With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter , Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.

The paperback features twelve original, richly layered four-color illustrations by Lynette Cook that emphasize the themes explored in each chapter. The images, at once whimsical and scientific, graphically demonstrate the ties between planets and popular culture.