This classic tale of scientific achievement describes the life and research of Edwin Hubble, the first astronomer to discover the true immensity of the cosmos.

Preface to the English edition; Preface to the Russian edition; Part I. Life and Work: 1. Choosing the way; 2. On the threshold of great achievements; 3. The island universe; 4. The red-shift predecessors; 5. The law bearing his name; 6. Recognition; 7. Civil duty; 8. Hopes crushed; Part II. Hubble's Work Continued: 9. Distances to galaxies and the Hubble constant; 10. Current and future research projects; 11. The discovery of the hot universe; 12. Explosion; Chronology of Edwin Hubble's life and work; Bibliography of Hubble's publications; References; Indexes.