'Readable and expert - a brilliant guide to the life and thought of 17th century Europe's supreme polymath'
Tom Holland

'A richly detailed account of Pascal's life and times, which displays an energetic sympathy for Pascal's startling combination of intellectual precocity and humble faith.'
Rory Stewart

'A beautiful, accessible account of one of the era's most remarkable lives'
Katherine Rundell

He lived for just 39 years, yet Blaise Pascal was one of the most remarkable and creative figures of the seventeenth century.

He is known for his famous (though often misunderstood) argument 'the Wager', but there's so much more to him than that. Pascal can lay claim to have built an early version of the modern computer, done ground-breaking work in mathematics and geometry, invented urban bus transport and virtually invented probability theory. He also produced one of the most haunting and effective works of Christian apologetics ever written. He is a major intellectual figure at the beginning of the modern age who blends together in his own person and thinking issues that are critical to our age. Blaise Pascal is therefore a crucial figure: not just in the history of European thought, but for how he can shed light on our many contemporary debates.

From science to scepticism; mystical experience to distraction; religion to politics, self-love and death, Pascal's thinking was far-reaching. In this captivating biography, Graham Tomlin explores Pascal's short but extraordinary life, and the sweeping impact and relevance of his ideas to the modern world.

"A richly detailed account of Pascal's life and times, which displays an energetic sympathy for Pascal's startling combination of intellectual precocity and humble faith." - Rory Stewart - host of ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast and author of Politics On the Edge

"A beautiful, accessible account of one of the era's most remarkable lives." - Katherine Rundell - Author of Super Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne

"At once readable and expert, this is a wonderful guide to the life and thought of 17th century Europe's supreme polymath. How any one man could have covered so many bases is a mystery that Graham Tomlin brilliantly elucidates." - Tom Holland - host of ‘The Rest is History’ podcast and author of Dominion

"A fresh, accessible and highly engaging account of a leading philosopher whose ideas remain strikingly relevant today. Highly recommended." - Professor Alister McGrath

"If we are in search of a well-informed, well-written biography of Pascal that includes an introduction to his thought, and stands the tests of both scholarship and verve, we should look no further. Whether treating the man or the work, the science or the religion, Graham Tomlin artlessly generates our interest in Pascal against the background of his time. That is commendation enough, but there is more. Reading this biography, we are impelled to greater honesty about ourselves and seriousness about our lives. It becomes a book about our time, and not just about Pascal's." - Stephen N. Williams - formerly Honorary Professor of Theology, Queen’s University, Belfast and author of A Thinking Reed: Pascal’s Voice, Yesterday and Today

"A compelling portrait of a fascinating figure navigating an equally fascinating period. In a world where everything is in flux, how can a man with a once-in-a-generation mind endeavour to keep hold of his soul? Hugely enjoyable." - Elizabeth Oldfield - host of ‘The Sacred’ podcast, and author of Fully Alive

"Tomlin carries us wonderfully through Pascal's short, painful and remarkable life. He tells a story of faith and theological endeavour, sitting alongside brilliant innovations in mathematics with forays into probability, betting and public transport. The power and energy of Pascal's thought shines through." - Sir Andrew Dilnot - formerly Warden of Nuffield College Oxford and Chair of the UK Statistics Authority

"A brilliant, accessible introduction to the luminous life of one of the greatest minds and mystics of modern times. Graham Tomlin makes a compelling case for Pascal as "the man who made the modern world."" - Pete Greig - Founder of 24-7 Prayer and Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd church