Space Oddities

Praise

“[Cliff] is also an engaging writer, with a keen ear for the fun metaphor and an observant eye when describing the scientific milieu in which he operates. . . . Mr. Cliff splendidly captures the behind-the-scenes experiences that are rarely reported on.”
—The Wall Street Journal

“Space Oddities is as fascinating as its title suggests. Anomalies are always interesting, sometimes fascinating, and occasionally revelatory, and Harry Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics. I enjoyed it enormously.”
—Philip Pullman, New York Times bestselling author of the His Dark Materials trilogy

“Many of us laugh at the implausible cosmologies believed by our medieval and ancient forebears. Dr. Cliff lays out the gaps and anomalies at the edge of modern science, which may make the best theories of today look as quaint as those of long ago.”
—Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, New York Times bestselling authors of A City on Mars

“Superb . . . examines contemporary physics’ most intriguing mysteries through profiles of the scientists trying to solve them. . . . Cliff’s lucid explanations do a remarkable job of making the complicated physics accessible and even exciting, and the focus on the scientists’ stories ensconces the heady ideas in approachable, human narratives. This is a first-rate dispatch from the cutting edge of physics.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred)

“A fascinating tour of the strange anomalies discovered through scientific experiments in particle physics and cosmology. . . . This book is accessible with clear explanations, a sprinkling of humor, and a dash of poetry. The combination makes for an engaging follow-up to Cliff’s previous book, How To Make an Apple Pie from Scratch.”
—Library Journal

“Cliff converts complex physics into eminently readable popular science.”
—Booklist

“An authoritative investigation of emerging scientific problems. . . . Cliff’s optimism, light sense of humor, and enthusiasm for his subject shine through.” 
—Kirkus Reviews