The Universe: Order Without Design

Written for general audiences, this volume on the current theories surrounding the origins and evolution of the universe addresses such concerns as the validity of the Big Bang Theory, the inflationary theory of universe expansion and recent debates over intelligent design. Calle is a director and senior research physicist at NASA, and he presents new theories based upon "M-theory" that states that our universe may be one of several, and that the Big Bang may be part of a big cycle that includes total destruction via a "Big Crunch." The author also describes alternative models that portray our universe as either oscillating, without origin or without design. Annotation 穢2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)