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30 Days
30 DAYS (Time is Now)
An anthology of illustrated poems about science, cosmology and nature. The gold-foiled softcover book contains 30 illustrated poems and scientific notes. Listed as one of the Best Science Books of 2014 by Maria Popova. This is a limited edition print run of 1000.
These illustrated poems were created, one per day, during April 2013, for National Poetry Writing Month, an annual international event. I was reading about cosmology at the time, and as I took my habitual walks across the marshes, I pondered on the dimensions of space and time through which I was passing, as well as existing euphorically in the moment with the first stirrings of spring. The poems followed naturally through, allowing me to weave a pattern of deep emotion through a weft of scientific fact. The illustrations came about from my collection of paper ephemera, and a lot of digital manipulation. Where I have used scientific images, I have credited these.
This beautiful, gold-foiled softcover anthology contains all 30 illustrated poems and includes scientific notes.
An anthology of illustrated poems about science, cosmology and nature. The gold-foiled softcover book contains 30 illustrated poems and scientific notes. Listed as one of the Best Science Books of 2014 by Maria Popova. This is a limited edition print run of 1000.
These illustrated poems were created, one per day, during April 2013, for National Poetry Writing Month, an annual international event. I was reading about cosmology at the time, and as I took my habitual walks across the marshes, I pondered on the dimensions of space and time through which I was passing, as well as existing euphorically in the moment with the first stirrings of spring. The poems followed naturally through, allowing me to weave a pattern of deep emotion through a weft of scientific fact. The illustrations came about from my collection of paper ephemera, and a lot of digital manipulation. Where I have used scientific images, I have credited these.
This beautiful, gold-foiled softcover anthology contains all 30 illustrated poems and includes scientific notes.
40 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
762 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Tilsley
1 book31 followersxYz - Quantum Poet
(Joanna Tilsley)
I classify myself as a polymath. Although I come from a literary and artistic family, I took a degree in biological science. The signature X.Y.Z. was a writing pseudonym of my grandfather’s, which I have adopted as my own, but with an emphasis on the Y, to represent the interrogative. I take my inspiration both from the mysteries of the Universe and the old wisdom of the mystics.
Like William Blake, I am compelled to illustrate my work. The illustrations augment the reading, engaging more of the reader’s brain, and revealing the workings of my own mind’s eye. Whilst I cannot offer any new scientific theory, I can offer my own devotional vision of what science has revealed about our awe-inspiring Universe, and hope that my poetry brings fresh wonder to the minds of those who read it.
(Joanna Tilsley)
I classify myself as a polymath. Although I come from a literary and artistic family, I took a degree in biological science. The signature X.Y.Z. was a writing pseudonym of my grandfather’s, which I have adopted as my own, but with an emphasis on the Y, to represent the interrogative. I take my inspiration both from the mysteries of the Universe and the old wisdom of the mystics.
Like William Blake, I am compelled to illustrate my work. The illustrations augment the reading, engaging more of the reader’s brain, and revealing the workings of my own mind’s eye. Whilst I cannot offer any new scientific theory, I can offer my own devotional vision of what science has revealed about our awe-inspiring Universe, and hope that my poetry brings fresh wonder to the minds of those who read it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 21, 2016
All those minutes and seconds,
all those clock-ticked moments,
if time is now
then what were they for?
Necesitamos una traducción para esta preciosidad de libro poético-científico YA.
5/5 estrellas.
(No es que haya tardado seis meses en terminarlo, es que no hago más que releerlo).
all those clock-ticked moments,
if time is now
then what were they for?
Necesitamos una traducción para esta preciosidad de libro poético-científico YA.
5/5 estrellas.
(No es que haya tardado seis meses en terminarlo, es que no hago más que releerlo).
