In the category!of works of brilliant originality that stimulate and enlighten and can sometimes even change the way we understand the world' New York Times Review of Books 'An illuminating account of the pervasive and often bizarre qualities of social networks!We like to think we are largely in control of our day-to-day lives, yet most of what we do, and even the way we feel, is significantly influenced by those around us -- and those around them, and those around them.!The authors excel at drawing out the devil in the detail: their explanations of how the architecture of networks dictates their dynamics are compelling.!profound' Michael Bond, New Scientist 'What makes us human -- for good and bad -- is our social nature. Nowhere is this complex, wonderful, and sometimes dark part of us more clearly revealed than in "Connected". In a social world exploding with new ways to interact, "Connected" is a user's guide for ourselves in the 21st century.' Dan Ariely, bestselling author of 'Predictably Irrational' 'Christakis and Fowler have written THE book on the exciting new science of social networks. With passion and precision, these two internationally renowned scientists expose the invisible webs that connect each of us to the other, and in so doing cast our lives here together in an astonishing new light. We think we are individuals who control our own fates, but as Christakis and Fowler demonstrate, we are merely cells in the nervous system of a much greater beast. If someone you barely know reads "Connected", it could change your life forever. How? Read it yourself and find out.' Daniel Gilbert, bestselling author of 'Stumbling on Happiness

Nicholas Christakis is a Harvard professor with joint appointments in Care Policy, Sociology and Medicine, who has been studying social networks for the last ten years. His work has been covered by numerous publications including the New York Times, Newsweek and Time magazine, which recently voted one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2009. James Fowler is a political scientist who specialises in the study of social networks, human cooperation and political participation. His projects on obesity and the genetic basis of political behaviour have been covered by media outlets including the Washington Post and the BBC.