Randall Munroe

Randall Munroe is an American cartoonist, author, engineer, scientific theorist, and the creator of the webcomic xkcd. He is known for his humorous and informative content that often involves subjects like technology, science, mathematics, and relationships. Munroe is also the author of several books, including 'What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions' and 'Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words'. Prior to his career as a cartoonist, he worked as a roboticist at NASA.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. How To

    Cover of 'How To' by Randall Munroe

    This book is a unique take on the conventional how-to guide, blending humor with scientific curiosity to explore absurd and impractical ways to accomplish everyday tasks. The author, a former NASA roboticist with a penchant for the whimsical, uses detailed research and complex scientific principles to answer outlandish questions, such as how to move a house with helium balloons or how to throw a pool party on the surface of the moon. Through entertaining and often elaborate explanations, the book encourages readers to look at the world through a different lens, celebrating the joy of discovery and the fun of taking things to their logical yet ridiculous extremes.

    The 8489th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Xkcd

    Cover of 'Xkcd' by Randall Munroe

    This book is a compilation of webcomic strips that blend humor, science, and technology in a unique and engaging way. The creator uses minimalist drawings to explore a wide range of topics from internet culture and love to complex mathematical theories and computer science problems, often with a witty or insightful twist. The content is known for its intelligent humor, making sophisticated and nerdy subjects accessible and entertaining. Through its clever storytelling and simple illustrations, the book appeals to both the scientifically inclined and casual readers looking for a thoughtful laugh.

    The 9179th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. What If?

    Cover of 'What If?' by Randall Munroe

    This book is a fascinating exploration of bizarre and hypothetical questions, blending humor with scientific accuracy to illuminate the complexities of the universe. The author, a former NASA roboticist with a penchant for the absurd, delves into a wide range of speculative scenarios, from the outcomes of a baseball pitched at near-light speed to the possibility of a machine capable of erasing specific memories. Through engaging explanations and stick-figure illustrations, the book makes complex scientific principles accessible and entertaining, encouraging readers to ponder the infinite "what ifs" our world offers.

    The 9541st Greatest Book of All Time

  4. 4. Thing Explainer

    Cover of 'Thing Explainer' by Randall Munroe

    This book takes a unique approach to explaining complex scientific concepts, using only the thousand most common words in the English language. Through detailed diagrams and simple language, it breaks down subjects ranging from cells and the solar system to the workings of modern technology. The author, known for his ability to make science accessible and entertaining, provides readers with a fresh perspective on the world around them, making even the most complicated topics understandable to those without a background in science. This innovative format encourages curiosity and learning, making it a fascinating read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how things work.

    The 9613th Greatest Book of All Time