Failure: Why Science Is so Successful

Stuart Firestein

330 ratings by Goodreads

Language: English

Published by Oxford University Press Inc, 2015

019939010X / 9780199390106

  • Hardcover
  • Used
See all details

Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.World of Books Inc

2-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

View this seller's items
Hardcover

Condition: Used - Good

£ 5.31

 Free Shipping 
Ships within U.S.A.

Quantity: 2 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

The general public has a glorified view of the pursuit of scientific research. However, the idealized perception of science as a rule-based, methodical system for accumulating facts could not be further from the truth. Modern science involves the idiosyncratic, often bumbling search for understanding in uncharted territories, full of wrong turns, false findings, and the occasional remarkable success. In his sequel to Ignorance (Oxford University Press, 2012), Stuart Firestein shows us that the scientific enterprise is riddled with mistakes and errors - and that this is a good thing! Failure: Why Science Is So Successful delves into the origins of scientific research as a process that relies upon trial and error, one which inevitably results in a hefty dose of failure. In fact, scientists throughout history have relied on failure to guide their research, viewing mistakes as a necessary part of the process. Citing both historical and contemporary examples, Firestein strips away the distorted view of science as infallible to provide the public with a rare, inside glimpse of the messy realities of the scientific process. An insider's view of how science is actually carried out, this book will delight anyone with an interest in science, from aspiring scientists to curious general readers. Accessible and entertaining, Failure illuminates the greatest and most productive adventure of human history, with all the missteps along the way.

Seller Inventory # CIN019939010XG

Title
Failure: Why Science Is so Successful
Author
Stuart Firestein
Publisher
Oxford University Press Inc
Publication year
2015
Condition
Good
Binding
Hardback
Language
English
ISBN 10
019939010X
ISBN 13
9780199390106

World of Books Inc

Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.

2-star seller

AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Item4 to 12 business days3 to 6 business days
First item£ 0.00£ 8.12
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

Store description

Founded in 2002, World of Books is a leading online destination for buying and selling both preloved and new books, committed to making sustainable reading accessible to all. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, World of Books offers a huge range of affordable, high-quality books — giving both new and preloved titles a second life. The company also operates World of Books – Sell Your Books, an easy-to-use platform that allows customers to trade in unwanted books for cash, helping to keep books in circulation while promoting sustainability. As a Certified B Corp, World of Books is driven by a vision to become the world’s largest and most sustainable dedicated online bookstore. The company measures its success through the positive environmental impact it creates, the value it provides to customers, and its ability to operate profitably while supporting its sustainable mission

Specialty

Second Hand - All Genre

Seller's business information

SBYB, Inc.

900 Knell Road
Montgomery, IL U.S.A. 60538