Mark Brake

Mark Brake writes about the connections between science, history, and popular culture. A science communicator and former university professor, he explores how discoveries shape our imagination—and how our imagined worlds help us understand our reality.

His books range from Alien Life Imagined, published by Cambridge University Press, to popular science explorations of Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, James Bond, Jurassic World and the Beatles. Writing for adults and younger readers, he uses familiar stories, music, and films to open up questions about space, time, tech, and the human condition.

His books have been translated into numerous languages, reaching readers around the world.

Mark also writes The Difference Engine on Substack, where he explores science, history and culture through essays on everything from alien worlds and thinking machines to the revolutions of popular music. He lives in Wales.