Daniel Baumann – författare

The author - a leading theoretical cosmologist - expands on his widely acclaimed lecture notes in this self-contained textbook, suitable for the advanced undergraduate or starting graduate level. Presenting the key theoretical foundations of cosmology and describing the observations that have turned the subject into a precision science, the author keeps the student in mind on every page by explaining concepts step-by-step, in an approachable manner. After describing the dynamics of the homogeneous universe, the book traces the evolution of small density fluctuations, which were created quantum-mechanically during inflation and are today observed in the cosmic microwave background and the large-scale structure of the universe. The book is ideally suited as a course companion or for self-study. With all necessary background material covered, students have everything they need to establish an unrivalled understanding of the subject. Complete with many worked examples, figures, and homework problems, this textbook is a definitive resource for advanced students in physics, astronomy and applied mathematics.

This book documents two new bodies of work; a series of large four-part aluminium panel paintings incorporating Oehlen's recurring motif of trees and a series titled Finger Paintings, in which colour-blocked advertisements are an extension of the canvas, providing fragmented, ready-made surfaces for Oehlen's visceral markings, made with his hands as well as with brushes, rags, and spray cans. Both series were exhibited at Gagosian Gallery, Los Angeles, in summer 2014.

The past two decades have seen transformative advances in cosmology and string theory. Observations of the cosmic microwave background have revealed strong evidence for inflationary expansion in the very early universe, while new insights about compactifications of string theory have led to a deeper understanding of inflation in a framework that unifies quantum mechanics and general relativity. Written by two of the leading researchers in the field, this complete and accessible volume provides a modern treatment of inflationary cosmology and its connections to string theory and elementary particle theory. After an up-to-date experimental summary, the authors present the foundations of effective field theory, string theory, and string compactifications, setting the stage for a detailed examination of models of inflation in string theory. Three appendices contain background material in geometry and cosmological perturbation theory, making this a self-contained resource for graduate students and researchers in string theory, cosmology, and related fields.

The past two decades have seen transformative advances in cosmology and string theory. Observations of the cosmic microwave background have revealed strong evidence for inflationary expansion in the very early universe, while new insights about compactifications of string theory have led to a deeper understanding of inflation in a framework that unifies quantum mechanics and general relativity. Written by two of the leading researchers in the field, this complete and accessible volume provides a modern treatment of inflationary cosmology and its connections to string theory and elementary particle theory. After an up-to-date experimental summary, the authors present the foundations of effective field theory, string theory, and string compactifications, setting the stage for a detailed examination of models of inflation in string theory. Three appendices contain background material in geometry and cosmological perturbation theory, making this a self-contained resource for graduate students and researchers in string theory, cosmology, and related fields.

A Legendary Artist Revisited Unknown to many, Niko Pirosmani is revered as a legend in his native Georgia. Conveying a sense of poignant empathy, his portraits, animal paintings, landscapes and scenes from everyday life painted around 1900 in a flourishing Tbilisi draw on medieval iconography and testify to a deeply felt sense of belonging. At the same time, the avant-garde recognised a novel and radically new form of painting in his work. Like Henri Rousseau or Marc Chagall, Pirosmani is one of the exceptional yet difficult to categorize proponents of early modern art. This catalogue demonstrates Pirosmani’s qualities in numerous illustrations, showing how his rapid brushstrokes on black oilcloth give the sparsely applied colors a glow as if coming from a dark depth. Pirosmani was a master of concentration-and a storyteller. As expertly explained in the catalogue by a selection of Georgian art historians, he was a unique artist, a contradictory figure and an important part of the art scene in Tbilisi, then considered the “Paris of the East.”

In historical research, Stephen Langton is primarily known as a Parisian master of theology. This biography is dedicated to Langton’s works as archbishop of Canterbury (1207-1228). His pontificate coincided with a period of political crisis in England, most notably the conflicts leading to the Magna Carta and its aftermath. This study sets out to show how Langton actively helped negotiate the Magna Carta: first, as an intercessor for the English barons and then by acting as a mediator between King John and the rebels. Furthermore, he was significantly involved in restoring the powers of kingship on the basis of the Magna Carta during the years of Henry III’s minority after the civil war. Langton's politics paint the picture of an archbishop whose policies were based on principles he had laid out in his theological writings before. Apart from Langton’s political role, this study also explores Langton’s pastoral and administrative commitments as bishop and baron.Stephen Langton ist der historischen Forschung in erster Linie als Pariser Magister der Theologie bekannt. Die Biographie widmet sich nun seinem Wirken als Erzbischof von Canterbury (1207-1228). Sein Pontifikat fiel in eine krisenhafte Periode der englischen Geschichte, die insbesondere vom Kampf um die Magna Carta geprägt war. Die Studie zeigt anschaulich, wie der Erzbischof Langton zunächst als Fürsprecher der englischen Barone, später als Vermittler zwischen König Johann Ohneland und den Rebellen maßgeblich zur Entstehung der Magna Carta beitrug und während der Minderjährigkeit Heinrichs III. half, die Königsherrschaft nach dem Bürgerkrieg in den Grenzen der Magna Carta wiederzuerrichten. Seine Politikgestaltung war dabei geprägt von politischen Grundsätzen, die er zuvor als Theologe formuliert hatte. Neben seinem politischen Engagement nimmt die detaillierte Untersuchung auch seine pastoralen und administrativen Verpflichtungen als Bischof und Baron in den Blick.