Autobiography: science, technology and medicine Books

Book SynopsisThe remarkable story of George Daniels, the master craftsman who was born into poverty but raised himself to become the greatest watchmaker of the twentieth century.George Daniels (1926-2011) stands alone in modern times as the inventor of the revolutionary co-axial escapement, the first substantial advance in portable mechanical timekeeping over the lever escapement, which has dominated ever since its invention in 1759. Daniels''s love of mechanics embraced not only the minute, however - he was also a passionate collector and driver of historic motorcars.This revised and expanded edition of his autobiography also contains a new section that illustrates and discusses over thirty of the pocket and wrist-watches Daniels himself made over the years.Witness here the triumph of intelligence, ingenuity, matchless skill and singularity of purpose over the most unpromising of beginnings.Trade ReviewIt is a fascinating read about a truly fascinating man, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in horology, or even the tale of rags to riches through hard work and dedication. * Great British Watch Company *This is incredibly interesting to read through, and there are a great multitude of photographs in the book of various timepieces and diagrams of horological components. [...] I found George Daniels’ autobiography to be a truly engaging read and a wonderful insight into the mind of one of the greatest watchmakers of all time, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in horology. * Watch Affinity *Table of ContentsIntroduction Publisher’s Note Foreword 1. All in Good Time 2. Introduction to Watches 3. A Change of Careers 4. Watches Versus Bentleys 5. Introduction to Breguet 6. The First Daniels Watch 7. Developing the Co-axial Escapement 8. Not Too Technical 9. Alfa and Omega 10. Wheels Postscript Working with George Afterword Complete Watch and Clock Production

Read more less

Book SynopsisI, WOZ offers readers a unique glimpse into the offbeat and brilliant but ethical mind that conceived the Macintosh. After 25 years avoiding the public eye, Steve Wozniak reveals the full story of the Apple computer, from its conception to his views on the iconic cult status it has achieved today. In June 1975 Steve''s curiosity and determination inspired him to build a computer, the first Apple. Six months later, he sold the machine, and for the self-professed ''engineer''s engineer'', success was imminent. But this story is full of life lessons, critical decisions, huge triumphs and big mistakes. Steve speaks also of his childhood, phone hacking pranks, working at Hewlett-Packard, the life-changing plane crash and teaching.Trade Review'Fascinating' * The Times *'A compelling, first-hand account' * Daily Telegraph *'Full of detail and charm' * The Times *'[An] oddly endearing autobiography... written in a cheery, artless style' * FT magazine *'A small triumph' * Sunday Times *'An honest but quirky biography' * City A.M. *'I, WOZ is essential reading, not just because of the great prose or because it makes revelations...it's real value lies in the reflections of the man who sparked the computer revolution...I, WOZ offers lessons for the next generation: believe in yourself, make do, be honest and work alone. He might have added: "be generous" - it's the way he's led his life' * Sydney Morning Herald *'Wozniak... helped to kick-start the computer revolution. His account of his early geekdom and how all his skills came together to conceive the Apple I and Apple II computers is in many ways the highlight of the book' * Sunday Express *'A valuable book' * Sunday Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the 2021 Nobel Prize winner in Physics, a remarkable journey into the practice of groundbreaking science ''Giorgio Parisi is renowned for his scientific creativity, originality, and power. In this exhilarating little book, he shows his human side, too. By its end, readers will feel they''ve made a charming, witty new friend'' Frank WilczekThe world is shaped by complexity. In this enlightening book, Nobel Prize winner Giorgio Parisi guides us through his unorthodox yet exhilarating work to show us how. It all starts with investigating the principles of physics by observing the sophisticated flight patterns of starlings. Studying the movements of these birds, he has realized, proves an illuminating way into understanding complex systems of all kinds - collections of everything from atoms to planets to other animals like ourselves. Along the way, Parisi reflects on the lessons he''s taken from a life in pursuit of scientific truth: the importance o

Read more less

Book SynopsisFearless memoir of a forensic pathologist's "rookie season" as a NYC medical examiner, and the cases that shaped her as both a physician and mother.Trade Review“Far from the magic we see on TV, Working Stiff describes forensic pathology in the real world. The book is a compelling and absorbing read.” -- Kathy Reichs, author of the Temperance Brennan "Bones" series"Fascinating case studies and a refreshing irreverence toward death and autopsies make Working Stiff a funny and engrossing read." -- Sandeep Jauhar, author of "Intern: A Doctor's Initiation" and "Doctored: The Disillusionment of an American Physician"“Working Stiff is an engrossing and revealing glimpse into the making of a medical examiner with a searing insider's view into working at the New York Medical Examiner's Office during and just after 9/11. The story of how the author dealt with her father's suicide during childhood and later had to deal with suicides as part of her duties is wrenching and compelling." -- Jan Garavaglia, M.D. (Dr. G from the Discovery Channel Series and author of "How Not to Die""A riveting read, at once compassionate and morbidly fascinating." -- Todd Harra, author of "Over Our Dead Bodies""Working Stiff is an eye-opening, gripping account of the life of a forensic pathologist working in New York City. Whether dealing with routine autopsies, surviving relatives, or the catastrophe of September 11, Dr. Judy Melinek reveals the dignity of being human in the face of death." -- Leora Tanenbaum, author of "Taking Back God""In this engrossing tale of how Melinek became a forensic pathologist, she pulls back the sheet to show readers just what goes on after someone dies... Armchair detectives and would-be forensic pathologists will find Melinek’s well-written account to be inspiring and engaging." * Publishers Weekly *"Both chilling and heart-warming at the same time, Judy Melinek's account explains how empathy and humanity are as important working with the dead as they are with the living. She strikes the balance just right in helping us better understand what we most fear, yet still fear it all the same." -- Suzanne Nossel, Executive Director, PEN America Center"Melinek’s enthusiasm for her calling is always apparent, and her writing is un–self-consciously bouncy, absorbed and mordant (though not caustic).... A transfixing account of death, from the mundane to the oddly hair-raising." * Kirkus Reviews *Working Stiff is the grossest book you'll ever love. But it is also so much more than that: Seamlessly fusing memoir, science journalism, riveting whodunit mysteries, and light humor about a dark topic, Working Stiff is a relentlessly fascinating and informative book from the first page to the last. Judy Melinek--whether she's re-enacting assaults in a courtroom while heavily pregnant, or fighting with lazy homicide detectives, or solving amazing forensic mysteries through the ghastly things she does with her corpses--is an unfailingly charming and even inspiring guide to the world of medical examiners. A remarkable achievement by Mitchell and Melinek. -- Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic magazine, and author of the New York Times Bestseller "My Age of Anxiety""Spellbinding. . . . Melinek is movingly empathetic toward the families of victims. . . . An unforgettable story." * Booklist starred review *"Working Stiff is a page-turning, engrossing book that reveals a hidden world and shows that the work of understanding death is actually a labor of life.” * Sciencethrillers.com *"Melinek chronicles her time at the city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner — and it’s nothing like what you see on television." * New York Post *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe number one Sunday Times bestseller, Adam Kay's festive hospital diaries, Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas, is the perfect stocking filler from the author of multi-million-copy bestseller This is Going to Hurt – now a major BBC TV series. Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat . . . but 1.4 million NHS staff are heading off to work. In this perfect present for anyone who has ever set foot in a hospital, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious, horrifying and sometimes heartbreaking peek behind the blue curtain at Christmastime.This is a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck, at the most wonderful time of the year.‘The perfect surgical stocking-filler’ – The TimesTrade ReviewSunday Times humour book of the year * Sunday Times *The perfect surgical stocking filler. Jokes galore. This little book will no doubt cheer up the many readers who find it under their tree * The Times *Very, very funny -- Graham NortonBeyond hilarious . . . A small-but-perfectly formed follow-up to This is Going to Hurt, this Christmas-themed delight continues to capture the dark humour and dedicated work of NHS professionals everywhere * Stylist *A funny, poignant snapshot of humanity * Radio Times *Will have you crying with laughter * Good Housekeeping *Contains Kay’s unique alchemy of medical insight and cynical wit * Daily Mirror *Hilarious and heartbreaking * Irish Times *The funniest book of 2019 * The Mail *Kay's fans will be delighted to discover that it is entirely as revolting, funny and moving as the first * i-news *Matchless stories . . . funny, disgusting and moving * Guardian *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe moving memoir of a doctor who became a family caregiver and learned why care is so central to all our lives ''Beautiful and deeply moving. A truly extraordinary work that will change how we think about our lives and the society we live in'' Michael Puett, author of The Path When Dr Arthur Kleinman, an eminent Harvard psychiatrist and social anthropologist, began caring for his wife, Joan, after she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer''s disease, he found just how far the act of caregiving extended beyond the boundaries of medicine. In The Soul of Care, he delivers a deeply inspiring story about what it means to grapple with illness from both sides, as an experienced doctor and a loving husband.Caregiving is long, hard, unglamorous work - at moments joyous, more often tedious, sometimes agonizing, but always rich in meaning. Describing the practical, emotional and moral aspects of caring, Kleinman explores how we must ask uncomfTrade ReviewOne of the most humane doctors and profound thinkers, Arthur Kleinman has insightful, moving, and novel things to say about our capacity to give and get care. Powerful, intimate, poignant, and helpful -- Nicholas A. Christakis, author of BlueprintBeautiful and deeply moving. A truly extraordinary work that will change how we think about our lives and the society we live in -- Michael Puett, author of The PathA personal and professional memoir like no other: how the founder of the field of medical anthropology learned that caring meant listening, and how at the peak of his career, when personal tragedy struck, Kleinman learned the deepest meanings of care -- Ellen Winner, author of How Art WorksAt once a manifesto for decent health care and a brave exposing of an inner life, The Soul of Care gives language for what we all crave - effective, generous health care that nourishes those who give and those who receive until they recognize their oneness -- Rita CharonDeeply affecting. . . A testament to the human capacity to draw sustenance from the memories of love, even as those memories are disappearing in the person loved. It is an important book -- Kay Redfield Jamison, author of An Unquiet MindHeartfelt, beautifully written, incredibly moving, and so instructive . . . This story will stay with me -- Abraham VergheseOne of the most moving books I've ever read. Unforgettable . . . Arthur Kleinman reminds us of what truly matters in work, life, and death -- Howard Gardner, author of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Reframed

