The mysteries of life and of the world we live in reveal themselves throughout this delightfully varied and accessible collection of essays. In fusions of hard science and personal anecdote - a physicist's perceptions as he walks his dog, a neurologist's ruminations on stubbing his toe, an astronomy writer's imaginary stroll backward in time on his way to his father's grave - these essays emphasize the breadth and humanity of the scientific endeavor. Ranging in subject matter from the beginnings of the earth to the ends of the known universe, this anthology encompasses reflections on common sense, the mind of a bat, quantum mechanics, Murphy's law, dinosaur footprints, a Mesoamerican calendar, the thrill of an eclipse, time and memory, a fatal car accident, the origins of life. . . . and more.Mysteries of Life and the Universe is the fourth in a series of innovative collaborations in which artists and writers have donated their work to benefit others. (Those previously published are Louder than Words and Louder than Words: A Second Collection, both short-story anthologies, and Home, a children's book.) These collections are conceived and sponsored by Share Our Strength, a hunger relief foundation in Washington, D.C., which will donate the royalties from the sales of Mysteries of Life and the Universe to the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality. Read Less