"Engaging, passionate, and very well documented, this account of the intellectual struggle to figure out what actually happened 14 billion years ago, when the universe as we know it was born, is a pleasure to read, and an intellectual feast of ideas."

Carlo Rovelli, New York Times best-selling author of "White Holes," "Seven Brief Lessons on Physics," and "The Order of Time"

"The universe started with a big bang. Or did it? In this book, physicist Afshordi and science communicator Halper masterfully weave together how much—or how little—scientists know about the beginning of everything. It is the ultimate origin story, and a must read for everyone curious about where everything comes from."

Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist and author of "Existential Physics: A Scientist's Guide to Life's Biggest Questions"

“For years I have been watching Halper’s documentary films on the Big Bang in preparation for my debates with theists who invoke the beginning of the universe as evidence for God’s existence. Now Halper and cosmologist Afshordi have compiled into this magisterial volume the latest scientific theories about the Big Bang, the multiverse, string theories, cyclic cosmos, black holes, time, dimensions, and the ultimate question in all science and religion: why is there something rather than nothing? If you want to know what banged and why, read these invaluable answers to life’s grandest questions."

Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, author of “Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, Why It Matters”

“A captivating read. In many books, early universe cosmology is presented as established. Afshordi and Halper show nothing could be further from the truth!”

Robert Brandenberger, McGill University