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisJames Herriot grew up in Glasgow and qualified as a veterinary surgeon at Glasgow Veterinary College. Shortly afterwards he took up a position as an assistant in a North Yorkshire practice where he remained, with the exception of his wartime service in the RAF, until his death in 1995. He wrote many books about Yorkshire country life, including some for children, but he is best known for his memoirs, beginning with If Only They Could Talk. The books were televised in the enormously popular series All Creatures Great and Small.Trade ReviewBulls with sunstroke, pigs on the run and a cake-eating Peke with a betting habit . . . I grew up reading James Herriot’s book and I’m delighted that thirty years on they are still every bit as charming, heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny as they were then -- Kate HumbleHerriot’s enchanting tales of life in the Dales are deservedly classics. Full of extraordinary characters, animal and human, the books never fail to delight -- Amanda Owen, bestselling author of The Yorkshire ShepherdessThe attraction of Herriot’s ever popular memoirs of a country vet . . . is their alternating highs and lows, humour and pathos, and gripping anecdotes about delivering lambs, grumpy farmers, hypochondriac pet-owners, stroppy cows and blunt Yorkshire characters. * Daily Mail *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe heart-wrenchingly honest new book about life and death from forensic pathologist and bestselling author of UNNATURAL CAUSES, Dr Richard ShepherdA TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR''Deeply insightful. Unflinching'' THE TIMES''A finely-crafted detective story'' DAILY TELEGRAPH''Enlightening, strangely uplifting'' DAILY MAIL''Fascinating'' DAILY EXPRESS_________Dr Richard Shepherd, a medical detective and Britain''s top forensic pathologist, shares twenty-four of his most intriguing, enlightening and never-before-told cases.These autopsies, spanning the seven ages of human existence, uncover the secrets not only of how a person died, but also of how they lived.From old to young, murder to misadventure, and illness to accidental death, each body has something to reveal - about its owner''s life story, how we age, justice, society, the certainty oTrade ReviewThis sequel is more ruminative, more meditative . . . Full of sharp observations about what life and death do to the human body * The Times, A BOOK OF THE YEAR *Enlightening, strangely uplifting . . . Shepherd's final chapter on death itself is a meditation of great beauty and light which puts all the darkness of the previous pages into perspective * Daily Mail *Each chapter is like a finely crafted detective story in which he expands on the causes of death as revealed by the post mortem, or the hidden reasons that precipitated it. Some are ordinary, others extraordinary. Shepherd writes beautifully, and despite its subject, the book is very funny in parts * Daily Telegraph *Deeply insightful . . . Shepherd is unflinching in his self-dissection * The Times *Fascinating * Daily Express *Fascinating. He has the ability to examine himself and other people with the same forensic eye that he applies to corpses - one of the reasons why his books feel so life-enhancing * Daily Telegraph *Grippingly elegiac yet wonderfully life-affirming, full of pithy observations about the inexorability of death and the marvels of existence -- Felicia Yap, author of Future Perfect * Daily Express *Praise for Dr Richard Shepherd * - *One of the most fascinating books I have read in a long time. Engrossing, a haunting page-turner. A book I could not put down * The Times *Heart-wrenchingly honestGripping, grimly fascinating, and I suspect I'll read it at least twice * Evening Standard *A deeply mesmerising memoir of forensic pathology. Human and fascinatingAn absolutely brilliant book. I really recommend it, I don't often say that but it's fascinatingPuts the reader at his elbow as he wields the scalpel * The Guardian *Fascinating, insightful, candid, compassionate * Observer *Heart-wrenchingly honest * Mail Online *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, from the co-host of the podcast WHAT THE MIDWIFE SAID________________No sleep for twenty hours. No food for ten.And a ward full of soon-to-be mothers...Midwives are there for us at some of the most challenging, empowering and defining moments of our lives. From heart-wrenching grief to the pure joy of a new-born baby, midwife Leah Hazard has seen it all.But life on the NHS front line, working within a system at breaking point, is more extreme than you could ever imagine.Moving and compassionate, funny and unexpected, Leah shares her experiences in this extraordinary love letter to new mothers and fellow midwives everywhere._____________________'The stories in Hard Pushed highlight the bravery of our midwives, and the women they care for.' CHRISTIE WATSON, author of The Language of Kindness'Heart-rending, inspiring and funny, Hard Pushed brings alive the world of midwifery in all its complexity and radiates love and respect for women.' PROFESSOR LESLEY PAGE CBE, former president of the Royal College of Midwives'It is Leah Hazard's capacity to love and give so personally to the many thousands of women she has worked with which imbues this book with its power.' JULIA SAMUEL, author of Grief Works'Not only powerful but well written too . . . a worthwhile addition to a genre fast becoming as crowded as a busy maternity unit.' DAILY EXPRESS'A riveting read: heartwarming and heartbreaking' SHEENA BYROM OBE, midwifery consultant and author of Catching Babies'A beautifully written, intimate portrait of the extraordinary work that midwives carry out each and every day.' CAROLINE ELTON, author of Also Human: The Inner Lives of DoctorsTrade ReviewLeah Hazard describes the challenges and dedication of those working in the NHS. The stories in Hard Pushed highlight the bravery of our midwives, and the women they care for. -- CHRISTIE WATSON, author of THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESSA ‘love letter’ to midwives everywhere - which brings the maternity ward to life in all its gory, humorous and touching glory. * Telegraph *Heart-rending, inspiring and funny, Hard Pushed brings alive the world of midwifery in all its complexity and radiates love and respect for women, even in the most frantic and anxiety-ridden moments. -- Professor Lesley Page CBE, former president of the Royal College of MidwivesYou will laugh, cry and not quite believe what you read. I loved every word. * Sun *Part hymn to the strength of the pregnant and labouring women and part "warning shot, a battle cry" for a system in crisis... Abundant heart-warming and moving birth stories... Her tone is deeply reassuring... not only powerful but well-written too.' * Daily Express *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''ENCHANTING'' MAIL ON SUNDAY They care for their elderly, play with their kids, and always put family first. Can we all learn something from the wisdom of wolves? In this unforgettable book, wolf expert and naturalist Elli Radinger draws on her 25 years of first-hand experience among the wolves of Yellowstone National Park to tell us their remarkable stories. __________ Wolves are more human than we ever knew . . . In fact, they can teach us how to be better humans. They play, love, care for others, show compassion, die of broken hearts, pine for home, work in teams, are endlessly patient and leaders know when to defer to followers. In The Wisdom of Wolves naturalist Elli Radinger takes us on a journey into the heart of the wolf pack, revealing what they can teach us about family, cooperation, survival, leadership, commitment and how to enjoy what life gives us. No other book will bring you closer to discovering the truth about wolves - and ourselves. ''This book is the result of her two decades of close observation; part impassioned memoir, part natural history study, and part photo gallery. Her access to her subjects is extraordinary'' SUNDAY TIMES''Elli''s bestselling book suggests that in a high-tech age, when so many of us have become alienated from nature, wolves have much to teach us about the art of living well'' DAILY MAIL''Through The Wisdom of Wolves, we get to feel that little bit closer to the pack and discover what we may have in common'' BBC WILDLIFETrade ReviewEnchanting * Mail on Sunday *This book is the result of her two decades of close observation; part impassioned memoir, part natural history study, and part photo gallery. Her access to her subjects is extraordinary. * The Sunday Times *Elli's bestselling book suggests that in a high-tech age, when so many of us have become alienated from nature, wolves have much to teach us about the art of living well * Daily Mail *Elli leads us into the world of the wolves that inhabit Yellowstone National Park . . . we learn about the various family dynamics, squabbles and difficulties encountered. Through The Wisdom of Wolves, we get to feel that little bit closer to the pack and discover what we may have in common * BBC Wildlife *Perfection! * Staffordshire Living *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisJourney into the world of intensive care medicine and the lives of people who have forever been changed by it.   ‘A very special book filled with stories of survival, hope and loss.’Adam Kay '[Morgan's] wit and compassion are everywhere evident in this enlightening book, and he makes a welcome contribution to our understanding of these extraordinary times.'Sunday Times There is no room for error in the ICU. Full focus is required at all times. It can be the difference between life and death.   Through the remarkable stories of his patients, Dr Matt Morgan guides you through the body and its organs. He explains how various critical conditions arise, and all that goes into treating them – from the science, research and technology, to the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses. This book gives you powerful insights about intensive carTrade Review'Matt Morgan is an engaging, honest and perceptive doctor who has managed to pack an awful lot into his career. This book promises to offer a real insight into an area of life and death medicine that many of us will have seen dramatised on television.’ -- Dr Michael Mosley, bestselling author of The Fast Diet, The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet and The Clever Guts Diet'Matt Morgan writes beautifully and movingly about the edges of life. Through vivid encounters and pitch-perfect insights, he shines a light on the human experience at the frontiers of healthcare.' -- Ganesh Suntharalingam, President, Intensive Care Society‘A very special book filled with stories of survival, hope and loss.' -- Adam Kay, author of the best-selling book This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor‘I loved it. So carefully written and obviously as a doctor, I could totally get behind the stories of Gram and the origin of ICU, but the patients…just so touching. I love the exploration of what it means to survive, at what cost and so on. A lovely book.’ -- Dr Nikki Stamp FRACS, Cardiothoracic and Transplant Surgeon and author of Can You Die of a Broken Heart? A Heart Surgeon's Insight Into What Makes Us Tick‘A gripping realism of life in intensive care that reminds us how fragile is life. Written with humility and insight this is an intriguing glimpse into a world of life-saving decisions. It is life affirming and hugely reassuring.’ -- Professor Dame Sue Black, author of All That Remains: A Life in Death‘This book is marvellous: buy it, share it, recommend it....We are fortunate to have dedicated, caring and humble folks such as Doc Morgan on the Critical Care front line. We are even better off when a writer can capture all that this exciting, mad, glorious and even exasperating job means. If you work in healthcare, know somebody that does, or simply inhabit a body then this book is for you: in fact it's critical.’ -- Peter Brindley MD FRCP Can FRCP Edin FRCP Lond, Professor of Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology, Medical Ethics, University of Alberta'Compassionate and moving… Morgan provides a rich array of stories and characters. Alongside the cases studies, he details the development of the medical practices and technology – from the iron lung to ultrasound – that have helped make such life-saving procedures possible.' * The Observer *‘An illuminating, compassionate insight into the fascinating world of intensive care.’ -- Leah Hazzard, author of Hard Pushed

Read more less

Book SynopsisImagine going from neurologist to dermatologist, orthopaedic surgeon to obstetrician, assassin to saviour all in one day. Welcome to the extraordinary world of veterinary medicineIn Never Work with Animals, vet Gareth Steel shares the moments of humour, horror and heroism across his 20-year career caring for creatures great and small, from bulls to stick insects.Thought-provoking, heartwarming and often laugh-out-loud funny, this unforgettable memoir reveals what life is really like for our vets.Trade Review‘A great book by an incredible guy’ – Bear Grylls ‘Packed with self-deprecating and darkly comic anecdotes… but there’s plenty of warmth, too.’ – The Sunday Times ‘In this fascinating and humorous memoir, Gareth reveals the unfiltered truth of life as a vet and the desperate lengths we go to for the love of animals.’ – Sunday Express ‘Gareth Steels shows the challenging reality of his day-to-day life in this informative and entertaining account of his career.’ – Daily Mirror ‘This gritty yet tender-hearted book is essential reading for anyone thinking of training as [a vet]. It will leave you with renewed respect for Britain’s vets and the difficult, emotionally draining work they carry out.’ – Daily Mail

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautifully written and compelling memoir of a largely unexplored area of medicine: transplant surgery.Leading transplant surgeon Dr Joshua Mezrich creates life from loss, moving organs from one body to another. In this intimate, profoundly moving work, he examines more than one hundred years of remarkable medical breakthroughs, connecting this fascinating history with the stories of his own patients.Gripping and evocative, How Death Becomes Life takes us inside the operating room and presents the stark dilemmas that transplant surgeons must face daily: How much risk should a healthy person be allowed to take to save someone she loves? Should a patient suffering from alcoholism receive a healthy liver? The human story behind the most exceptional medicine of our time, Mezrich's riveting book is a poignant reminder that a life lost can also offer the hope of a new beginning.Trade ReviewPart memoir and part historical account of the extraordinary pioneers who believed that people could berepaired and revived as the sum of their working parts... Moving * Financial Times *An outstanding memoir by a transplant surgeon who combines an autobiography and operating room dramatics with an equally engrossing history of his profession... this [medical memoir] ranks near the top [of the genre], in a class that includes arguably the best, Henry Marsh's Do No Harm * Kirkus Reviews *Monumental and enthralling. * New York Journal of Books *Fascinating... Compelling stories about an area of medicine shrouded in mystery. * Stephen Westaby *A beautifully written insight into an extraordinary area of medicine and a fascinating career. Heartbreaking and life-affirming in equal measure, it has all the makings of a classic. * Dr Max Pemberton, columnist and author of Trust Me, I'm a (Junior) Doctor *Table of Contents1: A Perfect Organ 2: Puzzle People 3: The Simple Beauty of the Kidney 4: Skin Harvest 5: Kidney Beans: Making Kidney Transplant a Reality 6: Open Heart: The Invention of Cardiopulmonary Bypass 7: Hearts on Fire: Making Heart Transplant a Reality 8: Sympathy for the Pancreas: Curing Diabetes 9: Prometheus Revisited: Liver Transplants and Thomas Starzl 10: Jason: The Secret Is to Live in the Present 11: Lisa and Herb: Should We Do Liver Transplants for Alcoholics? 12: Nate: The Selection Meeting, or Who Gets an Organ and Why? 13: Michaela: We Are All the Same on the Inside 14: As They Lay Dying 15: Healthy Donors: Do No Harm 16: Complications 17: Xenotransplantation: From One Species to Another 18: So, You Want to Be a Transplant Surgeon?

Read more less

Book SynopsisA FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020How did we end up in a world where humans coexist with technologies we can no longer fully control or understand?George Dyson plots an unexpected course through the past 300 years to reveal the hidden connections that underpin our digital age, ending with a premonition of what lies ahead. From an eighteenth-century Russian voyage across the North Pacific, to the mirror signals that heralded the age of digital telecommunications and the invention of the vacuum tube, Analogia interweaves historical adventure with scientific insight in a deeply personal story that frames the pursuit - and cost - of the digital revolution in a captivating new light.Trade ReviewThis book pierces through the fog of everyday life. Read and you will become aware of history you need to know, and of how the last few centuries of the human story sit within a much larger, epochal frame. An extra treat is insight into the remarkable Dyson family -- Jaron Lanier * Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now *The most delightfully peculiar book I've ever read. It's grand and intimate, personal and cosmic, and about digital computing and archaic hunter gatherers. Every paragraph is a surprise -- Kevin Kelly * Wired *An odyssey of discovery ... part autobiography, part science manual, part history book -- Izabella Kaminska * Financial Times *Few writers could string together a coherent and compelling tale out of elements as varied as the Bering-Chirikov expedition to Siberia in 1741, the construction of a US heliograph intelligence network, tree houses, kayak designs and the future of artificial intelligence. Dyson is one in this quirky personal history of technology. -- John Tothill * Financial Times *Brilliant ... idiosyncratic ... to read him is to be led on the strangest of adventures, on paths untread, up and down trees, and through rivers of time -- Jason Kehe * WIRED *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Walt Larimore, MD, moved his young family to Kissimmee, Florida, to start a small-town medical practice in 1985, he had no idea he was embarking on an enterprise that would change his life in ways both large and small. Dr. Larimore shared some of these heartwarming and heartbreaking tales in The Best Medicine. Now he offers up more charming stories of his time as a family physician in a rural, small-yet-growing town in The Best Gift.Ideal for anyone wrestling with the inevitable and difficult storms of life, as well as fans of Dr. Larimore''s popular Bryson City series, The Best Gift is a tender and insightful collection of stories chronicling one young doctor''s spiritual growth as a physician, husband, father, and community member. Filled with characters colorful and crusty, warmhearted and hotheaded, witty and winsome, these captivating stories glow with drama, heartbreak, warmth, love, and humor. You''ll laugh. You''ll cry. You''ll learn some of

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe essays inHow Not to Be a Doctorcombine erudition with humour, candour, and the human touch. They show how, in medicine, you cannot separate personal experiences from professional ones, in short stories and reflections that will inform and entertain readers on both ends of the stethoscope.Trade Review‘An all-round excellent book, which would appeal to a wide range of healthcare professionals and students… a light-hearted way of looking at serious subjects’ BMA Panel of Judges'Witty and wise. Shows how important it is that doctors are allowed to be human' Kit Wharton, author of Emergency Admissions: Memoirs of an Ambulance Driver'I raced through this book, laughing, nodding, highlighting and then read some favourite bits again. Every chapter has a gem of wisdom as well as being so very elegantly written and entertaining. I shall be recommending it to my fellow coaches as virtually all of it applies to us as much as to clinicians' Jenny Rogers, Co-Author of Coaching for Health‘This collection is warm, wise, generous, thoughtful and thought-provoking… imbued with a moving humanity which offers inspiration and reassurance in equal measure. The reflections and questions posed in these essays are infused with curiosity, rigour and compassion’ Dr. Deborah Bowman, MBE, BBC Broadcaster and Professor of Medical Ethics and Law‘Launer uses his voracious curiosity to sift wisdom from the ordinary events of a doctor’s life. Bursting with wonder and wisdom, this seductively readable book imparts courage and joy in equal measure’ Dr. Iona Heath, CBE. Former President, Royal College of General Practitioners and author of The Mystery of General Practice‘Genuine, patient-centred care in a world of evidence, guidelines, policy and directives can seem anything but straightforward: these essays show how it is possible. It should be top of the reading list for senior students and all doctors – and indeed for patients too. An essential read… It is a gem’ Dr. Fiona Moss, CBE, Dean of the Royal Society of Medicine‘Gets to the heart and soul of current medical practice. Written by a doctor, but incorporates life experience and wisdom, making it an easy, thought provoking read. A worthwhile resource for anyone currently in medical practice, or contemplating a career as a doctor’ Professor Jane Dacre, President of the Royal College of Physicians

