The formation of galaxies is one of the greatest puzzles in astronomy,
the solution is shrouded in the depths of space and time, but has
profound implications for the universe we observe today. This book
discusses the beginnings of the process from cosmological observations
and calculations. It examines the different theories of galaxy formation
and shows where each theory either succeeds or fails in explaining what
we actually observe. Coverage draws on the most recent observations of
galaxies in the early universe, obtained by the very latest ground- and
space-based telescopes. In addition, the book looks ahead to what we may
expect to uncover about the epoch of galaxy formation from the new and
upcoming generations of telescopes and technology.