The Science Book - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1841882542 ISBN 13: 9781841882543

Publisher: W&N, 2004

Synopsis

The public¿s appetite for science has grown dramatically over the past 15 years but such is the speed and frequency of new scientific discoveries that many readers feel daunted. This breathtaking book aims to change all that. 250 of the most significant milestones in the history of scientific discovery are presented through short lucid essays by some of the most important and well-known contemporary scientists and science writers. Each is accompanied by a single striking image and together they offer a unique introduction to our unfolding view of the universe.

About this title

Review

The Science Book is a big, handsome, lavishly illustrated coffee-table book. In 250 brief sections, it attempts to encapsulate the history of Western science, from astronomy and physics to geology, biology and psychology and everything in between. It's a huge undertaking, even a potentially foolhardy one, as the editor Peter Tallack acknowledges, but the choice of topics has been carefully made, and as an introduction to the breadth of scientific endeavour it succeeds well. The writing itself is straightforward, giving very brief biographies of scientists from Pythagoras to Stephen Hawking alongside the broad outlines of their work. Each one-page essay is accompanied by a full-colour illustration, ranging from Renaissance paintings to the latest images from space. Cross-references to other pages help to establish links between different discoveries. There is an index, but sadly no suggestions for further reading for anybody whose curiosity has been piqued. And piqued it almost certainly will be. Inevitably in a book of this scope, nothing is covered in any depth. It does, however, give a good overview of how science is done, how different disciplines interrelate and where the cutting edge is right now. And its presence on the coffee table will no doubt spark all kinds of discussions as guests leaf through its pages. --Elizabeth Sourbut

Review

A large, beautifully presented book, boxed and of a suitable size to be displayed on any sufficiently capacious coffee table. Interspersed among the "milestones" are eight longer essays by notable scientists and science writers ... I found to be little gems. -- Physics Word, Dec 2001

Everyone will find something that they didn't know and much that is fascinating. In the end they'll have a better grasp of science and how we got to where we are now. -- New Scientist 24 Nov 2001

Grand publishing gesture... Stylish and intellectual... Clearly written and lavishly illustrated... Illuminating and varied bite-sized accounts. -- Anjana Ahuja, Book Reviews, The Times, 20 October 2001

I was pleasantly surprised by this massive, encyclopaedic but amenable summary of scientific discoveries. As well as being an education, it is delightful to dip into, made especially inviting by its attractive colour plates. -- Oxford Times, 23 Nov 2001

When embroiled in arguments about scientific matters this is the book to have on standby. If, on the other hand, you and your friends have better things to talk about, buy it anyway - it's fascinating to dip into. -- Focus, Oct 2001

About this edition

• Publisher: W&N
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1841882542
• ISBN 13: 9781841882543
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 544
• Editor: Tallack Peter