Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of Our Cosmic Origins

This book is a comprehensive exploration of competing theories about the origin of the universe. It challenges the widely accepted Big Bang theory by delving into alternative cosmological models, such as bouncing universes, time loops, multiverses, and black hole births. Afshordi and Halper (a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, and the creator of the YouTube series Before the Big Bang, respectively) bring these theories to life through complex scientific ideas, cutting-edge research, and captivating historical context. They guide readers through a range of mind-bending possibilities for what could have happened before the Big Bang. The book incorporates insights from interviews with prominent scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at the debates and rivalries that have shaped humanity’s understanding of the cosmos.