The thing about reviewing a book of Tom Gauld cartoons is that I don’t know what to say beyond “there’s a new Tom Gauld collection, go get it.” Physics for Cats collects 160 science cartoons previously published in New Scientist.
Gauld’s sense of humor is dry and smart. I love his insight and observations, as well as how creative he can be with the comic format. Examples include an experiment about being in a cartoon, the “conceptual phrase” of a project indicated by dotted lines fading out, and a rumination on Kierkegaard’s thoughts on timelines.
The science focus sometimes means making jokes about life in a lab, sometimes means pondering the nature of reality. Or there might be a philosophical observation, or math or science in everyday life. Or even stranger, everyday life in science, as when a space station inhabitant has to let the cat out, or why certain labs can’t have casual Fridays.
In short, I love his work, because it makes me laugh and think, and you should check it out. You can also buy some of his cartoons as prints at Gauld’s online shop.
English (US) · 