Today such marvels are the stuff of science fiction. But one of the most provocative theories in modern astrophysics suggests that in the future they may well be reality. In this lively, wondrously accessible book, physics professor Paul Halpern takes us on a fantastic intellectual journey into the world of exotic matter, black holes, white holes, and wormholes - celestial objects that could theoretically bridge distant parts of the universe. With clear and concise explanations and vivid analogies, Cosmic wormholes illuminates the bold leaps of thought that may someday make travel across the universe as common as a transatlantic flight today. Halpern includes gripping fictional scenarios that depict some of the extraordinary events - including travel to the past and future and the mining of black hole energy - that might be possible if indeed we are able to construct wormholes. He also describes some of the baffling paradoxes Inherent in such time travel. This is fascinating reading for all who follow the leading edge of science as it pushes back the frontiers of human knowledge and expands the limits of human possibility.