The frustrating component of life known as Murphy's (or


Sod's) Law is no respecter of persons. The more you are


desperate for things to go right, the more they go wrong. But,


is that really the case, and, if so, is there a rational explanation?


So: when you drop the toast how do you know it will land


butter-side down? Why does the queue you're in always go


slowest? That tune you hate - isn't it the one you can't get out


of your head? However odd it seems, there is generally a


scientific explanation. Much of Murphy's Law stems from the


way the mind works - its physical limitations, evolutionary


biases and social impressionability. In this fascinating book,


popular-science presenter Richard Robinson teases out the


answers, accessibly and entertainingly.