The Edge of Space-Time
Particles, Poetry, and the Cosmic Dream Boogie
by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
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Pub Date Apr 07 2026 | Archive Date May 07 2026
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Description
In her highly acclaimed debut, distinguished cosmologist and particle physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein shared with her audience an abiding sense of wonder at the cosmos, while imagining a world without the entrenched injustice that plagues her field. Now, in The Edge of Space-Time, she embraces that cosmic wonder, taking readers on a mind-altering journey to the boundaries of the universe, inviting us to spend time at the edge of what we know about space-time and about ourselves.
Guided by her conviction that for humanity to go forward we must know our cosmic past, Prescod-Weinstein renders accessible some of the most abstract concepts of theoretical physics and draws on poetry and popular culture—from Queen Latifah to Lewis Carroll to Big K.R.I.T. to Sun Ra and Star Trek— to tell fascinating stories about the fundamental quantum nature of space-time and everything inside of it. Here we meet the quantum cat that is both dead and alive, learn the difference between dark matter and dark energy, explore the inner workings of black holes, investigate the possibility of a unified theory of quantum gravity, and map out the meeting place of the unimaginably vast with the confoundingly small, following our guide out to the far reaches of the particle horizon and down to the tiniest (and queerest) neutrino. Prescod-Weinstein shows us how spending time with the cosmos is a vital human activity that enriches all our lives. Along the way, she calls on us to resist colonial approaches to space exploration and instead imagine a better path forward in our pursuit of humanity’s undeniable connection with the stars.
Through Prescod-Weinstein’s clear-eyed and unique perspective, and informed by her deep knowledge of post-colonial history and Black feminist thought, The Edge of Space-Time argues that physics is an essential way for everyone to look at the universe and presents a compelling case that “the edge” is a powerful vantage point from which to see the big picture.
Advance Praise
“With this extraordinary book, Prescod-Weinstein cements her status as one of the most accomplished and important science writers of our time; as polymath, griot, teacher, and more; as the guide to the universe that we don’t deserve but absolutely need. She has given us a book about physics as story and metaphor, as revelation and revolution, as answer and antidote. It’s suffused with gorgeous poetry and frequently very, very funny.”—Ed Yong, author of An Immense World
“Of course, the most politically audacious book I’ve read in decades would be a book about physics and space. In The Edge of Space-Time, Chanda Prescod-Weinstein shows us that we are here because we have always been there . . . making and reckoning with space. An absolute instant classic and an intergalactic monument. Read this now.”—Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy
“Lots of books talk about the universe. The Edge of Space-Time talks about the universe from the perspective of a real human living within it—a person with a body, embedded in a community, burdened by history, fueled by curiosity, sustained by hope. A great read for any human being who lives in the universe.”—Sean Carroll, author of The Biggest Ideas in the Universe
“A lyrical, genre-defying exploration of the universe that dances at the intersection of physics, pop culture, and Black intellectual thought, this book invites readers to see the cosmos not just through equations, but through the rhythms of music, the textures of art, and the power of storytelling.”—Ruha Benjamin, author of Race After Technology
“Yet another book by Dr. Prescod-Weinstein that I’ll want to bring up in every conversation! Whatever you thought you would learn about space-time, you’ll get that and so much more from this deft weave of quantum physics and cultural wisdom.”—Moiya McTier, author of The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy
“An enthralling introduction to the universe, The Edge of Space-Time reminds us all that stargazing is the work of generations of physicists and poets, and people both enslaved and free. Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein invites us to imagine grander, queerer theories for our cosmic future and, along the way, achieves the unthinkable: She makes physics accessible and funny. A paean to caring for the unknown and the unknowable, this is a book for anyone in any world.”—Sabrina Imbler, author of How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures
“Astonishing. One of the greatest gifts a writer can offer the world is vibrant, heartfelt perspective, and Prescod-Weinstein warmly presents a new prism that will stoke your curiosity about how we meet our universe. The epic tale shows how big and small, we’re part of it all.”—Riley Black, bestselling author of The Last Days of the Dinosaurs
Marketing Plan
National broadcast media and celebrity book clubs
National and regional newspapers, magazines, and websites including profile placement
National radio, including NPR
Major science magazines, websites and podcasts
Black and African-American interest magazines and websites
Multi-city book tour
Targeted online ads for curious readers of pop science, feminism, and cultural critique
Influencer outreach to creators on science, gender, activism, and decolonization
Early ARCs to nonfiction, science, and progressive tastemakers
Early reader push for Goodreads and Bookstagram reviews
Partnership outreach to academic orgs and activist/science platforms
E-newsletter placement across PRH and KDPG for pre-pub and launch
Academic and library marketing
Available Editions
EDITION | Hardcover |
ISBN | 9780593701683 |
PRICE | $32.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 368 |