What are things made of? What is the sun? Is there really life on other planets? Why do bad things happen?

Throughout history, people have invented fascinating stories to explain the world we live in. Have you heard the tale of how the sun hatched out of an emu's egg? Or what about the great catfish that carries the world on its back? Has anyone ever told you that earthquakes are caused by a sneezing giant? These fantastical myths are fun – but what are the real answers to such questions?

Professor Richard Dawkins has teamed up with renowned illustrator Dave McKean to take you on an amazing journey from atoms to animals, pollination to paranoia, the big bang to the bigger picture. See the wonder of science come alive in this beautifully illustrated guide to the greatest questions on earth – and some of the answers to them.

Author Biography

Richard Dawkins is the former Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University (1995–2008). His many bestsellers include The Selfish Gene, The God Delusion and The Greatest Show on Earth. Dave McKean has illustrated many award-winning books and graphic novels, including Coraline and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, the latter winning both the Newbery and Carnegie Medals. He has created hundreds of album, comic and book covers, and has designed characters for two of the Harry Potter films. He has also directed two feature films, MirrorMask and Luna.