‘Death by Astonishment’ Tackles the Ineffable and Falls Forgivably Short

Andrew Gallimore’s most ambitious work to date can’t quite achieve all of its aims, but deserves praise for the attempt

St. Martin’s Press

There’s a passage in the foreword of Death by Astonishment that frames the book and the lofty mission behind it beautifully. It’s at once admirably brazen and honest to a fault. How it reads for you will likely dictate the value you’re able to derive from author Andrew Gallimore’s research.

When scientists come up with bold ideas and ma…