Cosmicomics

Italo Calvino's extraordinary imagination and intelligence combine here in an enchanting series of stories about the evolution of the universe. He makes his characters out of mathematical formulae and simple cellular structures. They disport themselves among galaxies, experience the solidification of planets, move from aquatic to terrestrial existence, play games with hydrogen atoms, and even have a love life. During the course of these stories Calvino toys with continuous creation, the transformation of matter, and the expanding and contracting reaches of space and time. He succeeds in relating complex scientific concepts to the ordinary reactions of common humanity. William Weaver's excellent translation won a National Book Award in 1969 Naturally, we were all there," old Qfwfq said, "where else could we have been? Nobody knew then that there could be space. Or time either: what use did we have for time, packed in there like sardines? The distance of the moon -- At daybreak -- A sign in space -- All at one point -- Without colors -- Games without end -- The aquatic uncle -- How much shall we bet? -- The dinosaurs -- The form of space -- The light-years -- The spiral. Enchanting Stories About The Evolution Of The Universe, With Characters That Are Fashioned From Mathematical Formulae And Cellular Structures. Naturally, We Were All There, - Old Qfwfq Said, - Where Else Could We Have Been? Nobody Knew Then That There Could Be Space. Or Time Either: What Use Did We Have For Time, Packed In There Like Sardines?--publisher Description. The Distance Of The Moon.--at Daybreak.--a Sign In Space.--all At One Point.--without Colors.--games Without End.--the Aquatic Uncle.--how Much Shall We Bet?.--the Dinosaurs.--the Form Of Space.--the Light-years.--the Spiral. By Italo Calvino ; Translated From The Italian By William Weaver. Translation Of Le Cosmicomiche. A Helen And Kurt Wolff Book. Twelve stories by the brilliant Italian author employ the history of science and the poetic imagination to ring changes on the theme and activity of creation At one time, according to Sir George H. Darwin, the Moon was very close to the Earth.