Astronomer Rees (Cambridge U.) describes new theories in speculative cosmology in language accessible to the lay reader. The "six numbers" in the title refer to six constant values that describe and define everything from the way atoms are held together to the amount of matter in the universe. Coverage includes the relationship between the cosmos and the microworld, gravity, the periodic table, dark matter, planets, stars, and life in the universe. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)