"Curiosity is a wonderful book that revises popular assumptions about the Scientific Revolution with great wit and insight. But ultimately it is both a cogent and vigorously argued reflection on what drives modern experimental science… Philip Ball distinguishes himself as unquestionably one of our finest – and most curious – writers on the history and future of science."
Jerry Brotton, Literary Review
"Philip Ball, like Primo Levi, displays a polymath’s enthusiasm for knowledge of all kinds, and writes of science with humility and intelligent generosity… Ball’s new book, a readable survey of the role of curiosity in science, is a good example of what the French call haute vulgarisation – high-class popularisation. In pages of limpid prose, Ball brings difficult ideas down a level."
Ian Thomson, Daily Telegraph
"Ball’s fascinating book revels not just in the experiments of these early scientists, but also in their humanity, foibles and passions."
Ian Critchley, Sunday Times