Read more less

Book Synopsis''More than just a memoir. A manifesto for a whole way of thinking'' Daily Mail''An idiosyncratic and gripping memoir about his life and the indomitable career of the Cube'' Observer''The rise and enduring power of the world''s most popular puzzle toy . . . Cubed is less a memoir than a chronicle of Rubik''s evolving relationship with his creation'' Financial Times***As a child, Erno Rubik became obsessed with puzzles of all kinds. To him, they weren''t just games - they were challenges that captured his imagination, creativity and perseverance. Rubik''s own puzzle went on to be solved by millions worldwide, becoming one of the bestselling toys of all time. In Cubed, he tells us the story of the unexpected and unprecedented rise of the Cube for the very first time - and makes a case for why rediscovering our playfulness and inner curiosity holds the key to creative thinking.Trade ReviewThe inventor of the Rubik's Cube on what life and his beloved puzzle have taught him . . . An idiosyncratic and gripping memoir about his life and the indomitable career of the Cube * Observer *Rubik's book is more than just a memoir. It's a manifesto for a whole way of thinking, for the need to retain your childhood playfulness into adulthood if you wish to create anything of worth * Daily Mail *The rise and enduring power of the world's most popular puzzle toy . . . CUBED is less a memoir than a chronicle of Rubik's evolving relationship with his creation * Financial Times *As a school maths teacher and a puzzle writer, I encourage all curious people to open their minds to the words on these pages. This is in part a manifesto for anyone wishing to become a creator. Unleash your creativity with Mr Rubik as your guide -- Bobby SeagullWhile the book tells the story of how Rubik, a Hungarian architect and professor of design, invented the Cube as a way to demonstrate a geometric problem, it also is laced with his thoughts about curiosity, change and the meaning of life * Forbes *A rewarding, idiosyncratic autobiography * Nature *In CUBED, the Hungarian inventor and architect goes into detail explaining how a bold thirst for knowledge has animated his life. He tells the story of how he invented the toy which bears his name, and how his childhood helped turn him into the man he is today. Going one step beyond this, Rubik uses his cube as an allegory for the nature of knowledge itself * Salon *

Read more less

Book Synopsis10 9 8 7 6That's about as far as you get, counting backwards, as you wait for surgery to begin and that's all most people know about what I do. But what happens between you conking out and waking up? And what does the anaesthetist have to do with it all? Do they just sit around playing sudoku while the rest of the team do all the hard work? And why are they so obsessed with what time you ate dinner?Join Colin Black on his journey from accidental medical student to HSE and NHS trainee and, finally, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist at the largest children's hospital in Ireland, where any given day could end in laughter or tears and that's just the staff.Razor-sharp and forthright, Gas Man is a disarming and frequently hilarious account of life in one of the most fascinating and thrilling professions at medicine's frontline, where every day is a heady cocktail of severe pressure, poignancy, and profound social awkwardness.Trade Review‘An enlightening read in all sorts of ways’ – Irish Independent

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Truth and courage are what memoirs need and this one has them both in spades The unforgotten boy: that is what makes this a book a revelation''ADAM NICOLSONWonderful, absolutely beguiling I learnt a lot and really loved it'RICHARD HOLMESGloriously evocative' DAILY MAILWhat makes a scientist?Charming, funny and wise, in this memoir Richard Fortey shows how restless curiosity about the natural world led him to become a leading scientist and writer, with adventures and misadventures along the way.From a garden shed laboratory where he manufactured the greatest stink in the world to a tent high in the Arctic in pursuit of fossils, this is a story of obsession and love of nature, flavoured with the peculiarities and restrictions of post-war Britain. Fortey tells the story of following his father down riverbanks to fish for trout, and also of his father''s shocking death. He unfolds his early passions fungi, ammonite hunting and eyeing up bird''s eggs. He evokes with warmth and wit how Trade Review'Truth and courage are what memoirs need and this one has them both in spades … He never forgets that the small boy, watching his father’s effortless casting on the waters of the Itchen, somehow remains permanently present inside the great, famous and lauded scientist. The unforgotten boy: that is what makes this a book a revelation'Adam Nicolson, winner of the 2018 Wainwright Prize ‘A wonderful, absolutely beguiling glimpse into the formative life of a great scientist. I learnt a lot and really loved it’Richard Holmes ‘Wonderfully lyrical … funny and entertaining … I would also suggest that the real revelation is something other than the way these multiple childhood paths converge … [but rather] his ability to see and interpret the complexities of the living world, as if from a great height, and then to compress all the technical material into a scientifically accurate form that is also full of poetry and music … The most compelling insight of the book: the way in which its author has striven to fuse and harmonise, often against career typecasting, professional constraint and simple circumstances, to become the whole person he wished to be … Both the book and the life it recounts amount to a singular triumph’Mark Cocker, Guardian ‘A gloriously evocative account of the childhood that created the scientist’Daily Mail ‘[A] wonderful, wry memoir’BBC Wildlife ‘[Fortey’s] book’s punning title distils both its irresistible charm and a deep truth about science’Nature ‘Disarming and enjoyable …there is depth and beauty to his writing and its cadence is bewitching; I read A Curious Boy in a single day…and enjoyed it so much that I immediately went ahead and bought five of his previous books after finishing it’The Inquisitive Biologist

