Einstein’s Monsters: The Life and Times of Black Holes

Black holes are the best known and least understood objects in the universe. These enigmatic giants, which scientists have discovered are at the center of every galaxy, continue to astound and challenge us. In Einstein’s Monsters, distinguished astronomer Chris Impey takes readers on a vivid tour of these cosmic wonders. He weaves a fascinating tale out of the fiendishly complex math of black holes and the colorful history of their discovery. Impey blends this history with a poignant account of the phenomena scientists have witnessed while observing black holes: stars swarming like bees around the center of our galaxy; black holes performing gravitational waltzes with visible stars; the cymbal clash of two back holes colliding, releasing ripples in space time.

Clear, compelling, and profound, Einstein’s Monsters reveals how our comprehension of black holes is intrinsically linked to how we make sense of the universe and our place within it.