The Man Who Made the Universe Expand [Book Review]

Abstract

Although 'Friedmannian models' are widely used in cosmology, few people have any idea of the remarkable discoverer of these equations. Alexander Friedmann (1888-1925), the originator of the expanding Universe, was a balloonist, a highly decorated military aviator, an outstanding meteorologist and mathematician, and an administrator of some repute. This biography presents a fascinating picture of an active intellect and a turbulent life. Written for his centenary near the end of the Soviet era, the account is still somewhat Soviet, with the translation by Alexander Dron and Michael Burov following the original faithfully, for better or worse. But the story of this remarkable man is absorbing.

Additional details