Bell (astronomy, Arizona State Univ.) aims to summarize the entire 13.7-billion-year history of the universe in 250 events. A large number of said events are actually objects (e.g., planets or moons), astronomical concepts (e.g., "Main Sequence"), or a class of discoveries (e.g., "Liquid-Fueled Rocketry"). However, the format is eye-catching and the text easy to read, with a single page of explanatory text opposite a colorful image for each item. References to other pages are noted in boldface type, and specified in a "See Also" list at the bottom of the entry. By Bell's admission, the focus is centered fairly heavily on the solar system, as he prefers to discuss the physical explorations done via probe and rover rather than the conceptual ones conducted through calculation, observation, and simulation. Scholars may find that choice unbalanced, but the result is accessible to a general audience. VERDICT This is a fine coffee-table book, suitable for either deep study or a few moments' perusal. Recommended for readers with a casual interest in the history of astronomy and the universe, or for sparking such an interest in others.—Marcia R. Franklin, St. Paul, MN