Liquid

It's a little known fact that liquids are the coolest state of matter. And if anyone can spread that message all around him, it's Mark Miodownik. From ink to saliva, coffee to soap, this is an exhilarating, eye-opening ride.

Philip Ball, science writer and author of H2O: A Biography of Water

A brilliantly navigated journey through the scientific marvels of the fluid world, from coffee to kerosene, from tea to tar, from honey to hydrophobia, from peanut butter to perfluorocarbons. A thrilling read, from start to finish

Tim Radford, author of The Consolations of Physics: Why the Wonders of the Universe Can Make You Happy

Miodownik is a materials scientist, but really he is an alchemist; he transforms knowledge of everyday stuff into literary gold. His book on liquids oozes brilliance on every page

Alex Bellos, author of Alex Through the Looking Glass

This book delivers exactly what it promises . . . It's a treat. I lost count of the number of "but why?" questions it answers . . . This is a winning and hugely readable book

James McConnachie, The Sunday Times

Once again, Miodownik has written a book much like the substances it describes: exciting, anarchic and surprising. Like the sea, it covers a lot of ground. And like a perfectly made cup of tea, it is warm, comforting and very refreshing

Katy Guest, The Guardian

Miodownik yet again makes the seemingly mundane awe-inspiring. I'll never look at a ballpoint pen the same way again

Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, New York Times-bestselling authors of Soonish

Mark Miodownik flies high again in Liquid. It's a treat to see the world through his eyes as he flows from topic to topic, and under his gaze even the most mundane things-ballpoint pens, ketchup bottles, a cup of tea-sizzle with significance

Sam Kean, New York Times-bestselling author of The Disappearing Spoon and Caesar’s Last Breath

Miodownik's appeal comes not only from his ability to explain the complexities of science and engineering but also from his acute social observations . . . original and entertaining

Clive Cookson, Financial Times

Miodownik uses a routine transatlantic flight from London to San Francisco - and the liquids that he encounters on the way - as a vehicle for a sparkling exposition of materials in science and engineering. His lively analysis takes in kerosene fuel, wines from the drinks trolley, glues holding the aircraft together, the entertainment system's liquid crystal display, clouds outside the cabin, and much more besides.)

FT Books of the Year 2018