Why the Toast Always Lands Butter Side Down

The real, scientific reasons why everything ALWAYS goes wrong

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.