The Universe in Verse

15 Portals to Wonder through Science & Poetry

By: Maria Popova, Ofra Amit

Narrated by: Maria Popova, Lili Taylor

In this audiobook Maria Popova, creator of The Marginalian, presents a celebration of the human search for truth and beauty through the lenses of science and poetry.

Poetry and science, as Popova writes in her introduction, "are instruments for knowing the world more intimately and loving it more deeply." In 15 short essays on subjects ranging from the mystery of dark matter and the infinity of pi to the resilience of trees and the intelligence of octopuses, Popova tells the stories of scientific searching and discovery. These stories are interwoven with details from the very real and human lives of scientists—many of them women, many underrecognized—and poets inspired by the same questions and the beauty they reveal. Each essay is paired with a poem reflecting its subject by poets ranging from Emily Dickinson, W. H. Auden, and Edna St. Vincent Millay to Maya Angelou, Diane Ackerman, and Tracy K. Smith. Together, they wake us to a "reality aglow with wonder."

Critic reviews

“This book is a wonder. Science writing so often negates the inherent wonder of science, which comes so brilliantly alive here. Something bursts open in the mind. And let me say this: Maria Popova has the rare gift of starting a sentence and leaving you in trance by its end. I'd read anything she writes.”—Jad Abumrad, creator, Radiolab

Deeply inspiring

A deeply inspiring creative output, beautifully combining poetry and science. This publication is most sincere and lovely

So much beauty in the natural world

Thoroughly enjoyed this selection of poems inspired by nature and math. As a scientist, I reveled in the beauty

Magical Brew of Poetry, History, and Science

Maria Popova’s work is a new discovery to me. Her work was highlighted through the DeepTime Network. She is able to explain and help us explore the Cosmos with a keen knowledge of the emerging science and expand one’s imaginal grasp of this knowledge through the poetic expression of the greatest of our poets. Popova is able to weave a web of historical background fore-mostly highlighting the women neglected by the ignorance of the patriarchal mind set.

Universe in verse listen late night

Relaxing because I was relaxed and you should try to relax and get comfortable and quiet to listen by yourself alone in the dark

A Must Listen

In this time of trial and turmoil, this listen will put your mind at ease and bring balm to your soul.