It's a good story: we are made of matter like that we also find in the stars. Essential to our planet's existence, the Sun--our nearest star--is also the most fascinating object humans have ever adored, literally the difference between day and night. But getting beyond these basic perceptions requires scientific understanding. What, for instance, is the sun made of? Why does it burn so brightly? How long will it last? This book not only answers these questions but also tells the story of how we came to know--not merely behold--the grandest entity in our sky.

Leon Golub and Jay M....