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The Modern Scholar
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The Modern Scholar
- Astronomy II: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
- By: Prof. James Kaler
- Narrated by: Prof. James Kaler
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 269
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 171
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 169
As far as we can see there are countless other galaxies of all shapes and sizes set within an ever-expanding space that was created in a "Big Bang" nearly 14 billion years ago. Along with solutions to old puzzles, however, come new riddles, as most of our Universe appears to be in the form of some kind of unseen "dark matter" and incomprehensible "dark energy" whose natures and origins remain unfathomable.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Absolutely awesome!
- By R. David Mintz on 03-04-10
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The Modern Scholar
- Heavens Above: Stars, Constellations, and the Sky
- By: Professor James Kaler
- Narrated by: James Kaler
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 47
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 47
This course guides listeners through the sights of the naked- eye sky, wherein we directly witness the effects of the turning and revolving of the Earth, the artistry painted by the human mind using the sky and stars, and how the view changes with time and with our place on the planet.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Not as Good as Professors Kaler's Other Lectures
- By Patrick on 07-19-09
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Thermodynamics: Four Laws That Move the Universe
- By: Jeffrey C. Grossman, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jeffrey C. Grossman
- Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 36
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 33
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 33
Nothing has had a more profound impact on the development of modern civilization than thermodynamics. Thermodynamic processes are at the heart of everything that involves heat, energy, and work, making an understanding of the subject indispensable for careers in engineering, physical science, biology, meteorology, and even nutrition and culinary arts. Get an in-depth tour of this vital and fascinating science in 24 enthralling lectures suitable for everyone from science novices to experts who wish to review elementary concepts and formulas.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Good for very select audience
- By James S. on 01-15-19
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The Modern Scholar: Geology
- The Story of Earth
- By: Professor Kate Zeigler
- Narrated by: Professor Kate Zeigler
- Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 157
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 135
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 134
Geology is often thought of as simply the study of rocks. In reality, geology is the study of our planet on all scales, from microscopic to planet-wide, and ranging in time from almost instantaneous events, like earthquakes, to the glacially slow motion of the tectonic plates. Everything we know about our world from a geologic perspective is based on information locked into the rock record and the job of a geologist is to tease out that story through a wide variety of observations. This insightful course explores a range of topics that help to tell the story of Earth and to explain the discipline of Geology and the role of the geologist.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
interesting, informative and well presented.
- By Steven Mark on 01-09-16
-
Astronomy for Star Gazers: Through a Home Telescope
- By: Tristan Stenberg
- Narrated by: Nathan E. Bradshaw
- Length: 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 2
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 2
Astronomy essentially is the science of studying objects and phenomena in space, i.e. anything outside the Earth's atmosphere. If you are a beginner of astronomy, you need to know that there is more to this subject than just identifying the stars lighting up the night sky. It also involves understanding how different celestial bodies move and how they influence other celestial bodies.
-
The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know
- By: The Great Courses, Joshua N. Winn
- Narrated by: Professor Joshua N. Winn
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 648
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 582
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 574
As recently as 1990, it seemed plausible that the solar system was a unique phenomenon in our galaxy. Thanks to advances in technology and clever new uses of existing data, now we know that planetary systems and possibly even a new Earth can be found throughout galaxies near and far.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Fun across the universe
- By Mark on 01-08-16
-
The Modern Scholar
- Astronomy II: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
- By: Prof. James Kaler
- Narrated by: Prof. James Kaler
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 269
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 171
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 169
As far as we can see there are countless other galaxies of all shapes and sizes set within an ever-expanding space that was created in a "Big Bang" nearly 14 billion years ago. Along with solutions to old puzzles, however, come new riddles, as most of our Universe appears to be in the form of some kind of unseen "dark matter" and incomprehensible "dark energy" whose natures and origins remain unfathomable.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Absolutely awesome!
