Can science and religion live happily side by side? Can evolution fit in with a theory of grand design involving a deity?Within the 'absolute unifying theory', such thorny issues are unpacked alongside questions about the beginning and end of our existence, and the meaning of matter. Backed by a lifetime of geological and geophysical research, Sopher explores the structure of the earth, of language, and of belief, balancing cosmology, henotheism, and neurology with a cautious approach to anthropocentricism. What culminates is a unique perspective on the synthesis - or otherwise - of established creeds and modern scientific discovery.Thanks to ample illustrations and useful Q&A appendices, the reader will be left well equipped to meet the queries of today, such as, 'What's wrong with teaching creationism in school?' and 'What is asexual reproduction?' which have long replaced the old 'facts of life' embarrassments of the past. Stephen Sopher's highly readable U is a compact and compelling guide to learning about ourselves, our world, and how we all fit into the scheme of things.Stephen R Sopher was born and raised in Shanghai, China. He obtained his BSc in Geology and Physics at UBC and an MSc from Carleton University. He carried out palaeomagnetic research at the Geological Survey of Canada followed by over thirty years of mining exploration projects around the world including twenty years in Brazil.