Jorge Cham is the cartoonist behind the popular online comic 'Piled Higher and Deeper' (a.k.a. PHD Comics). He holds a PhD in robotics from Stanford University and is a former instructor and research associate at Caltech. Daniel Whiteson is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine, and a fellow of the American Physical Society. He earned his PhD in physics from the University of California at Berkeley and is an active researcher, using the Large Hadron Collider at CERN to search for exotic new particles. Together they are the co-authors of We Have No Idea, co-hosts of the podcast Daniel and Jorge Explain the Universe, and co-creators of the animated PBS series Elinor Wonders Why.
Delightful, funny, and yet rigorous and intelligent: only Jorge and Daniel can reach this exquisite balance -- CARLO ROVELLI, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and Helgoland Easy-to-understand explanations of complex scientific theories and concepts. . . . This quirky, easily digestible book makes for a fun read * Library Journal * Cham and Whiteson use nontechnical language and humor to discuss the most up-to-date theories about the cosmos and humans' place in it. Illustrated with Cham's science-themed cartoons, the book is both educational and entertaining * Physics Today * Amusing intro to the mysteries of the cosmos. . .The authors' answers always feel fresh, and Cham's fun cartoons are a treat. Entertaining and satisfying, this is sure to please * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * The authors' work fits neatly into the recently burgeoning market of breezy pop-science books full of jokes, asides, and cartoons that serve as introductions to concepts that require much further study to fully understand. A solid foundational education in a handful of lively scientific topics * Kirkus * These are some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked and the authors tackle them with wit, humor, expertise, and humility . . . an excellent, easy-to-understand resource for curious people who want to start learning about cosmology * Booklist * A treat of a read * The Sun *