In 1923 Edwin Hubble confirmed the existence of other galaxies. By the end of the decade, he proved that the universe is expanding, thus laying the very cornerstone of the big bang theory. A revealing portrait of a scientific genius at work, this book also offers an incisive narrative of the history of astronomy, and an evocation of what we see when gazing at the stars. "Highly entertaining. . . . Hubble may have been the most important astronomer since Galileo. Perhaps since Copernicus."--Dick Teresi, "New York Times Book Review" "Hubble's own story has not been adequately told until now. . . . A riveting portrait of a great scientist and a haunted man, and the best look we are likely to have of the real Hubble."--Dennis Overby, "Los Angeles Times Book Review" "Displays remarkable strength in its steadfast balance and scrupulous honesty. The greatness of the discoveries is set off against the contrasting pettiness of the man."--Hans Christian von Baeyer, "Boston Sunday Globe" "Fascinating. . . . This is one of the most impressive scientific biographies of recent years."-- "Kirkus Review, " starred review -- "Notable Books for the Year 1995" selection, "New York Times Book Review" --"Best Books of 1995" selection, "Library Journal" --Selected as one of the five best science books in 1995 by Carl Sagen, "Washington Post"

蓋爾・E・剋裏斯琴森，美國印第安納州立大學曆史學教授。先後就讀於艾奧瓦大學和北艾奧瓦大學，獲文學博士學位。他曾獲印第安納州立大學的傑齣教授奬及研究創新奬，是古根海姆學者，著有關於牛頓、哈勃等著名科學傢的傳記多部，另有討論全球變暖問題的科普著作。