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A remarkably honest memoir of a life spent pulling people back from death'' - Adam KayIn these stories, Dr Jim Down brings us to the very heart of the intensive care unit - the section of the hospital where the sickest patients are brought to be cared for until their condition improves. With honesty, humility and a streak of dark humour, Dr Down describes the quietly heroic work of doctors and nurses on the ICU, a place which sits at the cutting edge of medical technology and where a split-second decision can make the difference between life and death. From headline-grabbing cases like that of Alexander Litvinenko, poisoned by Russian agents and admitted to Down''s ward, to the appalling aftermath of a train crash, Life in the Balance offers an inside glimpse of intensive care medicine, its immense challenges, deleterious effects on doctors'' mental health and enormous rewards. Its profundity will make you reconsider the fragility of life and reframe Trade ReviewA remarkably honest memoir of a life spent pulling people back from death -- Adam Kay * author of This is Going to Hurt *[Jim] describes with unflinching honesty the toll that working in intensive care can take on his own mental healthJim Down is as remarkable a writer as he is a doctor. If I'm ever in ICU I hope he's my consultant * Medical Editor, BBC *Whether treating famous Russian spies, the victims of terrorist attacks, or people taken close to death by Covid, he shows us what it's really like to care for those who are clinging to life, and describes with unflinching honesty the toll that working in intensive care can take on his own mental health -- Alastair CampbellSpies, terror, personal crisis, resolution and redemption; Life in the Balance really has it all ... a hilarious, beautiful book, I was sincerely moved -- Dr Chris van TullekenBeautifully written, witty and heartbreaking -- Olivia ColmanIf Jim Down is as good a doctor as he is a writer, I'd definitely want him treating me. * John O'Farrell *Transport yourself into the angst ridden, terrifying, and at times hilarious world of the trainee doctor of the 1990s. A cross between This is Going to Hurt and Do No Harm ... highly recommended! -- Dr Andrew Jenkinson * author of Why We Eat too Much *Jim's book is different. His ear is attuned, and his recounting conversations makes me live his scenes. And he made me think, weep and smile. He's a smart, wise and kind doctor in real life, and these characteristics shine through. Whoever you are, you should read this book. One in five of you will, at some point, need a Jim -- Hugh Montgomery * Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, University College London *Life in the Balance brims with the wonder, trauma and magic of medicine. Jim Down is a consummate storyteller whose tales of life and death in the ICU are riveting. I loved this book! -- Dr Rachel Clarke * author of Breathtaking *A beautifully written, brutally honest account of what life spent as an ICU doctor is like, how it feels and what it costs -- Dr Kevin FongMedical students should read this. Young doctors should read this. Patients should read this. Having read it, I have no idea how Dr Down found the time to write it! -- Sir Richard StilgoeJim Down is as remarkable a writer as he is a doctor. It is like being by the patient's bedside in critical care, but more than that you are inside Jim's head as he struggles with ethical as well as medical dilemmas. What comes across most strongly is his humanity. If I'm ever in ICU I hope he's my consultant -- Fergus Walsh * Medical Editor, BBC *[Jim] describes with unflinching honesty the toll that working in intensive care can take on his own mental health * Alastair Campbell *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt the age of twenty-eight, with his Beijing-based science communications business doing well and a new relationship blossoming, Ben Bravery woke from a colonoscopy to be told he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. As a scientist, Ben understood the seriousness of his condition. Cancer had quite literally whacked him in the guts, after all. But what he didn''t expect was how being a patient, and a young one at that, would make him feel. Why hadn''t he been better prepared for the embarrassment and vulnerability of lying naked on the radiation table? Why wasn''t he warned about the sheer number of tubes he would discover coming out of his body after surgery? Why did it feel like an imposition to ask doctors about his pain on their ward rounds? And why did he have to repeat the same information to them over and over again? During eighteen long months of treatment, including aggressive chemotherapy, Ben felt scared, overwhelmed, sometimes invisible and often alone.As he r

Read more less

Book SynopsisBelonging After Brain Injury: Relocating Dan explores the life of the author's brother who has dealt with the effects of a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) for over four decades. It recounts the institutional, psychological, and social labyrinths he and his family have navigated following the TBI he sustained at the age of eighteen.This insightful volume offers a holistic account of the impact of TBI on the survivor and his family. It reveals the difficulties a TBI survivor has had to endure and provides practical information about physical, psychological, and psychosocial symptoms and their consequences. Dan's story offers new perspectives and strategies that will help alleviate seemingly intractable problems and highlights the central importance of forming connections with others in order to lead a fuller life. The author's account of her own journey, learning to help care for and advocate for Dan, offers an invaluable guide for TBI survivors and those who care Table of Contents0. Introduction. 1. Obtaining Consent. 2. Correcting the Record. 3. Dan’s Life: 1960–1984. 4. Dan’s Life: 1984–2006. 5. Life at Trinity Village: 2006–2017. 6. Crossing the Rubicon. 7. New Normal. 8. Finding Agape. 9. Newer Normal. 10. The Power of Belongingness. 11. Epilogue. 12. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDuring a pandemic lockdown full of pyjama dance parties, life talks, and final goodbyes, a family helps a father die with dignity.In April 2020, journalist Mitchell Consky received bad news: his father was diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer, with less than two months to live. Suddenly, he and his extended family many of them healthcare workers were tasked with reconciling the social distancing required by the Covid-19 pandemic with a family-based approach to end-of-life care. The result was a home hospice during the first lockdown. Suspended within the chaos of medication and treatments were dance parties, episodes of Tiger King, and his father's many deadpan jokes. Leaning into his journalistic intuitions, Mitchell interviewed his father daily, making audio recordings of final talks, emotional goodbyes, and the unexpected laughter that filled his father's final days. Serving as a catalyst for fatherly affection, these interviewTrade ReviewThis journey of a grown son letting his father go is meaningful for us all as we face grief and loss. Although a memoir about dying, there are elegantly written lessons about living: of being thankful for the simple moments; of finding joy despite overwhelming sorrow, and realizing they are compatible. Consky was