How does the universe work? This question has vexed some of the greatest minds for millennia, but is also a question many of us have asked ourselves throughout our lives. If you are not a physicist but want to feel comfortable in your own mind that you understand the universe you live in, then this little book is for you. Using accessible language to explain complex ideas, Michael MacLaughlin provides you with a simple key to understanding our universe, from the smallest particles to the greatest galaxies. Challenging conventional explanations, the author takes you on a journey that will expand your knowledge and imagination, and leave you with a sense of awe at the beautiful simplicity that the universe uses to create even the most complex of its forms. From the subatomic level to the mystery of black holes, from the limits of the solar system to the limits of your imagination, this is a book for everyone who has ever stood beneath the stars and wondered how.