The Universe in Your Hand

"With its breezy conversational style, The Universe in Your Hand is well suited for the general reader with little to no prior knowledge of science . . . The reader will come away from [The Universe in Your Hand] with a deeper understanding of how modern physics has brought us closer to an ultimate understanding of reality."—The New York Times Book Review

"How can we ever hope to fully grasp the infinite complexities of space and time, or even the very nature of reality itself? Thankfully, Christophe Galfard shows us the way, through a well-written and thoroughly approachable journey through what we know of modern astronomy and physics. Part personal conversation, part travelogue, and part science primer for the non-scientist, The Universe in Your Hand is a delightful and highly educational read."—Jim Bell, author of The Interstellar Age and Postcards from Mars

"A useful book for readers to visualize the complex ideas of modern physics."—Kirkus Reviews

"Galfard dispenses with mathematical formulas in this foray into modern physics, making a lively imagination the only portal necessary for general readers hungry for the intellectual excitement of astral and atomic exploration. In a series of mind-stretching thought experiments readers plunge into the hydrogen atom in a water molecule, there to contemplate the quantum fields that sustain all matter, then shoot out beyond supernovas to ponder the strangely opaque boundary of space-time . . . these probes into the universe will thrill readers but rarely perplex them."—Booklist (starred Review)

“Entertaining and comprehensive . . . The deft and dazzling imagery makes difficult concepts accessible, streamlining the progression through topics and fulfilling Galfard’s promise to ‘not leave any readers behind.' . . . Readers looking to expand their knowledge of physics and cosmology will find everything they need here.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)