“Curiosity is a wonderful book that revises popular assumptions about the Scientific Revolution with great wit and insight. But ultimately it is both a cogent and vigorously argued reflection on what drives modern experimental science… Philip Ball distinguishes himself as unquestionably one of our finest – and most curious – writers on the history and future of science.”Jerry Brotton, Literary Review
“Philip Ball, like Primo Levi, displays a polymath’s enthusiasm for knowledge of all kinds, and writes of science with humility and intelligent generosity… Ball’s new book, a readable survey of the role of curiosity in science, is a good example of what the French call haute vulgarisation – high-class popularisation. In pages of limpid prose, Ball brings difficult ideas down a level.” Ian Thomson, Daily Telegraph
“Ball’s fascinating book revels not just in the experiments of these early scientists, but also in their humanity, foibles and passions.”Ian Critchley, Sunday Times
University of Chicago Press (2013) Hard Cover ISBN 978-0-226-04579-5