In this astonishing and profound work, an irreverent sleuth traces the riddleof existence from the ancient world to modern times.

The Washington Post Notable Non-Fiction of 2013 “I can imagine few more enjoyable ways of thinking than to read this book.”—Sarah Bakewell, New York Times

This compelling study of the origins of all that exists, including explanations of the entire material world, traces the responses of philosophers and scientist

From Jim Holt, the New York Times bestselling author of Why Does the World Exist?, comes an entertaining and accessible guide to the most profound scientific an

“Finally I understand what it is I’ve been laughing at all these years.”—Jimmy Kimmel From the best-selling author of Why Does the World Exist? comes th