September 30, 2015
A beautiful and very accessible set of 30 illustrated poems. I think the book is about synthesis / fusion and in this it is very successful: the visual and the verbal; nature, time, science and the personal. It is skilled, deeply felt and often thought-provoking, rewarding close re-reads, but it also works as something to dip in and out of. I have never seen a collection of poetry quite like this. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2017
Gorgeous fusion of science and art and creativity and imagination. Perfect for stargazers and for anyone who loves to walk amongst the wildflowers and awash with wonder enjoying the colors and the critters too. I found this book from its listing by Maria Popova's Brain Pickings as a best science book of 2014. It is a gem. Soft and sumptuous tactile and visual delight. It is perfect as a traveling companion -- lightweight and easy to slide into my bag, and delightful as a "conversation starter" with myself and my own thoughts. This little package of a book paradoxically holds so many marvels and plenty of "scope for the imagination," as Anne of Green Gables would say. You'll want to get one for yourself, plus several to give to friends. <3
January 7, 2016
To be honest, I had no idea what this book was about when I saw the cover. I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway that I entered a long time ago. I don't even know why I entered this giveaway but I'm glad I did. It's actually very fascinating. It's a poetry book of sorts but it also teaches you about different things. This is mostly geared towards people who like science, math and philosophy. It does hint a great deal about nature which makes sense since the author wrote a section in the back about how she went for walks while also contemplating the universe and the beauty of the world and all the inhabitants in it, including non-humans like insects and birds.
I can't say that I understand everything said in these poems but I can get a good gist of what is being commented on. I will have to look up a bit more on different topics to fully understand it. The parts I do understand have given me a new outlook on how someone else would perceive a sunset, or the tree that gives energy, black holes, how certain geese can be identified by the sound their wings make. It's a fascinating look at how all of these things are experienced and the joys someone got experiencing them and writing them down to pique the interest of others.
I do like how the author of the poems put a sort of glossary in the back to help explain what she was doing or thinking about when she wrote them. I also like her usage of the illustrations. It made it seem like you were opening up a journal or scrapbook that had different textures for the pattern of the paper with illustrations and the use of color. The book doesn't have a textured feel, it just looks like it does, it's neat. I love the illustration of the cover art, it's simple and yet complicated with the geometric shapes and the gilded lines with the olive green cover gives it this look that the book is special. It is special but it also has the look and feel of being a book for adults or just a more mature audience. It's really nice.
My review is practically glowing and the only reason I didn't give it a 5/5 is because I didn't totally understand everything that was in it. BUT I did really like it and I'll give this to a friend who understands science-y math stuff to read it and try to explain it to me. And for a poetry book, it's pretty dang good considering that I don't really read poetry. The usage of words works well with each topic and it made me think about the subject matter and visualize it. That was neat.
I can't say that I understand everything said in these poems but I can get a good gist of what is being commented on. I will have to look up a bit more on different topics to fully understand it. The parts I do understand have given me a new outlook on how someone else would perceive a sunset, or the tree that gives energy, black holes, how certain geese can be identified by the sound their wings make. It's a fascinating look at how all of these things are experienced and the joys someone got experiencing them and writing them down to pique the interest of others.
I do like how the author of the poems put a sort of glossary in the back to help explain what she was doing or thinking about when she wrote them. I also like her usage of the illustrations. It made it seem like you were opening up a journal or scrapbook that had different textures for the pattern of the paper with illustrations and the use of color. The book doesn't have a textured feel, it just looks like it does, it's neat. I love the illustration of the cover art, it's simple and yet complicated with the geometric shapes and the gilded lines with the olive green cover gives it this look that the book is special. It is special but it also has the look and feel of being a book for adults or just a more mature audience. It's really nice.
My review is practically glowing and the only reason I didn't give it a 5/5 is because I didn't totally understand everything that was in it. BUT I did really like it and I'll give this to a friend who understands science-y math stuff to read it and try to explain it to me. And for a poetry book, it's pretty dang good considering that I don't really read poetry. The usage of words works well with each topic and it made me think about the subject matter and visualize it. That was neat.
September 30, 2015
30 Days is a profoundly beautiful look at the world around us through the eyes of a poet. Often representing the esoteric in simple terms, Jo fills her poems with wonder and reverence for science that is both sentimental and uplifting. As a composer, I was instantly taken with the sound of the poems and the clarity of the text and approached Jo about using them as text for a song cycle (to which she enthusiastically agreed!) Looking forward to many more volumes from Jo!
