Review: Letters from an Astrophysicist by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Letters from an Astrophysicist is a book containing just that – a choice collection of communication between Neil deGrasse Tyson and the world at large. From letters spanning over a decade, and encompassing everything from fan mail to hate mail, this book gives a rare glance into not just the mind, but the pen, of a famous scientist. Through his exchanges, we discover that this man of science is also one of humour, humanity, and family – he grapples with a range of concepts from parenting and race, to religion and the supernatural, all from the viewpoint of science, but with the zeal and passion of a fired-up writer or singer. (Truly, the book even includes a mic drop moment). Is Tyson a science Rockstar? Who knows, but he’s certainly in the running.

From the first sentence of this book, three things are apparent: 1. Neil deGrasse Tyson may be a scientist, but he writes like a poet. 2. This man knows his shit. 3. His enviable intellect spans far beyond just astrophysics; among others, he’s got psychology and anthropology under the belt, too.

Generally, intellects of Tyson’s stature – and specifically in his field of expertise – are stereotyped as bespectacled, socially inept number-crunchers with the emotional depth of a robotic caricature. It is therefore refreshing to read the scribblings of someone who can not only string together a series of words in a pleasing manner, but reach beyond the words to the human experiences which instigated the many letter contained within this volume.

Opening with a moving and melancholy reflection of an older America, in which achievements were limited according to race and gender, Tyson’s position as a celebrity scientist attests to hard work, determination, passion, and above all, curiosity, that cannot but make for an excellent story. With his reflections into the psyche and ethos of modern society, he comes across as a somewhat scientific Dalai Lama, but with a sparkling personality and cheekiness that also mellows any awe. Indeed, that wit takes him to new levels of sarcasm and verbal sparring with those inclined to believe in religious fanaticism or the supernatural – at which point he becomes more like Neil deSass Tyson, and who doesn’t love a bit of shade?

Overall, it’s easy to see why Tyson has such a huge fanbase and why he is so popular. He’s personable, smart, and impressive. Despite this, the nature of the majority of the letters contained within this book is perplexing; one would understand questions and commentary regarding science and its opponents, but of life advice, existentialism and melancholy reflection? That’s the part of the book I found most jarring. However, Tyson responds to these unscientific deliveries with admiration and class, so I see the appeal. In addition (and as is emphasized through several letters mentioned), Tyson has an ease of manner with regards communication – he gets his point across effectively and concisely, making him an excellent educator. Seriously; just some of the things I learned: Eyewitness testimony is not scientific evidence (I cannot emphasize this enough, and nor, apparently, can Tyson); the myriad ways in which science affects and improves our daily lives is startling and impressive; Armageddon was a scientific failure of the film industry; and mankind has so much to learn.

Letters from an Astrophysicist by Neil deGrasse Tyson is published by WH Allen, an imprint of Ebury Publishing, a Penguin Random House company.