Everything is in the title, you want to acquire basic knowledge on astronomy and cosmology? Read this book. You really do not know anything? Read this book. Just curious? You feel like you remember some things like that, jumping a chapter? Read this book. Everyone will have to read it, this book is simple. In addition to this flexible and lightweight edition is very convenient. In any case, normally, after reading you'll want to learn even more, so you can buy "News of the cosmos" by the same author. This guy is awesome.