When Einstein Walked with Gödel

"In these pieces, plucked from the last 20 years, Holt takes on infinity and the infinitesimal, the illusion of time, the birth of eugenics, the so-called new atheism, smartphones and distraction. It is an elegant history of recent ideas. . . . Holt is an amphibious kind of writer, so capably slipping from theology to cosmology to poetry, you’re reminded that specialization is a modern invention . . . Part of what makes Holt so exciting is his ability to gather these disciplines under his shingle, to make their knottiest questions not only intelligible but enticing, without sacrificing rigor . . . Even if the paces of a few decades (and too many I.Q. points to count) separate us from these giants, we’re lucky to have Jim Holt help us eavesdrop."—Parul Sehgal, The New York Times

"Holt . . . performs his observational comedy within the realm of the higher sciences—math, theoretical physics, philosophy—but gives us enough setup that we’re in on the joke . . . I don’t know of another writer quite like him . . . When Einstein presents a remarkably unified sensibility . . . I found Holt’s essay on the Riemann hypothesis to be totally charming. In fact, this was my experience for nearly the whole book. In piece after piece, Holt acts as a model host, giving us only the best bits while paring away most difficulties . . . It’s a perfect bedtime book, with each essay providing a luminous devotional on weighty topics, delivered with a light touch."—David Kordahl, Los Angeles Review of Books

"I’ve just discovered the brilliant essays of Jim Holt . . . When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought . . . offers lucid and entertaining accounts of deep problems in physics, maths and philosophy." —Martin Rees, Physics World

“Jim Holt's essay collection When Einstein Walked with Gödel is a gleaming introduction to the mysteries of modern physics and mathematics. Holding your hand through discussions of artificial intelligence, string theory, theories of time, Holt's ‘Excursions to the Edge of Thought’ are the journeys of a lifetime.”—Christopher Bray, The Tablet (London)

"Science writing of the caliber on display in When Einstein Walked with Gödel is a boon in these times of looming scientific illiteracy. Holt makes his recondite subjects seem not only fascinating but fun."—Steve Donoghue, The Christian Science Monitor

"[A] fantastic essay collection [filled] with stories about eccentric geniuses and groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of science and philosophy . . . Holt delivers this feast of wild genius, oddball thinkers, and sheer creativity in his signature accessible style of writing and playful tone."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)