Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1
Cosmos was Alexander von Humboldt's attempt, late in a long life of travel and research, to describe the physical universe as a single connected whole, from distant nebulae to the rocks, climates and living things of the Earth. This first volume, here in the English translation by E. C. Otté, opens with a translator's sketch of Humboldt's career. It then sets out his reflections on the pleasure that nature and the study of its laws can give, explains the scope and method of the work, and offers a general survey of natural phenomena, moving from the heavens to the shape, heat, magnetism and volcanoes of our planet. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1
Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 by Alexander von Humboldt can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 online?
Yes. Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 in the public domain?
Yes. Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 by Alexander von Humboldt is a public-domain work, here in the translation by E. C. Otté. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1?
About 11 h 46 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1?
Cosmos: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 by Alexander von Humboldt is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
