The Invisible Universe

This is a reasonable introduction to the astronomy of non-visual observations, but clearly written by a specialist in infrared and millimeter wave observations, X-rays were mentioned in 3 places and ultraviolet does not appear in the index at all nor Gammas, despite UV being one of NASA's four Great observatories. At least Gravitational waves get a description, but little data. And why did the editor not number the colour plates. It would save the irritating repetition of ``Page seven of the photo section' and having to count the pages!. If the book had been more comprehensive, perhaps two or three more chapters would do it, I would have given it at least 4 stars.

If you only ever read one book on cosmology / astronomy then this is the one I would strongly recommend. Beautifully written on a subject the author clearly loves, this is a fantastic book which I didn’t want to end.

Wonderfully lucid and up to date explanations, especially of infrared astronomy.

Multiwavelength astronomy is properly explained. Matthew Bothwell is a good communicator, he reminds me of John Gribbin in his ability to explain a subject. My only gripe is Bothwell just like Gribbin before him, is not keen to use diagrams. A diagram can save a hundred words . This book is brim-full of super facts. Most book and magazine articles churn over the same facts ad nauseam.I have already bought another copy of The Invisible Universe for my brothers Christmas

A fascinating and wonderfully informative account of the history and current state of cosmology. Beautifully and clearly written, and very readable.

There is a lot of space. A lot of that space we can’t see, and this book explains why.Bothwell is a good communicator of a complex and fascinating subject. One for both amateur stargazers and more experienced people to enjoy and learn from.