March 8, 2015
A rare book indeed, “30 Days” by XYZ (an English biologist) is an artbook that features a short poem about a scientific subject on every page. Although the poems at times felt repetitive, all of the art is fantastic, and I’ve never seen anything like this book before. I wish more people would explore the realm of science-art; it has such great educational and creative potential.
February 21, 2015
This is my first encounter with seemingly contradictory writing styles of dry science and artistic poetry. It's a very unique book and helps us appreciate the small things and beautifully designed world we live in. I wish we all took more time to appreciate nature's grand design all around us such as "xyz" did in her writing of these poems.
September 29, 2015
30 Days ~ anthology of Illustrated science and nature poetry.
I bought 2 of this book...as gifts...My friends were so mesmerized by the wonderful beauty of this work. and now I must buy another one for myself , again! (laugh!) Just to say that , I am very impressed by your work. Highly recommended .Thank you !
September 29, 2015
I was delighted with my copy - what a lovely object! It is a slim volume but don't be fooled by its size - the contents are wonderful and quite different from what I have seen before. The illustrations too are spellbinding and suit the poems perfectly; each is a mini masterpiece in its own right. I will definitely be buying more copies as they will make beautiful and unusual gifts.
October 1, 2015
This is a beautiful, thought provoking book. It contains the unique, poetic thoughts of a scientific mind and brings out the deep feelings of a scientist that we my not be able to express ourselves. I purchased a copy for my son, who is a physicist, and he loves it. The poems and illustrations are amazing.
September 28, 2015
Amazing, science-based poetry and inspired graphics. Quirky, insightful, charming poetry, resulting in those "Oh, WoW!" moments. I bought 5 copies, so I could keep one and give the other 4 to my friends.
September 29, 2015
This is a fantastic anthology, I would highly recommend it. Beautifully written, insightful and with stunning illustrations. A great joining of science and poetry.
I ordered from Etsy and it arrived two days later.
I ordered from Etsy and it arrived two days later.
September 29, 2015
Beautiful....inspiring....thoughtful... I enjoyed this very much...
A lovely fusion of visual imagery and poetry...
(We sell this book and some of Joanna's accompanying prints at our gallery in Brighton, and have very positive feedback from our customers)
A lovely fusion of visual imagery and poetry...
(We sell this book and some of Joanna's accompanying prints at our gallery in Brighton, and have very positive feedback from our customers)
September 29, 2015
Absolutely beautiful. The words, images, and design are all perfect. This would also make a great gift for anyone with an interest in the world around us.
June 14, 2015
A wonderful tactile book. the poems take us along the walks that XYZ took on the marshes at the start of spring.
September 29, 2015
Love this book -- gave it as a Christmas gift, and my friend adored it. But I miss it -- may have to get another for myself.
September 29, 2015
This a beautifully produced thought provoking selection of poems on various scientific themes. The graphics complement the subject matter perfectly.
September 29, 2015
A beautiful combination of artworks and poetry of science!
I hope to see more from the author!
I hope to see more from the author!
October 1, 2015
Love this book as a physics student I find it very inspirational. Would love a sequel!
October 1, 2015
This book is wonderful. A perfect merging of art, literature and science. It opened up my imagination and my understanding of the scientific phenomenon she writes about. Highly recommended !
October 5, 2015
Absolutely lovely book! Very visually appealing and beautifully written poems!
October 17, 2015
Beautiful poetry and illustrations. Love it!
September 28, 2015
Beautifully bound and perfect for maths and science geeks.
May 7, 2023
A beautifully illustrated and bound book of visual poetry, at the intersection of art and science, as well as art and poetry.
There were 1000 copies printed. Not sure how many remain. However, I will likely pick up a few more from Etsy to keep as gifts for fans of visual poetry.
