Titles in This Set. Will Artificial Intelligence Outsmart Us?. How Did It All Begin?. Will We Survive on Earth?. What Is Inside a Black Hole?. Details. Condition: Brand New. Format: Paperback. Publisher: John Murray. Series: Brief Answers, Big Questions. Book Count: 4. Overview. This four-book paperback set gathers short, standalone essays drawn from Stephen Hawking's final work, each tackling one of humanity's biggest questions in plain, engaging language. From artificial intelligence to the origins of the universe, survival on Earth and the mystery of black holes, these compact volumes distil a lifetime of scientific insight into quick, rewarding reads. Perfect for commuters, students, and lifelong learners, the set offers an accessible entry point into cosmology, technology, and existential science without requiring any prior physics knowledge.. About the Books. Each title in this collection tackles a single profound question with clarity and wit. Will Artificial Intelligence Outsmart Us? explores the promise and peril of super-intelligent machines, weighing the benefits of AI against the risks it poses to humanity's future. How Did It All Begin? takes readers back to the origins of the universe, examining the Big Bang and the age-old question of whether a creator was involved. Will We Survive on Earth? confronts the environmental and existential threats facing our planet, asking whether space colonisation is a realistic option for humanity's long-term survival. What Is Inside a Black Hole? ventures to the strangest frontiers of physics, unpacking time warps, event horizons, and the possibility of time travel. Together, these four essays distil the core themes of Hawking's celebrated final book into short, focused reads that can be enjoyed individually or as a complete set. Written in the accessible, conversational style that made Hawking a global bestseller, each book balances rigorous science with genuine warmth and humour, making complex ideas feel within reach for readers of all backgrounds.. Four standalone essays covering AI, cosmology, survival, and black holes. Written by one of the most celebrated scientists in history. Short, focused format ideal for quick or on-the-go reading. Brand new paperback set, perfect for gifting to science enthusiasts. Accessible language suitable for readers with no scientific background. A thoughtful introduction to modern physics and technology debates. About the Author. Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who served as Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. Renowned worldwide for his groundbreaking work on black holes and the origins of the universe, he authored the bestselling A Brief History of Time and remained one of science's most trusted communicators until his death in 2018. His gift for making advanced concepts approachable continues to inspire readers of all ages.. Why You'll Love This Collection. Compact, thought-provoking, and endlessly quotable, this set delivers big scientific ideas in bite-sized form — perfect for curious minds, gift-giving, or building a well-rounded science library.. Please Note: Cover images shown are for illustration; you will receive the UK paperback edition with the ISBN as listed.