fortunate to have had a father filled with such love and laughter. * Jennifer Dance, author of Gone but Still Here *America has Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie. Canada now has its own Mitch, Mitch Consky who has written Home Safe, a tribute to his father. Consky manages to convey deep love for his father who devoted all he had to his family. As you read it, you long to have the closeness and constant support that this father gave the children. * Cathy Gildiner, NYT bestselling author *An intimate, raw and honest look at what it was really like to grapple with end of life care and loss during unprecedented times. This amazingly hopeful book illuminates these unimaginable circumstances while reminding us that love, even in the face of darkness, brings so much light. * Liz Levine, author of Nobody Ever Talks About Anything But the End *In capturing the resilience, the philosophizing, and the joking around of family and friends, Consky’s heartfelt, tender memoir embraces the ultimate realization that dying is indeed part of living, especially for a young man losing his father before his eyes. * Bill Reynolds, professor of literary journalism, Toronto Metropolitan University *On the surface, this a memoir about a son watching his father’s brutal 2 ½ month descent from cancer diagnosis to death, during the dark days of the pandemic, no less. But Home Safeis really an intimate reflection on grief, loss and the burden of keeping memories alive. A must-read for anyone who wishes they had been able to spend just a little more time with a loved one in their final days. * André Picard, author of Neglected No More and Health columnist at The Globe and Mail *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A profound memoir'' Daily Telegraph''As revealing as the writing of Oliver Sacks'' Mark CousinsOutside the Asylum is Lynne Jones''s personal and highly acclaimed exploration of humanitarian psychiatry and the changing world of international relief. Her memoir graphically describes her experiences in war zones and disasters around the world, from the Balkans and ''mission-accomplished'' Iraq, to tsunami-affected Indonesia, post-earthquake Haiti and ''the Jungle'' in Calais.Trade ReviewLynne Jones is a world expert on the psychiatric consequences of the trauma of war. She has not shied away from providing care to people in the heart of conflict zones, where such mental health resources are virtually non-existent. Her first hand observations will open readers' eyes to the awful connections between the neglected relationship of war and mental illness, and of what can be provided at relatively low cost, with the right planning and vision. This is essential reading for those training in mental health, to consider the broader picture of the causes of mental illness that one may not see in the routine hospital clinic. An outstanding piece of work -- Professor Simon Baron-CohenAs revealing as the writing of Oliver Sacks. Outside the Asylum joins the dots of mental health and conflict of the last four decades, resulting in a moving frontline account of geographical and mental borders. Jones's quest is lucid and questioning. She introduces us to a gallery of astonishing and brave people, and her work has surely made the world a better place. Inspiring -- Mark CousinsHer blazingly frank account is as enlightening on shifts in psychiatric treatment as it is on local implications of humanitarian-aid policy. Brilliantly insightful -- Barbara Kiser * NATURE *A profound memoir ... Her compassion is clear sighted, and she explains complex geopolitical and psychological issues in plain prose -- Helen Brown * DAILY TELEGRAPH *A passionate account ... Her portrayal of human suffering and the human response is vividly described -- Emma Williams * THE SPECTATOR *It will fill you with soaring admiration for those who dedicate their lives to help those who need it, fired by a strong belief in humanity -- Caroline Sanderson * THE BOOKSELLER *[Jones'] beautifully weft stories of a lone psychiatrist bearing children's unbearable burdens are beacons of hope to their bomb-shattered childhoods and to our broken world. -- Sabina Dosani * BJPsych Bulletin *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor fans of One Born Every Minute.The Secret Midwife is a heart-breaking, engrossing and important read. At once joyful and profoundly shocking, this is the story of birth, straight from the delivery room.Strongest supporter, best friend, expert, cheerleader and chief photographer . . . Before, during and after labour the role of a midwife is second to none. The Secret Midwife reveals the highs and lows on the frontline of the maternity unit, from the mother who tries to give herself a DIY caesarean to the baby born into witness protection, and from surprise infants that arrive down toilets to ones that turn up in the lift.But there is a problem; the system which is supposed to support the midwives and the women they care for is starting to crumble. Short-staffed, over worked and underappreciated - these crippling conditions are taking their toll on the dedicated staff doing their utmost to uphold our National Health Service, and the consequences are very serious indeed.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLife and death in a modern hospital, from Seamus O'Mahony, the award-winning author of The Way We Die Now and Can Medicine Be Cured? Seamus O'Mahony charts the realities of work in the 'ministry of bodies', that huge complex where people come to be cured and to die. From unexpected deaths to moral quandaries and bureaucratic disasters, O'Mahony documents life in the halls and wards that all of us will visit at some point in our lives with his characteristic wit and dry and unsentimental intelligence. Absurd general emails, vain and self-promoting specialists, the relentless parade of self-destructive drinkers and drug users, the comical expectations of baffled patients: this is not a conventional medical memoir, but the collective biography of one of our great modern institutions – the general hospital – through the eyes of a brilliant writer, who happens to be a doctor.Trade ReviewSharp and pithy observations... An insight into the realities of healthcare that no journalist could hope to capture' -- Danielle Barron, Irish TimesNo one writes as clearly and intelligently about modern medicine as Seamus O'Mahony -- Emily Hourican, Sunday IndependentWonderfully funny and curmudgeonly, The Ministry of Bodies is a descent into the very bowels of modern medicine, as brilliant and candid as Solzhenitsyn's Cancer Ward -- Kevin ToolisDoctors tend to be seen as saints and heroes, but that's a picture few of them recognise. Seamus O'Mahony, a medical Dostoevsky, gives a much more interesting and much funnier portrayal of a doctor's life -- Richard Smith, former editor of the British Medical JournalThe Ministry of Bodies has much of what we expect from O'Mahony – it's blunt, witty, erudite, curmudgeonly -- Melanie Reid, The TimesThere's plenty of interesting strangeness * iNews *Funny, sad, infuriating, heartening and depressing, all in almost equal measure, although the overarching theme is one of deep regret for what has been lost... There are many parts of The Ministry of Bodies that had me laughing out loud... O'Mahony has a very keen eye for the absurd. But much of it made me wince too... The moral conviction of the book is unwavering' * Irish Sunday Independent *

Read more less

Book SynopsisDavid Attenborough is one of the most influential and admired figures in English television. When 26, he applied for a job in the BBC – which then meant radio – and was promptly turned down. But someone saw his rejected application and asked, would he like to try television? He would, and sixty years later, he is still at it. Elegantly told, often very funny, here is his story.At home there is his rise to controlling BBC2, introducing colour television to Britain, encounters with Montgomery, Anthony Eden, singers, athletes, explorers, the Queen, Benjamin Britten. Abroad there are people just as remarkable, journeys up tropical rivers, to the interior of New Guinea or the Australian outback, dragons, birds of paradise, flying snakes and walls of cockroaches.Now updated to cover his work since 2009, Life on Air is a remarkable account of David Attenborough’s passion for the natural world and his lifelong quest to understand it. .Trade ReviewThere isn’t a single false note....Attenborough’s familiar voice comes through in every line. * Daily Telegraph *It’s almost impossible to believe that all these things happened to one man… But David Attenborough wears his achievements lightly and there as many laughs here as there are animals. -- Michael PalinAn enthralling autobiography from one of the linchpins of television… Attenborough is a master story-teller, and his book is crammed with anecdotes. * Good Book Guide *

Read more less

Book SynopsisUSA TODAY BESTSELLER A poignant and thought-provoking memoir following one psychiatrist and four of her patients as they deal with the unspoken mental and physical costs of caring for others?perfect for fans of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and The In-Between.For Dr. Jessi Gold, everything was absolutely fine?until it suddenly wasn?t. As an assistant professor, practicing psychiatrist, university wellness leader, regular media expert, and dedicated friend and family member, Jessi was used to being constantly busy. After all, people?her patients, colleagues, and loved ones?needed her, so who was she to say no to any opportunity to help, be that an extra therapy session, corporate wellness talk, or favor for a friend. She was a doctor, trained to serve, to put the needs of others before her own. But when Jessi is so mentally overwhelmed that she commits an unthinkable error during a patient session, she?s forced to reevaluate everything that the medical system has taught her. While reassessing her own complex relationship to the health-care industry, Jessi begins to examine it through the eyes of some of her healthcare worker patients?a thirty-something resident with OCD, a pregnant nurse suffering from PTSD, an aspiring medical student with crippling test anxiety, and an experienced ER physician who feels completely overwhelmed. In their discussions of burnout, perfectionism, empathy, and the emotional burden of working in health care, and through her own personal therapy sessions, Jessi recognizes that she is not alone in struggling to maintain her humanity, in a field that she chose because of its humanity in the first place. Expertly weaving research expertise with unforgettable stories and raw emotion, How Do You Feel? demonstrates the unbridled capacity that we as humans have for connecting, learning, and growing. At once deeply personal, but also utterly universal, it reminds us all that when caring for others, we first have to remember to care for ourselves.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is an enthusiastic account of Pierre Laszlo’s life and pioneering work on catalysis of organic reactions by modified clays, and his reflections on doing science from the 1960s to 1990s. In this autobiography, readers will discover a first-hand testimony of the chemical revolution in the second half of the 20th century, and the author’s perspective on finding a calling in science and chemistry, as well as his own experience on doing science, teaching science and managing a scientific career.During this period, Pierre Laszlo led an academic laboratory and worked also in three different countries: the US, Belgium and France, where he had the opportunity to meet remarkable colleagues. In this book, he recalls his encounters and collaborations with important scientists, who shaped the nature of chemistry at times of increased pace of change, and collates a portrait of the worldwide scientific community at that time. In addition, the author tells us about the turns and twists of his own life, and how he ended up focusing his research on clay based chemistry, where clay minerals were turned in his lab to catalysis of key chemical transformations. Given its breath, the book offers a genuine information on the life and career of a chemist, and it will appeal not only to scientists and students, but also to historians of science and to the general reader. Trade Review“A Life and Career in Chemistry is filled with names of scientists and other more or less remarkable persons whom Laszlo has met and interacted with during his long and varied career. … Laszlo’s autobiography is in many respects of interest to historians of twentieth-century chemistry … . the portrait of Laszlo himself, his life, and his career that this autobiography offers is very much as its author wants to be remembered.” (Helghe Kragh, Ambix, Vol. 69 (4), November, 2022)Table of ContentsSee attachments

