Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything

By: Hannah Fry, Adam Rutherford

Narrated by: Hannah Fry, Adam Rutherford

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

In the Rutherford and Fry's comprehensive guidebook, they tell the complete story of the universe and absolutely everything in it - skipping over some of the boring parts.

This is a celebration of the weirdness of the cosmos, the strangeness of humans and the very fact that amid all the mess, we can somehow make sense of life.

Our brains have evolved to tell us all sorts of things that feel intuitively right but just aren't true: the world looks flat; the stars seem fixed in the heavenly firmament; a day is 24 hours....

This book is crammed full of tales of how stuff really works. With the power of science, we have bypassed our monkey-brains and we're going on a journey from the origin of time and space, via planets, galaxies, evolution, the dinosaurs, all the way into our minds, with truly head-scratching questions, that only science can answer:

What is time, and where does it come from?

Why are animals the size and shape they are?

What is a thought?

How horoscopes work (Spoiler: they don't, but you think they do)

Does my dog love me?

Why nothing is truly round

Do you need your eyes to see?

©2021 Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"If only Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry were on tap to all of us, all the time.... The pair have such a gift for making life, numbers and the forces at work in the universe all the richer, stranger, funnier and more marvellous." (Stephen Fry)

"A wonderfully engaging blend of wit, enthusiasm, clarity and knowledge." (Bill Bryson)

"Like the universe itself, this book is multi-faceted, surprising and full of wonders. It's also funny, wise and exceedingly brainy. You really owe it to yourself to read it." (Tim Harford, author of How To Make The World Add Up)

fantastic

Great narration, compelling content and a great introduction to critical thinking about the world we live in. I am desperately hoping for a sequel.

Just had to keep listening

I bought this audio book because I really enjoy Fry and Rutherford's Radio 4 program an hoped for more of the same kind of content. I wasn't disappointed. Their accessible interpretation of a wide range of scientific concepts meant I really felt that I understood some fairly complex principles without having to stop and rewind. As both the authors are well-known scientists in their own field, I feel sure their ideas were well researched and didn't lack rigorous research.
This was an informative and engaging journey through the world of physics, chemistry, biology, genetics, psychology and many more. But, the best thing was - it made me think, laugh and be more curious about the cosmos. Can't wait for more like this!

Fantastic

Wonderfully fun and informative, read in the authors own expressive and conversational style. Highly recommended, especially to fans of The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry.

Engaging performances, insightful science

An enjoyable listen. Be warned that the not-so-subliminal advertising has led me to purchase a physical copy as a Christmas present

One of the best audio books

Utterly brilliant. If you love curious cases or find uncovering scientific truths fascinating then this audio book is definitely for you.

What about giraffes?

Similar to The Curious Cases Of … , only longer and without the daft banter and music.

Not What I Expected But Brilliant All The Same

I wasn't aware of the authors before and I will certainly look out for them again. Although I was looking for and expecting a drier, more academical take on "Absolutely Everything", this book was informative and entertaining - highly recommend!

Very interesting and enjoyable

Really instresting and as good as their podcast. Learnt loads of interesting information and as a third year Psychology student useful for this subject.

Loved every minute

Loved every minute of this book, mixed some personal downtime listening with listening in the car with the family. So many hugely interesting views and takes on EVERYTHING around us, and all expertly read by Hannah and Adam.

Very interesting and very enjoyable

I bought this after listening to the podcast and was not disappointed.

Will listen again soon

Interesting and witty

A witty and interesting breakneck speed journey through a wide range of cosmological topics. Thoroughly entertaining.