Perkins (particle and astrophysics, Oxford University) provides background on particle physics and the astrophysics of the early universe in this text for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Introductory chapters cover the interactions of elementary particles and their role in the expanding universe. Cosmological asymmetries, dark matter, and dark energy are examined, and final chapters turn to the growth of cosmic structure in high energy cosmic rays and the particle processes in stars. Worked examples, problems, and solutions are included. Some knowledge of quantum mechanics and special relativity is assumed.
