Reviews for The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright’s Universe
A "lucid history of early Renaissance science" — The National Post
"...a fascinating and wide-ranging exploration of the astronomical knowledge of the era" — The Chronicle-Herald
"Falk takes the reader on an eventful tour through science in the early modern era...It’s an enjoyable read, and will appeal to non-specialists, but nonetheless is based on a comprehensive engagement with the pertinent academic scholarship. The work is well-informed, enthusiastic, and recommended to anyone seeking a new take on the oft-studied Bard." — Chemistry World
Latest News
Alien Notion
Posted on Monday, November 8, 2010What can an anthropologist say about aliens? In an article in the new issue of The Walrus, I speak with York University anthropologist Kathryn Denning about the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
Jewish without God
Posted on Monday, November 1, 2010What does it mean to be a Jewish atheist? In a documentary airing this Sunday (Nov. 7) on the CBC Radio program "Tapestry," I explore the idea of maintaining a Jewish identity without believing in God.
Beethoven and Your Brain
Posted on Monday, November 1, 2010What happens in your brain when you listen to Beethoven? I review "Beethoven and Your Brain," a special concert/lecture by Daniel Levitin and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, for New Scientist's "Culture Lab" website.
Travelling through Time with William Shatner
Posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010I discuss the science of time travel on William Shatner's "Weird or What" TV series, in an episode that airs across Canada this week on History Television.
The Disappearing Spoon
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2010I review Sam Kean's book about the periodic table for the Globe & Mail. In "The Disappearing Spoon," Kean tells the intriguing story of the chemical elements and the remarkable personalities behind them.
Easter Island eclipse: 35 mm film results
Posted on Friday, September 3, 2010In my final posting about the July 11 solar eclipse for New Scientist's Culture Lab blog, I display some of my 35 mm film results, and compare them to my digital images of the eclipse -- along with some "pretty pictures" from Easter Island.
Easter Island Eclipse: First photos posted
Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010The first of my solar eclipse photos from Easter Island are now on-line, in the third installment of my blog series for New Scientist's Culture Lab website.
Update from Easter Island
Posted on Saturday, July 10, 2010Greetings from Easter Island! In my latest posting for New Scientist's "Culture Lab" blog, I talk about scoping out the island for the perfect spot to view and photograph tomorrow's total solar eclipse.
Why I'm Going to Easter Island
Posted on Monday, June 28, 2010In just a few days I’ll be I'll be heading for one of the most remote places on the face of the earth – Easter Island. As I explain in my latest blog entry, the island happens to lie on the “path of totality” for the upcoming total solar eclipse…
Read the full blog entry.
Stephen Hawking on God, the big bang, and new physics
Posted on Monday, June 21, 2010In an article for New Scientist, I report on Stephen Hawking's inaugural talk at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario, as the famed scientist begins a six-week stint at the research centre.