- By R. David Mintz on 03-04-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Heavens Above: Stars, Constellations, and the Sky
- By: Professor James Kaler
- Narrated by: James Kaler
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 47
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 47
This course guides listeners through the sights of the naked- eye sky, wherein we directly witness the effects of the turning and revolving of the Earth, the artistry painted by the human mind using the sky and stars, and how the view changes with time and with our place on the planet.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Not as Good as Professors Kaler's Other Lectures
- By Patrick on 07-19-09
-
Thermodynamics: Four Laws That Move the Universe
- By: Jeffrey C. Grossman, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jeffrey C. Grossman
- Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 36
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 33
Nothing has had a more profound impact on the development of modern civilization than thermodynamics. Thermodynamic processes are at the heart of everything that involves heat, energy, and work, making an understanding of the subject indispensable for careers in engineering, physical science, biology, meteorology, and even nutrition and culinary arts. Get an in-depth tour of this vital and fascinating science in 24 enthralling lectures suitable for everyone from science novices to experts who wish to review elementary concepts and formulas.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Good for very select audience
- By James S. on 01-15-19
-
The Modern Scholar: Geology
- The Story of Earth
- By: Professor Kate Zeigler
- Narrated by: Professor Kate Zeigler
- Length: 4 hrs and 49 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 157
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 135
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 134
Geology is often thought of as simply the study of rocks. In reality, geology is the study of our planet on all scales, from microscopic to planet-wide, and ranging in time from almost instantaneous events, like earthquakes, to the glacially slow motion of the tectonic plates. Everything we know about our world from a geologic perspective is based on information locked into the rock record and the job of a geologist is to tease out that story through a wide variety of observations. This insightful course explores a range of topics that help to tell the story of Earth and to explain the discipline of Geology and the role of the geologist.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
interesting, informative and well presented.
- By Steven Mark on 01-09-16
-
Astronomy for Star Gazers: Through a Home Telescope
- By: Tristan Stenberg
- Narrated by: Nathan E. Bradshaw
- Length: 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 2
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 2
Astronomy essentially is the science of studying objects and phenomena in space, i.e. anything outside the Earth's atmosphere. If you are a beginner of astronomy, you need to know that there is more to this subject than just identifying the stars lighting up the night sky. It also involves understanding how different celestial bodies move and how they influence other celestial bodies.
-
The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know
- By: The Great Courses, Joshua N. Winn
- Narrated by: Professor Joshua N. Winn
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 648
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 582
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 574
As recently as 1990, it seemed plausible that the solar system was a unique phenomenon in our galaxy. Thanks to advances in technology and clever new uses of existing data, now we know that planetary systems and possibly even a new Earth can be found throughout galaxies near and far.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Fun across the universe
- By Mark on 01-08-16
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The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy
- By: Bradley E. Schaefer, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Bradley E. Schaefer
- Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 10
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 10
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Story4 out of 5 stars 9
The Sun, Moon, and stars are crucial to your daily existence. The perfect regularity of the heavens is the only guaranteed part of life and inspires deep religious and philosophical ideas, while unexpected events such as eclipses and comets incite fear. Experience this ancient outlook with noted astrophysicist and historian of astronomy Professor Bradley Schaefer of Louisiana State University. An award-winning teacher, Dr. Schaefer takes you around the world, exploring the close relationship that people thousands of years ago had with the sky.
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5 out of 5 stars
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One of my favorites…
- By Jeffrey L. Smith, PE on 02-22-19
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Understanding the Inventions That Changed the World
- By: W. Bernard Carlson, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: W. Bernard Carlson
- Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 62
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 55
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 56
Now, you can learn the remarkable stories surrounding monumental inventions - and how consequential these inventions were to history. Taught by Professor W. Bernard Carlson of the University of Virginia, who is an expert on the role of innovation in history, these 36 enlightening lectures give you a broad survey of material history, from the ancient pottery wheel to the Internet and social media. Along with recounting the famous inventions you might expect, this course explores a number of surprising innovations, including beer, pagodas, and the operating room.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great content but poor editing on the delivery
- By Michael on 12-22-18
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Sovereign
- By: Jeff Hirsch
- Narrated by: Jesse Einstein
- Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 8,772
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 8,107
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Story4 out of 5 stars 8,102
Micah Cole has been in deep space for three years while his parents chase their obsession with finding intelligence to the far corners of the universe, but Micah dreams of the friends he left behind and counts the days until they return home. When a devastating meteor shower nearly destroys their ship, Micah is separated from his family and stranded on Sovereign, a vast planet of raging rivers, towering forests, and deadly creatures. If Micah ever wants to see his family or his home again, he’ll have to learn to how to survive on a hostile alien world, all alone.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Exploring strange new worlds
- By Kingsley on 02-01-19
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Chasing New Horizons
- Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto
- By: Alan Stern, David Grinspoon
- Narrated by: Alan Stern, David Grinspoon
- Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 253
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 233
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Story5 out of 5 stars 233
On July 14, 2015, something amazing happened. More than three billion miles from Earth, a small NASA spacecraft called New Horizons screamed past Pluto at more than 32,000 miles per hour, focusing its instruments on the long-mysterious icy worlds of the Pluto system, and then, just as quickly, continued on its journey out into the beyond.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Great Topic ... not great coverage
- By Stuff Reviewer on 06-19-18
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The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy
- By: Edward J. Larson, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Edward J. Larson
- Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 233
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 207
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 205
Charles Darwin's theory of organic evolution-the idea that life on earth is the product of purely natural causes, not the hand of God-set off shock waves that continue to reverberate through Western society, and especially the United States. What makes evolution such a profoundly provocative concept, so convincing to most scientists, yet so socially and politically divisive? These 12 eye-opening lectures are an examination of the varied elements that so often make this science the object of strong sentiments and heated debate.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Little mistakes here and there
- By Daniel on 06-21-16
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Bad Astronomy
- Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing 'Hoax'
- By: Philip Plait
- Narrated by: Kevin Scullin
- Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 909
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 734
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Story4 out of 5 stars 734
Dr. Philip C. Plait sets the record straight on many modern hoaxes and myths. Appalled that millions of Americans don't believe in the moon landing, or that an egg stands on its end only on the vernal equinox, Plait hilariously spills the truth and informs us of scientific inaccuracies in our everyday vernacular.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Answers to the astronomy questions that matter.
