From Piketty’s Capital to Hawking’s The Theory of Everything: Can One Book Explain It All?
Millennia-spanning takes on history, evolution, and economics are booming. But who buys these ‘grand theory’ books? And do they actually read them?
The Rise of the 'Theory of Everything' Book
In the past decade, there has been a surge in books that attempt to explain complex topics in a comprehensive manner. These books, often referred to as 'grand theory' or 'theory of everything' books, aim to provide readers with a deep understanding of subjects like history, evolution, and economics. One of the most renowned examples is Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century, which became a surprise bestseller by delving into the economic forces that shape the world.
Since the success of Piketty's book, many authors have followed suit, producing their own 'theory of everything' works. These include titles like The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan, Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind by Yuval Noah Harari, and The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow. These books aim to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of their respective subjects, often challenging conventional narratives and offering alternative perspectives.
While these 'theory of everything' books have gained popularity and critical acclaim, it remains unclear who exactly buys and reads them. Despite their ambitious goals, these books often tackle complex concepts and span hundreds of pages, making them less accessible to the general reader. However, they continue to attract a dedicated audience of readers who seek a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The Appeal and Ambitions of Comprehensive Books
The appeal of 'theory of everything' books lies in their grand ambitions to disrupt and challenge established narratives. For example, Peter Frankopan's The Silk Roads offers a reassessment of world history by shifting the focus away from Western civilizations. Similarly, David Graeber and David Wengrow's The Dawn of Everything questions the rationality of Enlightenment thinking and highlights the importance of alternative perspectives.
These books aim to marry profound insights with readability, capturing the attention of both intellectual readers and the general public. Publishers dream of finding books that are both impactful and accessible, offering a unique reading experience that can captivate a wide audience.
However, achieving this balance is a challenge. While books like Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time have become bestsellers, they are often deemed difficult to read and comprehend. On the other hand, authors like Donna Tartt achieve high average reading rates due to the engaging storytelling in their novels. The ideal 'theory of everything' book would combine the depth of Stephen Hawking with the readability of Donna Tartt, capturing the attention of intellectually curious readers without sacrificing accessibility.
The Readership and Significance of 'Theory of Everything' Books
The readership of 'theory of everything' books varies, but there is a notable trend among educated individuals seeking alternative perspectives and a deeper understanding of complex topics. These books attract a dedicated audience interested in topics like economics, history, politics, science, and nature.
Despite their popularity, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of these books. While they strive to offer comprehensive explanations, the complexity and interconnectedness of the world make it impossible for any single book to provide a definitive answer to all questions. As economist Michael Muthukrishna points out, these books rest on an imposture, as no single thing can explain everything. The pursuit of a 'theory of everything' remains an ongoing quest, with numerous contenders competing in the marketplace of ideas.
Nonetheless, the rise of 'theory of everything' books signifies a growing interest in experts and their perspectives. In an era characterized by post-truth narratives and political strife, these books offer readers the opportunity to explore alternative lenses through which to understand the world. Academic experts, in particular, provide valuable insights that challenge established narratives and offer new perspectives on key issues.
