Scientists Are Human, Too: Questions For Cartoonist Tom Gauld

"Cartoonist and literary jokester Tom Gauld usually lampoons classic novels and the predicaments of the writing life. But in his new book, Department of Mind-Blowing Theories — collecting comics from his ongoing column in New Scientist magazine — he turns his pen to the realm of science (and occasionally science fiction)."

"In an email interview, Gauld tells me his grandfather, a marine biologist, was one of his influences as he was drawing these comics."

"'I don't recall talking to him much about his work while he was alive, but I do remember going to visit him at the University where he worked when I was quite young and getting a tour of the museum,' Gauld says. 'He was a quiet and thoughtful man and I think because of him, the whole family had a respect for science and scientists. He subscribed to New Scientist (the magazine where the cartoons in this book first appeared) and would give them to my Dad after he'd read them, so there were always copies around our house as I was growing up."

"Scientists are having a hard time right now — misinformation is so hard to combat, and increasingly people seem to want to believe what accords with their own politics. Why did you decide to create this book, right now?"

"You're right, I think scientists are getting an unfairly tough ride at the moment. I like to think that this book, even while it is making fun of scientists, expresses my genuine admiration for what most of them do. Hopefully the cartoons feel like teasing from a friend."