There were 1000 copies printed. Not sure how many remain. However, I will likely pick up a few more from Etsy to keep as gifts for fans of visual poetry.
August 1, 2023
I didn't have much of an appreciation of poetry before I opened this book. I read a poem a day during July 2023. I still don't have much of an appreciation for poetry.
November 29, 2016
Beautiful meld of imagery poetry and science. Gave as gifts to family members in science careers.
May 22, 2016
Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Book.
------------------------------------
30 Days is a collection of thirty poems associated with science, accompanied by vivid illustrations.
It’s a fascinating book with spellbinding illustrations, something I’ve not read nor seen before. It was obvious that the author was very creative in her effort to write about a variety of scientific topics ranging from cosmology to nature.
The author, Joanna Tilsley, originally published this book under the pseudonym of xYz in honor of her grandfather, Frank Tilsley, who wrote under that same name. Her clever writing of these poems demonstrates that she came from a writing family.
30 Days is an inspirational book worthy of addition to anyone’s library.
------------------------------------
30 Days is a collection of thirty poems associated with science, accompanied by vivid illustrations.
It’s a fascinating book with spellbinding illustrations, something I’ve not read nor seen before. It was obvious that the author was very creative in her effort to write about a variety of scientific topics ranging from cosmology to nature.
The author, Joanna Tilsley, originally published this book under the pseudonym of xYz in honor of her grandfather, Frank Tilsley, who wrote under that same name. Her clever writing of these poems demonstrates that she came from a writing family.
30 Days is an inspirational book worthy of addition to anyone’s library.
January 25, 2016
I received this book for free, through the Goodreads giveaway.
It’s a privilege to be given this little gem of illustrated poetry.
The retro design fits nicely with the poetic thoughts on ecology, scientific theories and nature phenomenon. Use of old-type-writer style fonts are a perfect fit for this book, along with the aged paper to create the full-colour designs behind each poem. The pictures form the background of each poem, enhancing the topic narrative. Just delightful to read. An opening into the mind of this thoughtful and visually magnificent poet.
The end notes of the book also give an overview of where the poems and images come from, and any details the reader might like to know about theories and understandings expressed.
Would definitely be interested in more books from this author/poet/book-maker.
It’s a privilege to be given this little gem of illustrated poetry.
The retro design fits nicely with the poetic thoughts on ecology, scientific theories and nature phenomenon. Use of old-type-writer style fonts are a perfect fit for this book, along with the aged paper to create the full-colour designs behind each poem. The pictures form the background of each poem, enhancing the topic narrative. Just delightful to read. An opening into the mind of this thoughtful and visually magnificent poet.
The end notes of the book also give an overview of where the poems and images come from, and any details the reader might like to know about theories and understandings expressed.
Would definitely be interested in more books from this author/poet/book-maker.
September 29, 2015
I discovered this book on Brain Pickings. I looked at several of the images online and decided to purchase it. I just received it this morning. I am very disappointed in the printing of several of the pages. The pages with dark backgrounds are very nearly black with the print barely visible. Online they appear to be deep colors with much lighter printing. In order to view each page the book needs to be pressed open and I am afraid that the spine will crack if I do this. Most of the images are lovely, but all are darker than any of the images I have seen online. I even tried viewing those pages on other computers to see if it were my personal settings.
I would love to see more work by this author if the print quality were better.
I would love to see more work by this author if the print quality were better.
January 14, 2016
I received this book free from a Goodreads giveaway.
I labeled the book under the category young adult lit because I felt the science and poetry were of that nature. The illustrations were neat, the poetry did not hold up as good adult poetry. I think young teens would like the book however and learn a bit of science in the process.
The author wrote the book in 30 days one April for National Poetry Writing Month. She also writes a paragraph of explanation for each poem.
I labeled the book under the category young adult lit because I felt the science and poetry were of that nature. The illustrations were neat, the poetry did not hold up as good adult poetry. I think young teens would like the book however and learn a bit of science in the process.
The author wrote the book in 30 days one April for National Poetry Writing Month. She also writes a paragraph of explanation for each poem.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews