Andrew Liddle

Updated edition of a popular introduction to cosmology, now with new observational data, supporting web material, and problems with solutions An Introduction to Modern Cosmology is an accessible account of modern cosmological ideas that enables readers to understand cosmology without resorting to the mathematical apparatus of general relativity. This fully revised Fourth Edition of the bestseller takes an approach which is grounded in physics with a logical flow of chapters, leading the reader from basic ideas of the expansion described by the Friedman equations to some of the more advanced ideas about the early universe. The Advanced Topic sections present subjects with more detailed mathematical approaches to give greater depth to discussions. Student problems with hints for solving them and numerical answers are embedded in the chapters to facilitate the readers' understanding and learning. The new edition contains updated observational data, more detailed explanations and examples of the central-to-cosmology Friedman equations, and references to extensive online supporting material. It also incorporates up-to-date results from the Planck mission, which imaged the anisotropies of cosmic microwave background radiation over the whole sky. Sample topics explored in An Introduction to Modern Cosmology include: The geometry of the universe, covering flat, spherical, and hyperbolic geometry, infinite and observable universes, and the three values of k Simple cosmological models, covering Hubble's law, expansion and redshift, particle number densities, and evolution including curvature The density of the universe and dark matter, covering galaxy cluster composition and brightness of the supernovae The origin of light elements in the universe, covering hydrogen and helium, problems with the Hot Big Bang, and flatness and horizon problems Written in a clear, concise format with short, accessible chapters, An Introduction to Modern Cosmology is an essential textbook resource on the subject for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of astronomy, astrophysics, and physics.

This is the true story of Winston Churchill and Scotland. In the popular imagination, Winston Churchill is the bulldog of 1940 – uncompromising and Conservative. But in 1922 he was the reforming, progressive Liberal MP for Dundee who, after five successive election wins and a majority of 15,000, could confidently claim to have a seat for life. But one man had other ideas. This is the story of how god-fearing teetotaller Edwin Scrymgeour fought and won an election against Britain’s most famous politician. Andrew Liddle vividly brings to life an extraordinary rivalry as it unfolded over fifteen years, and also explores for the first time Churchill’s controversial Scottish legacy, including his attitude to devolution. 'Rich and well-written . . . a vital insight' – The Scotsman 'A fascinating story' – Times Radio 'A brilliant book' – Andrew Adonis

In 1922 Winston Churchill prepared to defend his parliamentary seat of Dundee in the General Election. He had represented the city since 1908, enjoyed a majority of more than 15,000 and, after five previous victories, confidently described it as a ‘life seat’. But one man had other ideas, and Churchill was in for the fight of his life. This is the story of how god-fearing teetotaller Edwin Scrymgeour fought and won an election against Britain’s most famous politician. It begins with their first electoral contest in 1908 and follows their political sparring over the next 15 years until Scrymgeour’s eventual victory in 1922, when he became the only prohibitionist ever elected to the House of Commons. As well as vividly bringing to life an extraordinary personal and political rivalry, the book also explores for the first time Churchill’s controversial relationship with Scotland, including his attitude to devolution.

Introducing General Relativity An accessible and engaging introduction to general relativity for undergraduates In Introducing General Relativity, the authors deliver a structured introduction to the core concepts and applications of General Relativity. The book leads readers from the basic ideas of relativity—including the Equivalence Principle and curved space-time—to more advanced topics, like Solar System tests and gravitational wave detection. Each chapter contains practice problems designed to engage undergraduate students of mechanics, electrodynamics, and special relativity. A wide range of classical and modern topics are covered in detail, from exploring observational successes and astrophysical implications to explaining many popular principles, like space-time, redshift, black holes, gravitational waves and cosmology. Advanced topic sections introduce the reader to more detailed mathematical approaches and complex ideas, and prepare them for the exploration of more specialized and sophisticated texts. Introducing General Relativity also offers: Structured outlines to the concepts of General Relativity and a wide variety of its applicationsComprehensive explorations of foundational ideas in General Relativity, including space-time curvature and tensor calculusPractical discussions of classical and modern topics in relativity, from space-time to redshift, gravity, black holes, and gravitational wavesOptional, in-depth sections covering the mathematical approaches to more advanced ideas Perfect for undergraduate physics students who have studied mechanics, dynamics, and Special Relativity, Introducing General Relativity is an essential resource for those seeking an intermediate level discussion of General Relativity placed between the more qualitative books and graduate-level textbooks.

Ruth Davidson has enjoyed a stratospheric rise to prominence within the Scottish Conservative Party, winning her surprise leadership victory an astonishing six months after becoming an MP. Under her redoubtable leadership, the Tory Party have revitalised their fortunes north of the border, more than doubling their seats and overtaking Labour for the first time in sixty years. A lesbian, kick-boxing former Territorial Army reservist, Davidson has broken the mould of both Tory and Scottish politics and has been touted as a future Prime Minister. Yet little is known of Ms Davidson and her remarkable journey outside of Scotland. With Scottish politics in flux following the hard-fought independence referendum and Britain’s imminent departure from the EU, Davidson’s profile will only become more prominent as she heads up the official opposition. This first biography of one of Britain’s rising political stars examines how Davidson rejuvenated the toxic Tory brand and asks what the future holds both in Scotland and beyond for this extraordinary young politician.

Andrew Liddle's poetry has appeared widely and Green Thoughts In A Green Shade won critical acclaim. Brooding Luxuries is a new collection of poems written over four decades, reflecting the author's interests in the odd corners of human experience, his contempt for overweening authority and his great love of life. A frequent performer at open mic sessions and at poetry events, he is fond of underscoring his readings with jazz rhythms when a keyboard is available.

