Sir Paul Nurse is one of Britain's greatest living scientists. Here he invites readers on a journey of discovery of biology's five great building blocks including The Cell, The Gene, Evolution by Natural Selection, Life as Chemistry, Life as Information and then an inspiring piece on how we can change the world with this knowledge.Accessible and easy to read, Paul's engaging, personal tone will make readers light up with excitement as they learn how all living beings are connected.'A beautifully written exploration of perhaps the most important question in science.' - Brian Cox'A nearly perfect guide to the wonder and complexity of existence.' - Bill Bryson'Paul Nurse is about as distinguished a scientist as there could be. He is also a great communicator. This book explains, in a way that is both clear and elegant, how the processes of life unfold.' - Philip Pullman'The writing is so spirited and knowledgeable - and the five sections so full of wondrous revelations - that I could not put it down.' - Siddhartha Mukherjee'It's the biggest question in biology. And this book represents the best answer I've ever seen. Paul Nurse is a rare life-form - a Nobel-winning scientist and a brilliant communicator.' - Alice Roberts'Paul Nurse provides a concise, lucid response to an age-old question. His writing is not just informed by long experience, but also wise, visionary and personal.' - Dava Sobel

Sir Paul Nurse won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001 and has also been awarded the Albert Einstein World Award of Science and French Legion d'Honneur. He has acted as advisor to the Prime Minister on Science and Technology matters and received over 60 honorary degrees and fellowships from international universities. He is currently the Director and Chief Executive of London's Francis Crick Institute, a centre dedicated to understanding the biology underlying health.