A frequent popular writer on cosmology, Silk (U. of Oxford) takes on the task of explaining the puzzles and speculations of cosmology for general readers while retaining enough technical detail for advanced students and professionals. His topics include the case for the Big Bang, the darkest matters, cosmic archaeology, eminent mis-steps in cosmology, the universe in seven numbers, and cosmology's future. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)