A horizon-expanding mix of word magic and fact, of wonder and history, science and lyricism. I was hypnotized by this book. As a lover of both science and art, this felt like a little world, bound between pages, that I wanted to snuggle into endlessly. When science is written about this beautifully, this kaleidoscopically, intimidating specifics in physics and mathematics suddenly glow with enchantment and enticement, they are more approachable, beckoning us and all of our curiosity, seeming almost tangible enough to hold. I’m thankful that I’m a subscriber to Maria Popova’s newsletter (and that her newsletter is just as exquisitely written) because I want moremoremore!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher!

This is a book for people who love science, or poetry, or nature, or the skies.
Loved every bit of it, every beautiful illustration, poem, introduction.
Surely I'll buy a physical copy, and surely will become one of those books that I gift to loved ones.

Amazing.

This seems like it will make an extremely pleasing object as a printed book. The prose pieces are very short and superficial, which is fine for, what seems to be, the intended audience
This is in no way a popular science book, it would probably appeal to readers of modern poetry.

The Universe in Verse is a delightful exploration of poetry from a diverse collective. Each poem is heralded by thoughtful illustrations by Ofra Amit and a short essay by author, Maria Popova. Her summations are both scientifically and philosophically reflective as she delves into the creative research journeys of scientists, writers or other persons of note, either the poet or with whom the poem ties in nicely.

I particularly enjoyed the beautifully delivered write-up on turn-of-the-century mathematician, Emmy Noether. Noether's theorem is the articulation of symmetry, without which we would be unable “to formulate any meaningful model of reality”.
As stated by the author when referring to Emmy, “What she gave us is not unlike poetry, which gives us a new way of comprehending what is already there but not yet noticed and not yet named.”
If Noether’s theorem did not exist, many of the acclaimed theories by other scientists may not have evolved as her theorem was essential in their discovery.

The poem linked to the Emmy Noether chapter is Howard Nemerov’s, Figures of Thought. Here’s a teaser of a passage from said poem…

“How secret that is, and how privileged
One feels to find the same necessity
Ciphered in forms diverse and otherwise
Without kinship— that is the beautiful
In Nature as in art, not obvious,
Not inaccessible, but just between.”

I highly recommend this book to lovers of poetry, periods and people of historical note and those who enjoy learning whilst they reflect the meaning of it all.

My thanks to Maria Popova, Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, given freely and without incentive.

This book is an excellent marriage of the poetic, creative human spirit to the scientific mind. It is an excellent reminder of all that connects us at a molecular level, all at once thought-provoking and soothing.

I loved this beautiful book about science and the natural world, as seen from both clinical and poetic views. It's perfect to dip into or read all the way though, and will be a welcome addition to any poetry-lover's shelf. I'll be giving copies as gifts!

Poetry for those who love science! A beautiful little collection of paired essay, art, and poem. Thoughtfully and intentionally arranged. Feels like a walk through a quaint museum of scientific accomplishments and mediations there upon. The short essays are well written. Art is lovely. In fact, I’m surprised how much I enjoyed it. Well done and creative!

What a gorgeous gorgeous book! Maria Popova, of the Marginalian, has put together a stunning collection of poems and artwork that she expertly ties together with short essays throughout. I highly recommend for any of us who are feeling disconnected from the world and the truth that we are all in this beautiful, chaotic, messy world together.

The elegant symbiosis of poetry and science presented in this book makes it a must-read for anyone wanting to better understand how our world works. The poetic selections combine with the brief essays and the art to activate both the intellectual and the visceral, and the layout means that the book can be read and savored slowly, with a feeling of being removed at least momentarily from the daily mundane.

I loved how this author blended science, poetry and art together to create this beautiful book. I would definitely be interested in reading more by this author/poet. Thanks to netgalley for an ARC.

‘Universe in Verse’ is a collection of short essays paired with poetry pieces on wonders we have reached, from the vast universe to the world of fungi. The essays also highlight women’s contributions to science, often disregarded and undervalued.

