Galaxy Formation and Large - Scale Structure a EDMUND

During the last few years one has heard exaggerated claims that the observed cosmic structure is inconsistent with the Big Bang theory; for example, that the universe is too young for known forces to have evacuated the giant voids. The discovery of primeval uctuations by the Cosmic Background Explorer satellite (COBE), with an amplitude appropriate for creating large-scale structures, has damped most of this hyperbole (while leading to other kinds of hyperbole). At this juncture it is prudent to re ect on the status of large-scale structure theory. In this article I will review the basic ingredients and observational constraints. I will present a case history of the formerly popular cold dark matter theory, concluding how its failures, combined with observational data, may point toward alternative models in the post-COBE era.