Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    'The Dialogues' Takes On Physics And Reality In Words And Pictures

    Commentator Adam Frank interviews physicist Clifford Johnson, who has taken a new approach to the exploration of questions about the nature of the universe — the graphic novel.
    by Adam Frank Feb 23, 2018 5 minutes
    An image from Clifford Johnson's <em>The Dialogues: Conversations about the Nature of the Universe.</em>

    The origin of the universe, the nature of space, the reality of time: These are ancient questions.

    Libraries across the world are filled with heavy books that are, themselves, heavy with equations on these issues. But how many graphic novels are exploring these questions? More importantly, how many graphic novels written and drawn by expert theoretical physicists are there?

    Well, happily for us all, the answer to the latter question is "at least one," thanks to University of Southern California physicist Clifford Johnson. Johnson's new book The Dialogues: Conversations about the Nature of the Universe is a penetrating exploration of questions — that are both ancient and modern — about the nature of the universe. I found The Dialogues to be compelling, and the use of the graphic novel format only deepened that impression.

    After finishing the book

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR2 min read
    'Sesame Street' Writers Authorize A Strike If They Don't Reach A Contract By Friday
    Writers for the children's program want better residuals and annual raises, and for auxiliary works, such as social media segments, to be covered by union benefits. Their contract expires Friday.
    NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
    Lawyers For Nassar Assault Survivors Have Reached $100M Deal With Justice Department
    The U.S. Justice Department has agreed to pay approximately $100 million to settle claims with about 100 people who say they were sexually assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar.
    NPR3 min read
    Amid Concerns About Kids And Guns, Some Say Training Is The Answer
    The number of U.S. children dying from gunshot wounds has climbed in recent years. Keeping guns out of reach is one way to curb the trend — others argue to teach kids to handle guns responsibly.

    Related Books & Audiobooks