How Sylvia Plath spent her last night on earth and what drove her to suicide, while her children were sleeping soundly, will never be known. Brag Of My Heart is a sympathetic and imaginative exploration of her final hours. It captures her mental turmoil, vividly, as she battles her demons, reliving the best and worst of times while communing with herself, her parents and her estranged husband, Ted Hughes. Drawing on her poetry and journals for insight into the creative chaos of her mind, her mood swings and self-loathing, it is above all an original interpretation of what might have occurred and a dramatic - at times terrifying - scream of consciousness.

An Introduction to Modern Cosmology Third Edition is an accessible account of modern cosmological ideas. The Big Bang Cosmology is explored, looking at its observational successes in explaining the expansion of the universe, the existence and properties of the cosmic microwave background, and the origin of light elements in the universe. Properties of the very early Universe are also covered, including the motivation for a rapid period of expansion known as cosmological inflation. The third edition brings this established undergraduate textbook up-to-date with the rapidly evolving observational situation. This fully revised edition of a bestseller takes an approach which is grounded in physics with a logical flow of chapters leading the reader from basic ideas of the expansion described by the Friedman equations to some of the more advanced ideas about the early universe. It also incorporates up-to-date results from the Planck mission, which imaged the anisotropies of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation over the whole sky. The Advanced Topic sections present subjects with more detailed mathematical approaches to give greater depth to discussions. Student problems with hints for solving them and numerical answers are embedded in the chapters to facilitate the reader’s understanding and learning. Cosmology is now part of the core in many degree programs. This current, clear and concise introductory text is relevant to a wide range of astronomy programs worldwide and is essential reading for undergraduates and masters students, as well as anyone starting research in cosmology. Supplementary material, including full-colour images, updates and links for students and instructors, is available on the author’s website: www.roe.ac.uk/~arl/cosbook.html.

An Introduction to Modern Cosmology Third Edition is an accessible account of modern cosmological ideas. The Big Bang Cosmology is explored, looking at its observational successes in explaining the expansion of the universe, the existence and properties of the cosmic microwave background, and the origin of light elements in the universe. Properties of the very early Universe are also covered, including the motivation for a rapid period of expansion known as cosmological inflation. The third edition brings this established undergraduate textbook up-to-date with the rapidly evolving observational situation. This fully revised edition of a bestseller takes an approach which is grounded in physics with a logical flow of chapters leading the reader from basic ideas of the expansion described by the Friedman equations to some of the more advanced ideas about the early universe. It also incorporates up-to-date results from the Planck mission, which imaged the anisotropies of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation over the whole sky. The Advanced Topic sections present subjects with more detailed mathematical approaches to give greater depth to discussions. Student problems with hints for solving them and numerical answers are embedded in the chapters to facilitate the reader’s understanding and learning. Cosmology is now part of the core in many degree programs. This current, clear and concise introductory text is relevant to a wide range of astronomy programs worldwide and is essential reading for undergraduates and masters students, as well as anyone starting research in cosmology. Supplementary material, including full-colour images, updates and links for students and instructors, is available on the author’s website: www.roe.ac.uk/~arl/cosbook.html.

The Oxford Companion to Cosmology is a comprehensive but accessible encyclopedic overview of this enduringly popular subject. With over 350 in-depth entries - ranging from cosmic inflation and dark energy to Higgs boson and neutrinos - it both illuminates the ideas behind the current understanding of the Universe and outlines the fundamental physics from which those ideas emerge. Subjects covered include the structure of the Universe - its rate of expansion and the particles out of which it is composed - the evolution of galaxies, galaxy clusters, and cold dark matter. It encompasses both theoretical ideas such as alternative cosmologies and the various types of observational evidence, including redshift surveys and cosmic microwave background radiation. It appears at a time when there is a growing consensus about the origins and development of the Universe, centred around the hot Big Bang and the emerging Standard Cosmological Model, and an introductory overview brings the reader up to date on current thinking. Written by established experts in theoretical and observational cosmology, the Companion is an invaluable reference resource for students, teachers, science writers, and anyone with a serious interest in cosmology. Extensive cross-referencing allows the reader to unravel the ideas behind the terminology, and over 170 illustrations bring the subject to life. An index offers an alternative way of exploring the topics covered, and recommended entry-level web links provide a source of valuable extra information.

Dank sich stets verbessernder boden- und weltraumgestützter Teleskope stehen der Kosmologie inzwischen Daten zur Verfügung, die Rückschlüsse auf immer frühere Phasen des Universums und Vergleiche mit Modellvorstellungen erlauben. Daher gewinnt die Kosmologie in den Astronomiekursen der Universitäten beständig an Wichtigkeit. Die "Einführung in die Moderne Kosmologie" ist eine anschauliche und leicht verständliche Darstellung moderner kosmologischer Konzepte, die neben zahlreichen Beispielen und Übungsaufgaben auch Hinweise und Endergebnisse enthält, sodass das Erlernte sofort ausprobiert und kontrolliert werden kann. Das Buch ist klar eingeteilt und behandelt in sechs separaten Kapiteln Themen für Fortgeschrittene, darunter relativistische Kosmologie und Neutrino-Kosmologie. Die vorliegende Übersetzung der zweiten Auflage wurde wesentlich ergänzt und erweitert und umfasst neueste Beobachtungsergebnisse sowie zusätzliches Material zur empirischen Kosmologie und Strukturbildung.