Books

First UK edition, first impression, published simultaneously in America on 1 April 1988. One of the most important scientific works of the second half of the 20th century and a masterpiece of scientific popularization, A Brief History of Time details for a lay readership the origin and eventual fate of the universe. Loosely inserted into this copy is a press cutting of a review for this work. Octavo. Original blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt. With dust jacket. Illustrations and diagrams throughout. Spine ends a little rubbed, top and fore edge a little foxed, as usual; else a near-fine, unmarked copy, in the near-fine jacket, light foxing to verso, unclipped.

In 'A Brief History of Time', Stephen Hawking attempts to explain a range of subjects in cosmology, including the Big Bang, black holes, and light cones to the non-specialized reader. His goal is to provide an overview of the history, laws, and major theories of the cosmos in a way that is accessible to the general public, without complex mathematical jargon.