Take this read as an invitation to delve into the world of science and poetry. I also recommend checking out Maria Popova’s ‘The Marginalian’, a treasure trove of ponderings on literature, science, and philosophy. You may check it out beforehand to be acquainted with her writing style, and if you end up liking ‘Universe in Verse’, you can find in her newsletter, a universe of portals to wonder, all yours to explore.

As an avid reader of her writings, there’s potential for a series here. In-depth versions of this concept in branches of science would make for interesting reads.

3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4 here.

This was such a gorgeous collection of poetry! The classic poems positioned with essays regarding space and the universe beyond us was captivating. A perfect read for anyone who often feels small, but seeks comfort in the stars that blanket us.

Science - and the universe - have a lot in common with art and philosophy. The study of the universe is all about asking questions in order to understand how the universe works (even though there are far more questions than we will likely ever have answers for). But we still seek to study and understand the world around us and the stars above us.

In art - in all the forms that it takes but in this book specifically poetry - we also seek to observe and describe the unknown. To put to words the deepest questions we have about life and what it means to be made of stardust.

The Universe in Verse by Maria Popova (with absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Ofra Amit) is a series of essays on elements of scientific discovery and history, linked to poems that expound upon the ideas that science has brought forward. The combination of the two forms of writing gives a new perspective on how discoveries are made and understood by the world. Popova’s own writing is elegant and philosophical, bringing a sense of deep wonder to topics that often remind us of how small we are as people compared to the vastness of the space that surrounds us. It also reminds us of how much nature and the universe itself are works of art that have arisen from cosmic soup.

This book, this collection of stories, history, and ideas, is a reminder to take a moment and embrace wonder, possibility, and change. It is also a reminder that art and science and our base desires to understand the universe are intricately intertwined and exist together as a way to describe the world around us. There is art in the universe, and the universe is art, and this book is a beautiful testament to that duality.

Lovely poems.
They are easy to read, simole and yet complex and they touched my heart like none before.
Thank you, Netgalley, for this opportunity.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't normally read books related to science, but I absolutely loved the combination of science, short essays, poetry, and art. They all meshed surprisingly well.The illustrations are great and paired well with the essays and poems.

I really loved learning about the many scientists (most of them women) in the essays. It saddened me that many of these women are not recognized. However, I am happy that these women are getting recognition in this book and I hope that many others learn about the contributions these women made to science. The illustrations are great and paired well with the essays and poems.

This book, I found quite a dense read, in some places. However that being said, it has helped me, to develop my knowledge on scientific terms, and also the universe around us.

The chapter art is phenomenally beautiful, and a lovely addition. The poems at the end of each section were lovely to read and interpret as well.

I would have loved a glossary, of some of the scientific terms for better understanding, A great read all round

This was a unique collection of poems, chosen to pair with scientific discoveries and challenges, well chosen and curated

"To live wonder-smitten with reality is the gladdest way to live."

The book tells stories and compiles 15 poems about nature, the history of science, and our understanding of reality. I love how Maria Popova and the authors of these poems encourage readers to reflect on the wonders of the universe and our existence and teach us about the history of science through small glimpses of the stories of the people who've helped us better understand the world. These are complimented with lovely illustrations by Ofra Amit. This book is a beautiful ode to our mote of matter.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and the author for the chance to review this ARC!

This book is a beautiful mix of illustrations, short histories of important scientific moments and influential scientific contributors, and poetry inspired by those same people, moment and topics. I particularly enjoyed in balance in reference to the inclusion of influential women, I wish I had had access to an introduction like this as a child/teenager.

This is interesting! It is the type of book that is best to just page through, rather than reading in one sitting, opening up to any part here or there to read a selection and a poem as the mood strikes. I am not well-versed (ha) in poetry, so I found lots of works here that I didn't know and am glad to have discovered. I am considering purchasing a personal copy of this for my home library.

ARC requesters beware: this is an Adobe Digital Editions file - not something you can read on your Kindle.

Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing!