In a Flight of Starlings

An extraordinary scientist

Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

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 Prize

Giorgio 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

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

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

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

Parisi tells of his adventures in thinking in this alarmingly brilliant, witty and brief book

Robert Fox, Evening Standard

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

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