|
Carolyn Abraham |
Possessing Genius: The Bizarre Odyssey of
Einstein's Brain |
Occasionally gory but fascinating account of
what happened to Einstein's brain after his death
 |
Biography, human
science |
|
Nancy Ellen Abrams & Joel Primack |
The View from the Centre of the Universe |
Superbly brilliant idea of the need for a new
cosmological myth to ground us in the universe, only slightly let down by
so-so writing
|
Cosmology |
|
AMIR ACZEL |
Biography |
|
|
| Amir Aczel |
Entanglement |
Over-technical background to the workings of
quantum entanglement  |
Physics |
| Amir Aczel |
God's Equation |
An exploration of
'Einstein's greatest mistake' - the cosmic constant
 |
Biography, cosmology, physics |
| Amir Aczel |
The Mystery of the Aleph |
Good biography of Georg Cantor and explanation
of his maths of the infinite. |
Maths, biography |
| Peter Adds et al |
The Transit of
Venus |
Mixed collection of essays on the eponymous
transit, its significance to New Zealand, and New Zealand's significance to
science. |
Astronomy |
| John Agar |
Constant Touch |
Superb history of the mobile phone -
technology, sociology, politics, the works!
 |
Technology |
| Nicholas Agar |
Perfect Copy |
Good introduction to the working of cloning
and exploration of the ethical implications and uses
|
Human science |
| Hugh Aldersey-Williams |
Findings |
Examination of 20th century science by pulling
apart in detail a scientific paper for each decade. Heavy going but full of
insights. |
Overview |
| Chris Anderson |
The Long Tail |
A simple, brilliant idea - the Internet can
transform retail by offering almost unlimited choice, exploring the tail of
the sales distribution |
Technology |
| Robyn Arianrhod |
Einstein's Heroes |
Excellent exploration of the move of maths to
centre stage in physics, mostly focussing on the life and work of James
Clark Maxwell
|
Physics, maths |
| Keith Ashworth |
What Einstein
didn't know about Time |
A strange concoction combining a vituperative
attack on Einstein personally with an alternative theory to replace
relativity. |
Physics |
| Peter Atkins |
Four Laws (that
drive the Universe) |
A good concise introduction to the four laws
of thermodynamics that would be great for a physics undergraduate, but just
doesn't hack it as popular science. |
Physics |
| Cyril Aydon
|
Scientific
Curiosity/A Book of Scientific Curiosities |
A jumble of short pieces on people in the
history of science and scientific topics. Weak on modern physics but
otherwise reasonable
|
Overview |
| Joanne Baker |
50 Physics Ideas
you Really Need to Know |
Quite a reasonable and approachable summary,
despite a few errors, but not a great end-to-end read. |
Physics |
| Hartosh Singh Bal
& Gaurav Suri |
A Certain
Ambiguity |
Attempt to get across the joys of maths in a
novel form. Wonderful idea, hence the bracketed five stars, but doesn't work
very well as novel or popular maths.
[] |
Mathematics |
| Jonathan Balcombe |
Pleasurable
Kingdom |
Can animals feel pleasure? Pet owners will say
"yes" - this book shows they're probably right, and explains why it happens
and why we should consider it in animal welfare.
|
Biology |
|
PHILIP BALL |
|
|
|
| Philip Ball |
Bright Earth: the
invention of colour |
Wonderful subject of the history of artists'
colours and the science behind them - sacrifices a little readability for
comprehensiveness.
|
Overview |
| Philip Ball |
Critical Mass |
Overlong and inconclusive but still
fascinating look at the statistical behaviour of humanity
|
Overview |
| Philip Ball |
The Devil's
Doctor |
Revealing look at the medieval mix of magic
and science that lay behind the life and theories of Paracelsus the strange
and often reviled early medic
|
Biography |
| Frank Barnaby |
How to Build a
Nuclear Bomb |
Nightmare study of what weapons of mass
destruction are and can do in the hands of terrorists - ultimately
frustrating
|
Technology |
| Tom Barnes et al |
The Elegant
Universe of Albert Einstein |
Collection of essays based on radio broadcasts
linked to the 100th anniversary of Einstein's great year. A little
fragmented, but some very good.
