Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged)

Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged) by Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry is an enthralling exploration of the universe, unravelled by two of the most engaging voices in science communication today. As the celebrated presenters of BBC Radio 4's flagship show, The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry, the authors bring their distinct blend of humour, curiosity, and expertise to this comprehensive guidebook, making the intricacies of the cosmos accessible to all.

This book embarks on an ambitious journey to explain why the world is as it is while celebrating the marvels of what we know—and how we came to know it—even when much of it is still shrouded in mystery. With a refreshing narrative style, the authors sidestep the mundane to delve into the fascinating, offering a celebration of both the weirdness of the cosmos and the peculiarities of human existence. They address the remarkable ability of science to help us make sense of the chaos and complexity that surround us.

Our brains have evolved to perceive and process information in ways that sometimes mislead us. For instance, from our perspective, the world appears flat, the stars seem fixed in the sky, and a day is thought to be precisely 24 hours. Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged) busts these myths, revealing the reality underneath our perceptions and uncovering the true workings of the universe. Through engrossing tales and scientific insights, Rutherford and Fry guide us beyond our “monkey-brains” to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that govern our world.

The authors transport readers from the very origin of time and space, through the complexities of planets, galaxies, and the intricacies of evolution. They bring to life epochs such as the age of dinosaurs, leading us right up to the complexities of the human mind. Along the way, they tackle some of the most perplexing and intriguing questions that science can address:

• What is time, and where does it come from?
• Why are animals the size and shape they are?
• What is a thought?
• How do horoscopes work? (Spoiler: they don't, but you'll be intrigued to know why you think they do)
• Does my dog love me?
• Why is nothing truly round?
• Do you need your eyes to see?

Full of wit, charm, and insightful science, Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged) offers a compelling and enjoyable read for anyone fascinated by the origins of the cosmos, the wonders of the natural world, and the quirks of human nature. This book is an invitation to appreciate the extraordinary science that shapes our understanding of life and the universe.