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Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics

The bestselling guide to our universe

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Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics

By: Frank Verstraete, Céline Broeckaert
Narrated by: Hugh Kermode, Frank Verstraete, Céline Broeckaert
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About this listen

This audiobook includes forewords read by the authors, Frank Verstraete and Céline Broeckaert.

The International Bestseller

'Ambitious . . . pleasingly full of cutting-edge topics - New Scientist

'A physics book unlike any other. The scope, depth and artistry are breathtaking' – John Preskill, theoretical physicist and Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech

Quantum physics is the cornerstone of our world. Yet, at the same time, it’s one of the hardest subjects for ordinary mortals to grasp.

In Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics, a husband-and-wife team — renowned physicist Frank Verstraete and writer Céline Broeckaert — demystifies this essential branch of science. Together, they unravel the reasons the universe behaves in its weird ways — and just why it’s so important to understand them.

In this book, you will discover:

  • How symmetry governs the universe.
  • The untold stories of pioneering women in quantum science.
  • How quantum principles power our gadgets and lives.
  • The real essence behind quantum puzzles and discoveries.


Part-history and part-popular science, Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics serves as a bridge between the complex world of quantum physics and the curious mind, simplifying without diluting and enlightening without overwhelming.

'Entertaining, unorthodox and highly readable' – Professor Ian Stewart, bestselling co-author of The Science of Discworld

'A delightful book for all those who do not speak the language of mathematics but are curious about the most beautiful of theories and their impact on our lives' – Barbara Terhal, theoretical physicist

 History History & Philosophy Physics Science Marriage Mathematics Cosmology Black Hole

Critic Reviews

A physics book unlike any other. The scope, depth and artistry are breathtaking (John Preskill, theoretical physicist and Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology)
Quantum physics has long been mysterious, yet [the authors] succeed, often with brilliance, in making its history and mind-blowing ways accessible to lay readers (Nature)
This book will get you up to speed on the weird and wonderful subatomic world that surrounds us . . . will not only give you a grounding in the fundamental laws that govern our world, but an appreciation for them (The Standard)
Ambitious . . . pleasingly full of cutting-edge topics (New Scientist)
An entertaining, unorthodox and highly readable presentation of one of the most curious and counterintuitive scientific theories ever conceived. A must read for anyone who wants to gain insight into the science behind the devices that now underpin every aspect of daily life (Ian Stewart FRS, bestselling author of The Science Of Discworld)
A delightful book for all those who do not speak the language of mathematics but are curious about the most beautiful of theories and their impact on our lives (Barbara Terhal, theoretical physicist)
A charming, stimulating and beautifully written book in which a scientist and an artist revel in their shared wonder for the world. It's really a gorgeous book! (Professor David Tong, theoretical physicist)
A clear, pleasantly-written book . . . After reading this book, you will have gained a better feeling for that wonderful, counter-intuitive quantum world (NRC)
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