Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics
And Everyone Needs to Know Something About It
Frank Verstraete author Céline Broeckaert author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:5th Jun '25
Should be back in stock very soon

A husband-and-wife duo - he, a world-leading scientist; she, a writer - have come together to demystify the world's most important scientific theories.
A husband-and-wife duo – he, a world-leading scientist; she, a writer – have come together to demystify the world’s most important scientific theories.
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 duo demystifies this essential branch of science. He, Frank Verstraete, one of the world’s leading physicists, peels back layers of the quantum world with unparalleled insights into the latest research. She, Céline Broeckaert, a writer, puts these scientific revelations into everyday language with wit and charm. Together, they unravel the reasons the universe behaves in the weird ways it does – and just why it’s so important to understand them.
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.
With this groundbreaking journey into quantum physics, transform your understanding of the universe and its boundless possibilities with clarity, wonder and humour. Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics is 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
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
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
ISBN: 9781035065844
Dimensions: 243mm x 164mm x 33mm
Weight: 576g
368 pages