On my radar: Carlo Rovelli’s cultural highlights

The physicist and philosopher of science on the lessons the Roman empire holds for us today, the mystery of black holes, and his favourite beat poet

Born in Verona, Italy, in 1956, theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli is known for his writing on the philosophy of science. His books include the bestselling Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, The Order of Time and Helgoland and have been translated into more than 40 languages. He heads the quantum gravity research group at Aix-Marseille University, France, and is adjunct professor at the University of Western Ontario's philosophy department, Canada. Carlo Rovelli's latest book, White Holes, is out now on Allen Lane. He will be in conversation with Dara O Briain for a Guardian Live event at London's Cadogan Hall on Monday 30 October.