional ideas in modern science." -Anton Zeilinger, Scientific Director, Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information and author of Dance of the Photons "If you're an atheist, it will both inflate your universe and give you the jitters, and if you are religiously inclined, it will blow your mind. This is a beautifully written and rewarding book that opens a door into a multiverse of extraordinary wonders." -Rowan Hooper, New Scientist "So you want to make your own universe. Zeeya Merali's new book won't quite give you an instruction kit-but it's the closest thing we have at the moment. A fun and mind-expanding ride through modern ideas of how universes come to be." -Sean Carroll, author of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself "To appreciate the diverse personalities who seek amazing links between cosmos and microworld on the speculative frontiers of physics, you should read this book." -Martin Rees, Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, University of Cambridge, and author of Universe and Just Six Numbers "Is it possible to create a universe in a lab? Is it moral? In this fascinating and provocative book, Merali walks a delicate line between physics and theology with charm, integrity, and wit. She deftly navigates heady scientific ideas and profound ethical questions, and her lively interactions with physicists bring their abstract theories to life. Whether you find it ultimately convincing or quixotic, Merali's journey will leave you marveling at the implications of DIY universe building and questioning the origins of our own strange universe." -Amanda Gefter, author of Trespassing on Einstein's Lawn