‘A masterpiece’

Michael Duff, Imperial College London

‘[A] meticulously researched and highly readable biography’

Neil Turok, Nature

‘Without doubt, the definitive biography of Hawking.’

Jim Al-Khalili, theoretical physicist

‘[A] definitive and deeply researched account of Hawking’s life’

Tom Whipple, The Times

‘Hawking’ is extremely impressive and very readable’

Sir Roger Penrose, 2020 Nobel Laureate

‘Kudos all round’

Liz Else, New Scientist

‘Deeply researched, unfailingly honest and accessibly written … I warmly recommend it.’

Kip Thorne, Caltech, 2017 Nobel Laureate

‘[An] extensive, fascinating and well-illustrated biography’

Andrew Robinson, Science

‘A wonderful book.’

Juan Maldacena, IAS, Princeton – 2012 Breakthrough Prize winner

‘An absorbing and informative account of the life of the most interesting physicist of the second half of the 20^th century.’

John Gribbin, Literary Review

‘Cements Farmelo’s reputation as the best science biographer of his generation.’

Jim Al-Khalili, theoretical physicist

“A comprehensive and accessible portrait of a brilliant scientist”

Philip Ball, Guardian

‘Brings to life the courage, humour and relationships that shaped Stephen’s life’

Marika Taylor, theoretical physicist, former student of Hawking

‘Outstanding biography … a fitting monument to what was the definition of a “life well lived”.’

Darragh McManus, Sunday Independent (Ireland)

‘A triumphant success.’

Martin Rees, University of Cambridge

‘Farmelo leaves Hawking not demonized or lionized but humanized.’

Tom Whipple, The Times

‘Farmelo’s candid, calm and objective tone is a welcome antidote to the hysteria that characterized much of the reporting of Hawking during his lifetime.’

Neil Turok, Nature

The Roger Penrose public lecture

When the Oxford Mathematical Institute invited Graham to give the 2026 Roger Penrose public lecture, he decided to focus on one of Stephen Hawking’s most famous talks: his inaugural lecture as Lucasian Professor at the University of Cambridge, in April 1980. That lecture, titled ‘Is the End in Sight for Theoretical Physics?’, made quite a splash and was still being talked about by physicists years later.

In the talk, soon to be available on YouTube, Graham considers why Stephen chose the topic, how he prepared for it, and how he delivered what would become a controversial argument. And finally, he discusses the answer most likely to be given today to Stephen’s question.

After the talk, Graham and Roger had dinner at St John’s College, Oxford, as guests of Jan Obloj, a professor of mathematics at the University. Roger was in fine form, talking enthusiastically to all comers. At 96, he remains as urbane, friendly, and curious as when Graham first met him almost forty years ago and asked him to contribute to the essay collection ‘It Must be Beautiful.’ Roger’s contribution, titled ‘The Rediscovery of Gravity’. It remains a delightful introduction to Einstein’s general theory of relativity by one of the greatest masters of the theory since its discoverer.