The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe (book)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | October 2, 2018 |
| Founder | Steven Novella, Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, Evan Bernstein |
| Products | Scientific skepticism book |
| Parent | Grand Central Publishing |
The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe: How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake is a 2018 publication focused on scientific skepticism, authored by Steven Novella alongside fellow hosts of the The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast—Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, and Evan Bernstein—with contributions from former co-host Perry DeAngelis.
About
According to a 2017 report in Skeptical Inquirer, the book was under development with an anticipated release in 2018. It became available for advance purchase early that year and was officially published by Grand Central Publishing on October 2, 2018. The writers are current and past presenters of the well-known podcast.
In an interview with European Skeptics Podcast, Jay Novella explained their creative process, describing the book as if it were crafted by "an alien species examining Earth through a lens of skepticism and critical analysis," drawing inspiration from the narrative style of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
Reception
The work garnered favorable critiques, including recognition from Kirkus Reviews, and achieved status as a USA Today bestseller.
Publishers Weekly offered commendations:
Rob Palmer, writing for Skeptical Inquirer, shared that despite his high expectations as a long-term admirer, he found the book met them fully in both quality and influence.