A new window opens onto the cosmos... Almost every day we are challenged by new information from the outermost reaches of space. Using straightforward language, One Universe explores the physical principles that govern the workings of our own world so that we can appreciate how they operate in the cosmos around us. Bands of color in a sunlit crystal and the spectrum of starlight in giant telescopes, the arc of a hard-hit baseball and the orbit of the moon, traffic patterns on a freeway and the spiral arms in a galaxy full of stars--they're all tied together in grand and simple ways. We can understand the vast cosmos in which we live by exploring three basic concepts: motion, matter, and energy. With these as a starting point, One Universe shows how the physical principles that operate in our kitchens and backyards are actually down-to-Earth versions of cosmic processes. The book then takes us to the limits of our knowledge, asking the ultimate questions about the origins and existence of life as we know it and where the universe came from--and where it is going. Glorious photographs--many seen for the first time in these pages--and original illustrations expand and enrich our understanding. Evocative and clearly written, One Universe explains complex ideas in ways that every reader can grasp and enjoy. This book captures the grandeur of the heavens while making us feel at home in the cosmos. Above all, it helps us realize that galaxies, stars, planets, and we ourselves all belong to One Universe.

“Themes of a colorful assortment of stories range from life on other planets to alternative history . . . a perfect introduction to his perennial genius.” —Booklist Poul Anderson himself has put together a retrospective collection of his recent writings, fiction and nonfiction, under the title All One Universe. This is the first major Poul Anderson collection in a decade. It encompasses all his strengths as a teller of tales and, in addition, provides a running commentary in the story notes and in the essays on other literary figures such as Rudyard Kipling, Johannes B. Jensen, and John W. Campbell, Jr., commentary that illuminates the fiction, gives personal insight into the mind of this fine writer, and provides a unifying personality for All One Universe. All One Universe, then, represents the new best of Poul Anderson. It is a rich, varied selection of quintessential science fiction as well as four essays, mostly from recent years, by one of the great science fiction writers of the century. His stories are filled with roaring energy, the soul of poetry, and dark imaginings. “A fine introduction to one of SF’s masters.” —Starlog “Fact and fiction, shaped by one of SF’s keenest minds, are mingled in this collection . . . On the whole, All One Universe is a collection which does its creator proud while delighting his fans.” —Rapport “Poul Anderson’s writings have been at a remarkably high, consistent level of quality for nearly fifty years, now. All One Universe is a book for anyone interested in either SF or in craftsmanship.” —David Drake

This is a provocative account of the astounding new answers to the most basic philosophical question: Where did the universe come from and how will it end?

One of Many in the Universe refers to the planet Earth being one of many planets bearing intelligent life. This story begins with the first planet ever to have intelligent life, its inhabitants never suffering any aggression in any era of its evolution through armed conflict or crime. Their populace has been peaceful since the very beginning as a bipedal species, and they are the most powerful living things in the universe because of true civilization. They are not powered by magic or mutation, but by their very advanced technologies, creating extremely strong, durable, long-living bodies designed to contend with the harsh conditions of space travel. There are no last of their kind or secret select few with incredible powers; all the planet's people share these enhancements to their biology and are limited only by their interests and creativity. The problem that occurs is when one of the planet's citizens decides that despite all they have seen in the universe, their planet should develop weapons for defense against the potential unknowns. This proposal is met with staunch opposition, as it's believed that any space travelers that can approach from beyond what they've explored should have similar advances brought about by similar peace. The unlikelihood of a battle negates the need for weapons, something never necessary in this world. With a small contingent of like-minded developers who hear his idea and concur, the weapons are built, regardless of its unpopularity, on another planet in their solar system. His intuition is correct, as their world is approached by a hostile invading force. A war ensues, and the entire planet unifies in support of the defense efforts, the first battle of any kind this world will ever know. After a lopsided victory via superior technology, the world celebrates a new hero, but the battle changes his outlook on the entirety of the universe. He now knows there are multitudes of peaceful worlds that may face hostile invasion from the unknown depths of space. With global support, he embarks upon a mission to travel throughout the universe in search of hostile worlds that exhibit the potential to leave their atmosphere, accompanied by their savagery. His mission spreads carnage upon those planets he deems hostile, to prevent the potential attacks against peaceful worlds that are found and preserved. He comes in conflict with his daughter, who is born and raised during his travels, and later his son, born after his daughter's defiance, after they are exposed to and horrified by their father's mission to ensure peace in the universe.

My occupational memoir reveals one nurse’s bedside observations on where nurses come from, how we are educated, treated in the workplace and how we learn to do what can never be taught in a curriculum. When a patient vomits explosively onto your chest how you may unexpectedly vomit right back. How to explain to a deaf patient where a suppository goes while an audience of staff and visitors listen in from the hallway. How to collect your thoughts and make a plan when you arrive for a home care visit to find your elderly confused patient has ingested a full bottle of liquid laxative and left evidence of those results all over the walls, floor and Barco lounger in the home. It is where medical science meets nursing artistry. Where technology meets humanity. Where hearts open and wounds heal. Through selected vignettes, I recognize modern nurses’ courage to lean into discomfort and hard emotions. I acknowledge the power they hold in their healing hands and throw forward a lifeline of hope to renew their faith and joy in their vocation. And to my many non-nurse readers, come experience a nurse’s day; what we see, feel, hear and touch. Have a peek behind the bedside curtain.

This sequel to The Convoluted Universe - Book Two provides metaphysical information obtained through numerous subjects by hypnotic past-life regression.