Nobel Prize winner Paul Nurse’s book explores a core facet of Biology – the definition of ‘life’ and what it really means to ‘be alive’.  

What does this book cover?

What is Life?: Understand Biology in Five Steps is a point by point analysis of the core questions which define modern biology – as well as the long, rocky road which has let to answering them. Along the way, he defines the scientific method and how it is applied both in an academic setting and in the lab.

In addition, you’ll find:

• An explanation of how life evolved, became more complex, and eventually began to ask questions about itself
• One of the few concise, lucid and relevant answers to a question that has nagged at scientists and philosophers for hundreds of years
• Thoughts to reawaken your sense of wonder in life and the process of living

About the Author 

Sir Paul Nurse was awarded the 2001 Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine, the French legion d’Honneur and the Albert Einstein World Award of Science. He holds some 60 fellowships and honorary degrees, and serves as both the Chief executive and Director of the Francis Crick Institute in London.

What is Life?: Understand Biology in Five Steps is a love letter to the beauty of life and what we have learned trying to understand it..