"Smoothly entertaining, full of fascinating tidbits, and frequently
humorous, these essays show Tyson as one of today's best popularizers of
science."--Kirkus Reviews

"Tyson takes readers on an exciting journey from Earth's hot springs...to the
universe's farthest reaches....witty and entertaining...."--Publishers Weekly

"[Tyson] demonstrates a good feel for explaining science in an intelligible way to
interested lay readers; his rather rakish sense of humor should aid in making the
book enjoyable."--Library Journal

Neil deGrasse Tyson has a talent for guiding readers through the mysteries
of outer space with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. This
collection of his essays in Natural History magazine explores a
myriad of cosmic topics, from astral life at the frontiers of astrobiology to the
movie industry's feeble efforts to get its night skies right.

Tyson introduces us to the physics of black holes by explaining what would
happen to our bodies if we fell into one, examines the needless friction between
science and religion, and notes Earth's progression to "an insignificantly small
speck in the cosmos."

Renowned for his ability to blend content, accessibility, and humor, Tyson is a
natural teacher who simplifies some of the most complex concepts in astrophysics
while sharing his infectious excitement for our universe.