Mixing humour and science

Robin Ince has signed a deal to write two books blending science and humour.

The first, I’m A Joke And So Are You, is described as a ‘witty and informative exploration of the human condition’ that mixes memoir, psychology and neuroscience.

In it, the comedian and co-host of Radio 4’s Infinite Monkey Cage sets out to discover why he’s made the big choices he has in life, and what makes us who we are.

Independent publisher Atlantic Books described it as ‘a primer to the brain without the textbooks’, adding: ‘This fascinating book will amuse, inform, and give you an invaluable insight into yourself (and Robin), while also treating you to his hilarious musings on the big questions in psychology.’

The book will be published this September, with the second, Happiness Through Science, out a year later.

The follow-up, written after interviews with leading scientists, aims to ‘show how thinking scientifically and curiously is not merely pragmatic, it also makes living more delightful’.

Atlantic editorial director Mike Harpley told trade website The Bookseller that he secured Ince’s books after a ‘competitive auction’.

He added: ‘Robin wowed us when he came in our office and we all agreed that we’d love to work with him. He’s an incredibly erudite and funny man. I am delighted he will be a central part of Atlantic’s non-fiction list for several years to come.’ 

Ince wrote a blog post about procrastinating while writing I’m A Joke And So Are You earlier this month.

Published: 17 Jan 2017