|
Physics |
| Simon Baron-Cohen |
The Essential Difference |
Fascinating new evidence on the genetic difference between male and female
brains, but a bit stodgy
|
Human science |
| John D. Barrow |
The Artful
Universe Expanded |
Attempt to link the arts and the science of
the universe that allowed them to emerge - good idea, but sinks in pomposity
|
Overview |
| John D. Barrow |
Cosmic Imagery:
key images in the history of science |
Barrow often tries to pull together art and
science and here succeeds well in an exploration of archetypes of scientific
imagery. |
Overview |
| John D. Barrow |
The Infinite Book |
Interesting book on infinity, generally very
good, though too much cosmology and attempts at artiness and not enough
maths
|
Maths |
| Bruce Bassett & Ralph Edney |
Introducing Relativity |
Wacky
illustrated introduction to the concepts of
relativity - pure marmite
|
Physics |
| Robert Bauval |
The Egypt Code |
Don't be put off by the new-agey title: this
is a real thriller of an exploration of the relationship between Ancient
Egyptian buildings and stellar observation. |
Archaeology,
astronomy |
| Jim
Bell |
Postcards from Mars |
Great photographs of the Martian surface taken
by the rovers, with good explanatory text, but after a while the pictures
are very similar to each other.
|
Astronomy |
| Madison Smartt
Bell |
Lavoisier in the Year One |
Good to see a chemistry popular science book,
and Lavoisier's contribution is interesting (as were the times), but overall
disappointingly dull
|
Chemistry |
| Jeffrey Bennett |
Beyond UFOs |
Warm and well-written book on the search for
extra terrestrial life, but no real surprises.
|
Astronomy |
| Peter J. Bentley |
The Book of Numbers |
Lavishly illustrated glossy book on the
history and use of numbers. Looks good, but only skims the surface in
content.
|
Maths |
| Peter J. Bentley |
The Undercover
Scientist |
Attempt to link basic science introduction by
describing why various disasters happen to the second person protagonist - a
little wince-making.
|
Overview |
| David Berlinski |
Infinite Ascent |
This short history of mathematics has a lot of
promise, and a good summary of modern maths, but is let down by flowery
language and inaccuracies,
|
Maths |
| Peter Bernstein |
Against the Gods |
Good history of our attitude to risk and
probability - a little too much finance and not enough physics, but good
|
Maths |
| Piers Bizony |
Atom |
A good mix of biography and science as we
follow the trail of just what atoms are. Could do with a bit more depth in
the human interest side, but well-written.
|
Physics |
| Piers Bizony |
The Man Who Ran the Moon |
An excellent insight into the race to the moon
from the viewpoint of NASA, and particularly administrator James Webb. Five
stars for effectiveness, but has to have three as its rating as very little
science.
|
Technology |
|
SUSAN BLACKMORE |
Biography |
|
|
| Susan Blackmore |
Conversations on Consciousness |
20 interesting interviews with experts on the
nature of consciousness - but this isn't a helpful format for this topic
|
Human science |
| Susan Blackmore |
Dying to Live |
One of the few books to address a possible
piece of evidence for life after death (near death experiences) in a
rational, scientific fashion
|
Human science |
| Sandra Blakeslee &
V. S. Ramachandran |
Phantoms in the Brain |
The workings of the brain cleverly explored
through mental problems and the effects of brain damage
|
Human science |
| Michael Blastland
& Andrew Dilnot |
The Tiger that Isn't |
Brilliant excursion into the way we misuse and
misunderstand numbers and statistics, and how to see around it. |
Maths |
|
DAVID BODANIS |
Biography |
|
|
| David Bodanis |
E=mc2 |
Great historical storytelling, if a little
sketchy on the science in this biography of an equation, reviewed on
E=mc2's
100th birthday |
Physics |
| David Bodanis |
Electric Universe |
Excellent as a teen introduction to the
wonders of electricity, but a bit too gushing for some adults.
|
Physics |
| Ronald Louis
Bonewitz |
Rock & Gem |
Not really popular science, but a beautifully
illustrated reference on all kinds of rocks, minerals & gems
|
Earth science |
| Max Born & Albert
Einstein |
The Born-Einstein
Letters |
Fascinating letters between two of the 20th
century greats of physics.
|
Biography, physics |
| Stephen R. Bown |
[The Age of]
Scurvy |
Gripping story of the slow discovery of the
cure for scurvy that brings alive the atmosphere of life on sailing ships
|
Human science |
| Mark L. Brake &
Neil Hook |
Different Engines |
Interesting topic - the interplay between
science and science fiction - with some good points, but not hugely
readable, and some glaring omissions.
|
Overview |
| Ken Bray |
How to Score |
A book on the science of football (soccer,
that is). Not all for the fans - some of it is generally interesting, but
perhaps not enough of it
|
Human science |
| Denis Brian |
The Curies |
Interesting and in-depth biography of both the
Curies and the Joliot-Curies, though could have been even better with
judicious editing. |
Biography |
| Claire Brock |
The Comet Sweeper |
Interesting view of the life of Caroline
Herschel, the first female professional astronomer, if a little tinted by
the author's views.
|
Biography |
| John Brockman (Ed) |
Curious Minds
(UK: When We Were Kids) |
27 "why I turned to science" essays that is so
much more interesting than it sounds. Really.
|
Biography |
| Clive Bromhall |
The Eternal Child |
Stunningly effective theory of how the human
ape became more like an infant to survive in large groups, and its impact on
our bodies and behaviours
|
Human science |
| Andrew Brown |
In
the Beginning was the Worm |
Delightful introduction to the first creature
to have its genome sequenced - and the scientists who did it
|
Biology |
| Julian Brown |
The Quest for the Quantum Computer |
Very good exploration of the weird world of
quantum computing. Five star for techies, but actual rating reflects
over-technical approach. |
Physics,
technology |
| Lester R. Brown |
Plan B 2.0 |
Disappointingly dull and uninspiring plan to
save the world from eco-disaster, though does have a good survey of the
problems. |
Earth science |
| Paul Brown |
The Rocketbelt Caper |
Stranger than fiction true story of the
development of the rocketbelt and the plunge into kidnapping and murder that
one rocketbelt caused |
Technology |
| Colin Bruce |
Schrödinger's Rabbits |
Introduction to quantum theory concentrating
more on the interpretation than the theory itself. Rather confusingly
written. |
Physics |
| Bill Bryson |
A Short History of Nearly
Everything |
Triumphant charge through
all of science |
Overview |
|
Mark Buchanan |
Small World: Uncovering Nature's Hidden
Networks |
Fascinating concept leading to the 'six
degrees of separation' idea, but ultimately unsatisfying.
|
Maths |
|
Druin Burch |
Digging up the Dead |
Riveting, if occasionally stomach churning
biography of the top surgeon from around 1800, Astley Cooper. Highly
recommended. |
Human Science |
|
Edward B. Burger & Michael Starbird |
Coincidences, Chaos and All that Math Jazz |
A high speed, highly enjoyable tour of many of
the interesting bits of maths that doesn't patronize, but is never
over-heavy. |
Maths |
| Robbins Burling |
The Talking Ape |
Fascinating exploration of the origins and nature of language. Approachable
yet authoritative. |
Human Science |
| David Burnie (Ed.) |
Animal |
Wonderful illustrated reference guide to the
animal kingdom - not popular science really, hence only
|
Biology |
| Deborah Cadbury |
Space Race |
Engaging and sometimes horrifying story of the
origins and realities of the race to space and the moon from both sides of
the iron curtain |
Technology |
| Nigel Calder |
Magic Universe |
Alphabetic collection of articles on modern
science that are fascinating to read and give a good overview.
|
Overview |
| Nigel Calder &
Henrik Svensmark |
The Chilling Stars |
Controversial but fascinating theory that much
of the Earth's climate change through history has been caused by the impact
of cosmic rays. |
Cosmology, Earth
Science |
| Craig
Callender & Ralph Edney |
Introducing
Time |
Bizarre
but effective illustrated tour of the concept of time
|
Physics |
| Deborah Cameron |
The Myth of Mars
and Venus |
Great idea, debunking the whole Mars/Venus
think (and pop sci equivalents), but not enough for a whole book.
|
Human Science |
| David Canter |
Mapping Murder |
Fascinating if flawed book on geographical
profiling from the man who really started it as a systematic approach
|
Mathematics |
| Fritjof Capra |
The Tao of
Physics |
Classic book drawing parallels between physics
(particularly quantum physics) and Eastern religions, still interesting
despite blatant misuse by new-agers.
|
Physics |
| B. Jack Copeland
et al |
Colossus |
A series of essays on the wartime codebreaking
at Bletchley Park, and the ground-breaking Colossus computers with newly
declassified content |
Technology |
| Robert Todd
Carroll |
The Skeptic's Dictionary |
Overview of the many strange beliefs people
out there hold. Format makes it less readable than some, but still good
|
Sceptics |
| Roberto Casati |
The Shadow Club |
Very promising book about shadow that simply
can't deliver, because there's not much to tell
|
Physics |
| John L. Casti |
The One True Platonic Heaven |
Cleverly written fictional encounter between
key physicists and mathematicians at the IAS - with some politics thrown in
for fun |
Overview |
| Brian Cathcart |
The Fly in the Cathedral |
Brilliant story of the race to crack open the
atomic nucleus: a must! |
Physics |
| Brian Cathcart |
Rain |
Some lovely insights into rain and its
effects, but too short |
Earth science |
|
GREGORY CHAITIN |
Biography |
|
|
| Gregory Chaitin |
Conversations with a Mathematician |
Compilation of lectures and interviews, best
read as a follow-up to Meta Math!. |
Maths |
| Gregory Chaitin |
Meta Math! The Quest for Omega |
Fascinating description of a real modern
mathematician's thinking, coupled with insights into the nature of maths. |
Maths |
| Brian & Deborah
Charlesworth |
Evolution: A Very Short Introduction |
Pocket-sized but effective basic introduction
to evolution. Could do with a bit more historical context, but fine. |
Biology |
| Parvinder Chawla |
Versatile Vaccines |
Basic but accessible book on vaccines with a
little history and several chapters on the fight to produce new vaccines for
killers like HIV. |
Human science |
| Nicholas Cheetham |
Universe: a journey from Earth to the Edge of
the Cosmos |
Nice idea - photographic record of a 'journey'
from Earth to the edge of the universe, but the result is a coffee table
book.. |
Astronomy |
|
MARCUS CHOWN |
Biography |
More on books |
Features |
| Marcus Chown |
Afterglow of Creation |
Intriguing detective story tracking back from
the cosmic background radiation to the big bang. |
Cosmology |
| Marcus Chown |
The Magic Furnace |
Where atoms come from
- a remarkable story that takes us from the big bang to now
|
Physics, astronomy, cosmology |
| Marcus Chown |
The
Never Ending Days of Being Dead |
A clear exploration of some of the big
questions in physics, bringing in a range of weird and wonderful theories
|
Physics, cosmology |
| Marcus Chown |
The Quantum Zoo |
The best introduction to quantum physics and
relativity we've seen with some superb examples and great explanation |
Physics |
| Marcus Chown |
The Universe Next Door |
Strange concepts at the
edge of scientific theories |
Overview, physics |
| Gale Christianson |
Isaac Newton |
Short Newton biography, strong on historical
context, not so good on the science
|
Biography |
| Susan A. Clancy |
Abducted |
Sensible scientific look at the reality of
alien abduction - very engaging writing, but could have better structured
|
Human science |
| Stuart Clark |
The Sun Kings |
Well-written and enjoyable history of
discoveries about the Sun and its influence on the Earth from renaissance
times.
|
Astronomy |
|
BRIAN CLEGG |
Biography & interview |
More on books |
Blog |
| Brian Clegg |
A Brief History of Infinity |
The people and paradoxes in
the quest to think the unthinkable
|
Maths |
| Brian Clegg |
The God Effect |
Remarkable exploration of quantum
entanglement, a bizarre effect that has amazing applications. Excellent
explanation of the science |
Physics |
| Brian Clegg |
The First Scientist |
Readable biography of
thirteenth century friar and proto-scientist, Roger Bacon.
|
Biography, overview |
| Brian Clegg |
Light Years |
The story of humanity's
exploration of light. Combination
of good history with fascinating new light science. New edition.
|
Physics |
| Brian Clegg |
The Man Who Stopped Time |
Engaging biography of the motion picture
pioneer and murderer. Not a huge amount of science in his life, but brings
out the science of photography etc. well.
|
Biography |
| Brian Clegg |
Upgrade Me |
A fascinating exploration of the journey to
human 2.0, from the key ability to contemplate the future, to life
extension, cosmetic enhancement, extra strength, electronic implants and
more. |
Human science |
| Charles Cockell |
Space on Earth |
Uncomfortable mix of space exploration and environmentalism that tell you
more about the author's interests than anything else.
|
Overview |
| I. B. Cohen |
The Triumph of Numbers |
A genuinely interesting and often surprising history of statistics that
brings in unexpected characters from King David and Dickens to Florence
Nightingale.
|
Mathematics |
| Jack Cohen & Ian Stewart |
The Collapse of Chaos |
Combines chaos theory and
complexity theory to boggle the mind |
Maths |
| Jack Cohen & Ian Stewart |
Evolving the Alien [What does a Martian
look like] |
Clever idea of exploring alien life
possibilities, partly driven by SF ideas, but suffers from smugness
|
Biology |
| Jack Cohen, Ian Stewart
& Terry Pratchett |
Science of
Discworld |
Clever mix of Pratchett's fantasy and science
covering the "construction" of the earth. Not the best in the series, but
good |
Overview |
| Jack Cohen, Ian Stewart
& Terry Pratchett |
Science of
Discworld II |
Clever idea, mixing Pratchett's fantasy and
science, but this instalment on the mind is by far the worst
|
Human Science |
| Jack Cohen, Ian Stewart
& Terry Pratchett |
Science of
Discworld III: Darwin's Watch |
The highly entertaining and original combo of
Discworld fantasy and scientific precision is aimed at evolution. A few
quibbles but great |
Biology |
| Alfred W. Crosby |
Children of the Sun |
A sweeping and inspiring trip through
humanity's relationship with energy, from simple agriculture to nuclear
power. Style not to everyone's taste, but magnificent. |
Overview |
| Thomas Crump |
A Brief History of Science |
The history of science
through the development of scientific tools and instruments
|
Overview, technology |
| Vilmos Csányi |
If Dogs Could Talk |
Real eye-opener on the nature and
sophistication of the mind of a very familiar creature: the dog
|
Biology |
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