The author of this book takes you for a leasurely walk in the 'middle earth' that scientists call soft matter. He shows us how to look deeper than what we see at our own macroscopic length scale, but does not venture in the realm of molecules, atoms and fundamental particles. This fascinating exploration reveals what these materials have in common and which aspects of their behaviour make them so useful in our everyday life. From toys to trainers, the world we live in would be very different if we did not have plastic. From paint to toothpaste, what would we do without colloids? Understanding more about their physical properties will make you marvel at the soft things that surround us.