Those who study Aristotle generally know little about physics, and those who are engaged in physics have little interest in Aristotle.” He offers not just a defense of Aristotle’s physics, but a defense of his physics on the grounds of scientific provincialism. In a defense of Aristotle’s physics, he writes, “the bad reputation of Aristotle’s physics is also due to the silly gulf that has opened up between scientific culture and humanist philosophical discourse. His facility with science and philosophy is exemplary. But at his best-and there are plenty of sections that spotlight his best-Rovelli delights. Even some of the science writing doesn’t hold up. Intermixed with the author’s trademark astute scientific and philosophical writing are reminiscences, travelogues, and opinion pieces, some of which are mere filler. Such is often the nature of collections of previously published pieces, yet even in that context, the text is scattershot. While exhibiting his concise prose and easy erudition, this one lacks the sense of unity of previous works.

Though his latest book extends his brand, it differs crucially from its predecessors. Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and The Order of Time earned a devoted audience through their accessible and elegant communication of the findings of modern physics. Rovelli is well known for writing small books on big subjects. A collection of short essays from one of the most prominent science writers of our time.

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