In a Flight of Starlings

The man who looked at birds and grasped the secrets of the universe … Read this, and you will get at least a frisson of what a top-flight career in physics might feel like * Daily Telegraph *The Italian physicist puts the fiendishly tricky theory of complex systems in terms of birds and bus rides … aims to make his branch of science accessible to all * Observer *Giorgio Parisi is remarkably flexible and ingenious… In a Flight of Starlings is a compelling introduction to how modern researchers think about complex systems, enlivened by autobiographical anecdote and reflection on the processes of science – Sean Carroll * The Times Literary Supplement *Parisi tells of his adventures in thinking in this alarmingly brilliant, witty and brief book – Robert Fox * Evening Standard *In a Flight of Starlings offers a glimpse into scientific discovery … a forceful argument for the value of scientific literacy at a time when it’s increasingly being challenged by misinformation … Parisi’s book is a step toward making physics feel more accessible – Andrew DeMillo * Independent *An interesting collection of essays reflecting on Parisi’s long career in science … The scientific explanations are admirably lucid * The Wall Street Journal *An erudite contemplation on both science and the process of doing science. And a joy to read – Marcus Chown * Prospect Magazine *In this delightful and deeply thoughtful book, Giorgio Parisi weaves a tapestry of experiences and ideas that connects disciplines and prepares us to appreciate the beauty, importance, and cultural value of science – Frances Arnold, winner of the Nobel PrizeAn extraordinary scientist – Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons on PhysicsGiorgio Parisi is renowned for his scientific creativity, originality, and power. In this exhilarating little book, he shows his human side, too. By its end, readers will feel they’ve made a charming, witty new friend. – Frank Wilczek, winner of the Nobel Prize and author of Fundamentals

Giorgio Parisi is a theoretical physicist and professor of Quantum Theories at the Sapienza University of Rome. Together with Klaus Hasselmann and Syukuro Manabe, he received the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics.