Published by the House of Anansi Press, the book is a compilation of Turok’s CBC Massey Lectures, which were delivered across Canada in 2012. It examines how human curiosity has driven breakthroughs in physics that have shaped our world, and offers a visionary look at how the human mind can shape the future.
The Lane Anderson Award, now in its fourth year, is an annual prize honouring excellence in Canadian science writing. Two awards are given – one highlights a book written for adult readers, the other for children and/or middle grade readers. Authors of the winning books each receive $10,000.
The jury lauded The Universe Within’s unique blend of science and inspiration, saying, “No science story could be bigger or more daunting than this – the origin and future of the universe. But Turok brings a rare humanism to his subject, revealing not only the wonder of the ever expanding universe, out there, but of the universe of compassion and curiosity within ourselves. Ultimately, as he states, ‘Science is about people.’”
In accepting the award, Turok said, “I am thrilled and humbled by this honour. The lectures and the book were my attempt to show that our understanding of the universe connects deeply to our shared humanity – to who we are, and who we can be.”
- The Universe Within is widely available at bookstores
- Audio of the Massey Lectures is available on iTunes
- Read more about the 2012 Massey Lecture tour