How the Universe Got Its Spots by Janna Levin

'Janna Levin is one of the most talented and original of the young cosmologists, and her book combines a tour of the frontiers of cosmology with an intimate account of her struggles to reconcile the demands of a scientific career with the demands of the heart. Janna Levin, one of the bright young stars on the interface between topology (the study of shapes) and cosmology, describes her efforts to look for the signatures of a finite universe and offers the reader a unique insight into her life and inner thoughts.' -David Spergel, Princeton University 'Although we're tantalizingly close to the answer, we still don't know if our universe is infinite or finite. ' How the Universe Got Its Spots is a genuine attempt to break down barriers, both intellectual and emotional, between scientists and their wished-for audience.' -Ken Grimes and Alison Boyle, Astronomy And Levin has found an interesting way to do this the book is in the form of letters to her mother.' 'The intellectual-emotional balance, and the finely tuned prose, are what makes this different from the very many other books on cosmology. The result suggests a blend of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and The History of Time.' -Dan Kincaid, Arizona Republic

'Levin interweaves enlightening insights into the most profound enigmas of space, time and infinity with reflections on her struggle to balance her personal and professional lives.

' touchingly personal account.' -Jim McClean, The Herald (Glasgow) A book to be applauded.' -Andrew Crumey, The Scotsman 'Levin unpacks the technicalities with a skill honed from giving many lectures on the subject, and it is fascinating to read. But in How the Universe Got Its Spots, the astrophysicist Janna Levin insists that infinity works as a hypothetical concept only, and that it is not found in nature.' -Lauren Porcaro, New Yorker 'If the universe is infinite, then its possibilities are infinite as well. 'Levin not only tours the wilder reaches of cosmology, but she also bares her soul.' 'Gives a personal resonance to scientists’ attempts to understand the mysteries of the universe.' Few scientists are capable of putting their understanding and experiences into words as effectively.' -Peter Coles, Nature

'Gorgeously written.' -Mary Carmichael, Newsweek This intimate account of the life and thought of a physicist is one of the nicest scientific books I have ever read-personal and honest, clear and informative, entertaining and difficult to put down.' -Alejandro Gangui, American Scientist

How the Universe Got Its Spots by Janna Levin