- By Steven on 12-07-10
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An Introduction to the Universe
- The Big Ideas of Astronomy
- By: Dr. Guy Consolmagno SJ PhD
- Narrated by: Dr. Guy Consolmagno SJ PhD
- Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 6
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 6
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Story5 out of 5 stars 6
Let the beauty of astronomy inspire your contemplation of creation. An Introduction to the Universe: The Big Ideas of Astronomy will give you a deeper appreciation of the sky and our ever-growing understanding of astronomy. Your guide for this journey through the cosmos is Dr. Guy Consolmagno (PhD, University of Arizona), a renowned astronomer and director of the Vatican's astronomical observatory. In his engaging lectures, you'll deepen your sense of joy as you gaze at the stars and planets.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Passionate and So Highly Infectious!
- By VH on 02-28-18
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The Modern Scholar
- Behold the Mighty Dinosaur
- By: John Kricher
- Narrated by: John Kricher
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 158
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 109
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 108
Before their extinction, dinosaurs dominated Earth's terrestrial habitats for about 160 million years. They present the ultimate puzzle in forensic science, but we have learned a great deal about them in the last 50 years. This lecture series will explain the evolutionary and ecological relationships among dinosaurs, what it might have been like to be present in their time, and the question of what ultimately brought about the total extinction of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous Period.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Intriguing
- By Ingwe on 04-03-13
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The Modern Scholar: Elemental Matters
- An Introduction to Chemistry
- By: Professor Deborah G. Sauder
- Narrated by: Professor Deborah G. Sauder
- Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 57
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Performance3 out of 5 stars 47
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Story3.5 out of 5 stars 48
In "Elemental Matters", Professor Deborah Sauder leads a comprehensive overview of chemistry, a subject that influences every aspect of daily life. Kicking off the lecture series with a revealing look at one of the planet’s most vital chemicals—water—Sauder then delves into the basics of molecular structure and chemical reactions. The course concludes with an eye-opening glimpse of 21st-century applications, such as nanotechnology and energy alternatives."
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2 out of 5 stars
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From Basic To Complicated With No In Between
- By Michael on 06-13-13
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Plant Science: An Introduction to Botany
- By: Catherine Kleier, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Catherine Kleier
- Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 53
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 51
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 51
Dr. Catherine Kleier invites us to open our eyes to the phenomenal world of plant life and to the process she calls “Natura Revelata”, the joy of celebrating and learning from the secrets of nature. As Dr. Kleier shares her knowledge with contagious excitement for her subject, she emphasizes the middle ground: Instead of focusing on cell microbiology or the study of ecosystems and habitats, she stresses the basic biology, function, and the amazing adaptations of the plants we see all around us.
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5 out of 5 stars
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plants with passion
- By D. Squires on 01-16-19
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Renaissance: The Transformation of the West
- By: Jennifer McNabb, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Jennifer McNabb
- Length: 26 hrs and 35 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 62
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 56
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 57
While it’s easy to get caught up - and, rightfully so - in the art of the Renaissance, you cannot have a full, rounded understanding of just how important these centuries were without digging beneath the surface, without investigating the period in terms of its politics, its spirituality, its philosophies, its economics, and its societies. Do just that with these 48 lectures that consider the European Renaissance from all sides, that disturb traditional understandings, that tip sacred cows, and that enlarges our understanding of how the Renaissance revolutionized the Western world.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic Course!
- By Beth Carlson on 08-21-18
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Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition
- By: Richard Wolfson, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Richard Wolfson
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,484
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,086
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3,022
"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these 24 lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Great primer for hard SF fans and physics laymen
- By David on 01-05-15
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Overall
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Anthony
- 09-15-09
Wow... just wow
I'm very very impressed. Some concepts are quite complex and he has explained with extraordinary ease. Immediately made me buy Part II.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ingwe
- Washington, DC, United States
- 04-03-13
Very Informative
Any additional comments?
Boy, did I learn a lot from this one! Professor Kaler tends to rush through some of the details from time to time but, overall, this was a primer on astronomy that will get me looking to the skies more frequently and with a lot more comprehension of what's up there. Excellent for wanna-be stargazers and parents of inquiring kids. Do you know why the moon comes up at different times of day? Why one side of the moon always faces us? Why Pluto is considered a planet by some and not others? You will know all these and much, much more after listening..
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Johnny
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
- 10-27-09
Must have
Like the other reviewers say, every minute was interesting and kept me hooked. Professor Kaler is able to explain our solar system in our terms and ways we can understand. I already have part II in my cart.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Edward Martinez
- ITHACA, NY, United States
- 03-27-09
Worth Every Minute
Author is interesting and sharp. The material presented is concise and packs a ton of knowledge in every minute, perfect for me, but you may to do some graphical research on the side if you are new to Astronomy. Loved every minute.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Magnus Odeen
- 01-08-10
A gifted lecturer
Dr. Kaler has the rare ability of being able to teach astronomy in a way that is easy to understand without making the subject banale or unscientific. His presentation is clear, coherent and I found the progression of the lectures to be neither too slow or too fast.
My only objection is that I would have loved to see a more comprehensive coverage of the geology and features of the planets, but this is a natural consequence of the length of the book.
A great listen for anyone interested in astronomy.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Toni Bennett
- 05-02-09
Listen to it over and over
This title, and is companion (Astronomy 2) is fascinating. Narrator presents material with enthusiasm and sincerity. I don't ever get tired of listening to it.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Geoff
- Houston, TX, USA
- 02-25-10
Now I understand...
The large majority of these lectures are exactly what a curious, beginning astronomy-enthusiast needs to get an understanding of what is going on in the universe. A minor part is over-the-head mathematics that given time, you can comprehend.
Prof. Kaler does a fantastic job and clearly knows he's subject well!
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- David
- Elizabethtown, PA, United States
- 09-15-10
Awesome, Dr. Kaler is spot on.
First, I must say that Dr. Kaler really knows how to keep your interest. He really explains the details of our planets, and our solar system in a very enthusiastic way that really keeps your ears glued. I have owned this book for a short while now and I have listened to it 3 times already. I highly recommend this book if you want to get detailed knowledge of our great earth, moon, and all the planets orbiting the sun with us.
The final chapter is great where Dr. Kaler goes in depth on how solar systems are born and developed. A Must Read!!
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- L. Linskey
- Quincy, MA
- 02-23-10
Excellent Read
The author has the incredible ability to describe objects and their interactions. His descriptions let you visualize the Astronomical processes. Some of which you would think needed visual media. Excellent speaker
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M1Gunner
- Roseville, CA
- 01-04-14
Great Book
What did you love best about The Modern Scholar?
Learning about astronomy from an educator who knows his stuff and is obviously passionate and enthused about sharing it.
Any additional comments?
Very fun to listen to. Will be one to listen to more than once for sure. In the future, I'd like Audible to offer hard copies of some books as an add on. Would be a great feature for a lot of lectures, and science topics.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Bashar
- 04-30-09
Great book
Professor Kaler is a great lecturer in the way he conveyes knowledge, simple, factual, and interesting, it keeps you eager to listen and research further into the diverse fields of knowledge he explains in his book. The supplementary reference manual is well made too.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- John
- 05-24-17
the story of the Solar system
very good series of lectures. I am studying a degree with the Open University. currently on my 2nd year, and while it was 'slightly ' over simplistic is some regards, it was still incredibly useful as a revision aid, as it allowed me to review and study while I was doing things that normally wouldn't allow me to study (driving, walking etc).
the lectures are clear, well presented and are set in a logical context...
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paul Conlon
- 03-08-16
Awesome! Get this!
This is a must have audiobook for anyone remotely interested in astronomy - you can learn so much from it as it spills over into all sorts of areas of life - indeed life itself and its origin. Prof. Kaler has a good voice for it too and is pleasant to listen too as well as knowing his subject inside out and upside down. So glad I got this audiobook - I plan to it all through again as many times as possible.