The Sun is a constant presence in our lives, but have you ever stopped to consider just how constant? The Sun gives us life, heat and energy - and it also permeates our culture, perhaps more thoroughly than any other symbol.

Ancient myths invoke the Sun as a symbol of power; it is a key part of art and literature and is even in our language through phrases such as 'a sunny disposition'.

Richard Cohen, author of the acclaimed By the Sword, travelled to 18 countries on six continents to write Chasing the Sun. The sheer breadth of topics in the book is staggering, as Cohen bounces from photosynthesis to Pythagoras and even covers skin cancer and the Beatles.

Cohen's style is eminently readable, although from time to time I did feel as though he was trying to cram in every single bit of the huge wealth of information he had found, whether it served his point or not. However, Cohen's knowledge is truly astounding and the book remains entertaining.

Laced with personal encounters and supported by beautiful images, this is a unique book, a merging of scientific and cultural inquiry.