Islands in Infinity: Galaxies-3D
Though styled as a coffee-table volume, Islands in Infinity: Galaxies 3-D is a richly ambitious guide to the Universe. What might initially appear as a collection of hundreds of striking images is, in fact, a layered exploration of the cosmos, blending cutting-edge science, dazzling photography and thoughtful reflection on humanity’s place in the Universe. Professor Derek Ward-Thompson, Director of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute at the University of Lancashire, and astrophysicist, stereoscopist and musician Sir Brian May guide readers through the origins of the Universe, the billions of galaxies it contains, and its possible futures.
The narrative begins with a history of humankind’s attempts to interpret the night sky, from Galileo’s 17th-century telescope to today’s most advanced observatories, both on Earth and in space. A concise introduction to galaxy classification, imaging and observation sets the foundation before the book delves into case studies of classic galactic forms. From spiral and elliptical galaxies to unusual interactions, collisions and groupings, each is accompanied by imagery that reveals the diversity of cosmic structures. Turning the Milky Way “inside out”, Ward-Thompson and May highlight how our vantage point within our own galaxy uniquely shapes our understanding of the wider Universe.
Astrophotographer J-P Metsävainio’s high-resolution stereoscopic images (pairs of two-dimensional photographs that, when viewed through the supplied complimentary stereoscope designed by May, create a three-dimensional effect) bring the cosmos vividly to life throughout. These are not mere embellishments but central to the storytelling, offering perspectives that immerse the reader in galactic forms and interactions.
Despite the density of information, the text remains approachable, with diagrams and in-line definitions keeping explanations clear. While this is not intended as a definitive manual of galaxy taxonomy, it nevertheless serves both specialists and curious newcomers, striking a balance between scientific authority and accessibility.
Threaded throughout are reflective moments that elevate the book beyond science communication, with Ward-Thompson’s opening words setting the tone for having perspective of human concerns on a cosmic scale. The Universe beyond Earth can often seem otherworldly and out of reach, but this book makes the field much more tangible. At a time when light pollution obscures the night sky for so many, Islands in Infinity offers both a window onto distant galaxies and a renewed sense of connection with the Universe we inhabit.
Review by Hannah Bird
DETAILS
BY: Derek Ward-Thompson, Brian May and J-P Metsävainio (2025) The London Stereoscopic Company, 256 pp. (hbk)
ISBN: 9781838164560
PRICE: £40 londonstereo.com
