In Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology Peter Schneider outlines the fundamentals of this fascinating branch of astronomy, and explores the forefront of astronomical research. His passion for the topic, and his admiration for the universe as he probes the secrets of its origins, shines with an intensity that rivals the book's many colourful illustrations, and will deeply inspire the reader. This cogently written textbook introduces the reader to the astronomy of galaxies, their structure, their active galactic nuclei, their evolution and their large scale distribution. Starting with a detailed description of our Milky Way, and a review of modern observational and theoretical cosmology, the book goes on to examine the formation of structures and astronomical objects in the early universe.

Starting with the description of our home galaxy the Milky Way, this cogently written textbook introduces the reader to the astronomy of galaxies, their structure, active galactic nuclei, evolution and large scale distribution. Then, from the extensive and thorough introduction to modern observational and theoretical cosmology, the text turns to the formation of structures and astronomical objects in the early universe.

In particular, Peter Schneider s Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology has the goal of imparting the fundamental knowledge of this fascinating subfield of astronomy, while leading readers to the forefront of astronomical research. But it seeks to accomplish this not only with extensive textual information and insights. In addition, the author s evident admiration for the workings of the universe that shines through the lines and the many supporting color illustrations will deeply inspire the reader.

While this book has grown out of introductory university courses on astronomy and astrophysics, it will not only be appreciated by undergraduate students and lecturers. Through the comprehensive coverage of the field, even graduate students and researchers specializing in related fields will appreciate it as reliable reference.