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
The 4% Universe
Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2011I review Richard Panek’s latest book, The 4% Universe, in the current issue of New Scientist.
Lunar Eclipse on the Solstice
Posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2010I had a great view of the rare “solstice day lunar eclipse” on Tuesday morning. I was videotaped for CTV news, and can be seen in CTV’s report on the eclipse.
Einstein Wrote Back
Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010I review John Moffat's new memoir, "Einstein Wrote Back: My Life in Physics" in today's Globe and Mail.
Dance of the Photons
Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010I review Anton Zeilinger's "Dance of the Photons: From Einstein to Quantum Teleportation" for New Scientist magazine.
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.