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt all started with a Hob Nob. As Dr Matt Morgan, an intensive care consultant, examined a patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest after inhaling some biscuit crumbs, he saw a flock of birds fly past the window. They must inhale objects all the time when flying, how do they survive? he thought to himself. This began an investigation that spanned continents, species and millennia.   For animal science has so much to teach us about human medicine. While some of the overlaps and parallels are obvious – we know how much DNA we share with primates, the first pig heart has been transplanted into a human – there is so much more that we have learnt from the animal world. For example, studying kangaroos, in particular the female’s three vaginas, has improved in-vitro fertilisation success rates. Watching how a giraffe breathes can help save the life of someone struggling with asthma. Investigating why birds that live in the frozen Arctic circle don&rsTrade Review'290 pages of inspiration doctors can either take from animals or already have' * The Times *‘Funny, fascinating and beautifully written. More than that it is moving and awe inspiring… I can’t think of a more important topic for everyone on the planet to engage with right now' -- Dr Xand van Tulleken'Morgan draws on the similarities between humans and animals to show how much we can learn from them by understanding them better' -- Peter Singer'A fun and fascinating dive into the physiology of the animal kingdom and what it means for the medicine we practise' -- Kevin Fong'In humanity's quest to tackle some of our biggest health challenges, the animal kingdom can provide a rich and often surprising source of inspiration. In this dazzling book, full of extraordinary revelations, the reader is transported on an intriguing journey through the natural world and how it is helping to inspire doctors around the world on the frontiers of medicine' -- David Cox'Anyone interested in a One Medicine approach will find this book an interesting introduction. Reciprocity is not just what animals can do for humans, but what humans can do for animals. We are stronger together and that is why Dr Morgan’s book is a wonderful step in that direction' -- Joe Bailey, CEO, Humanimal Trust

Read more less

Book SynopsisA teenage boy lies on the pavement, bleeding from a stab wound; a distraught mum watches, in mute shock, as her daughter suffers a terrifying fatal asthma attack; a young girl is gang-raped and her stricken boyfriend takes an overdose; a disturbed young man flings himself in front of a speeding train at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.Few people can imagine living in a world where such situations are part of everyday life. Yet for veteran paramedic Lysa Walder, these and thousands of other emergency call outs are part of a day's work: scenes of tragedy, heroism loss and horror - but also stories of triumph and humour.Lysa has been a paramedic for over twenty years, working for the London Ambulance service - the world's biggest and busiest free service - for much of that time. Here, she reveals what it's really like to work in a job that brings paramedic teams face-to-face with death - and destiny - every day.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNow a major motion picture starring Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking and Felicity Jones as his wife Jane. It chronicles their relationship, from his early development of ALS to his success in physics In this compelling memoir, Jane Hawking, Stephen Hawking’s first wife, relates the inside story of their extraordinary marriage. As Stephen’s academic renown soared, his body was collapsing under the assaults of motor-neuron disease, and Jane’s candid account of trying to balance his twenty-four-hour care with the needs of their growing family will be inspirational to anyone dealing with family illness. The inner strength of the author and the self-evident character and achievements of her husband make for an incredible tale that is always presented with unflinching honesty; the author’s candour is no less evident when the marriage finally ends in a high-profile meltdown, with Stephen leaving Jane for one of his nurses, while Jane goes on to marry an old family friend. In this exceptionally open, moving and often funny memoir, Jane Hawking confronts not only the acutely complicated and painful dilemmas of her first marriage, but also the fault lines exposed in a relationship by the pervasive effects of fame and wealth. The result is a book about optimism, love and change that will resonate with readers everywhere.Trade ReviewA great read. * Daily Mail *Stephen Hawking may think in 11 dimensions, but his first wife has learnt to love in several. * The Sunday Times *What becomes of time when a marriage unravels? And what becomes of the woman who has located her whole self within its sphere? For Jane Hawking, the physics of love and loss are set in a private universe. * The Guardian *Jane describes the final, painful years of her marriage in candid detail. * The Independent *Jane Hawking’s harrowing and compelling account… rings very true. * Irish Times *This is not a vindictive book, although the agony she went through is palpable; if Stephen’s struggle to keep his mind clear is heroic, so is her determination to balance his escalating needs and those of their three children. * Independent on Sunday *Jane writes about her former husband with tenderness, respect and protectiveness. * Sunday Express *Jane Hawking has written a book about what it was like to be pivotal to her husband’s celebrated existence… but it is much more a shout from the outer darkness. * The Daily Telegraph *

Read more less

Book SynopsisOne of the most important psychologists alive today tells the story of the transformation of modern psychology through the lens of his own career and change of heart.Martin E. P. Seligman is one of the most decorated and popular psychologists of his generation. When he first encountered the discipline in the 1960s, it was devoted to eliminating misery: the science of how past trauma creates present symptoms. Today, thanks in large part to Seligman''s own work pioneering the Positive Psychology movement, it is ever more focused on the bright side; gratitude, resilience, and hope.In this his memoir, Seligman recounts how he learned to study optimism; including a life-changing conversation with his five-year-old daughter. In wise, eloquent prose, Seligman tells the human stories behind some of his major findings. He recounts developing CAVE, an analytical tool that predicts election outcomes (with shocking accuracy) based on the language used in campaign speeTrade ReviewHere is a major thinker who sees deeply into human nature and tells a good story. In The Hope Circuit, Marty Seligman displays both these gifts. This book is his best writing and thinking yet. -- Angela Duckworth, CEO of the Character Lab and bestselling author of GritMartin Seligman is simply the most important and influential psychologist of the last 30 years. This stunning memoir will tell you why, and reading it will change your life for the better. -- Sir Anthony Seldon, vice-chancellor of the University of BuckinghamFor half a century Martin Seligman has enlightened and inspired students of the human mind with his arresting findings and his visionary insights. He has been unafraid to plumb the dark recesses of the psyche, but just as bold in illuminating our better angels. This book combines a history of psychology by a man who shaped it, an explanation of powerful ideas about mental life, and a delightfully candid and reflective memoir. -- Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and the author of How the Mind WorksMartin Seligman is renowned for his contribution to the field of positive psychology - and in this thought-provoking and surprisingly candid memoir, he explains how hard-won his wisdom has been. -- Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness ProjectDr. Seligman learned how to be optimistic, and ... leaning on many of the ideas he explores in his book The Hope Circuit ... you can, too. * GQ magazine *The positive psychology movement is a beacon of hope in our contemporary culture. Its founder, Martin Seligman, is one of today's most influential psychologists. In this book, he tells his remarkable journey - from studying failure to promoting human flourishing. It is a fascinating story. -- Richard Layard, Director of the Well-Being Program at the London School of EconomicsThis warm, lively, beautifully written book tells the stories behind some of the grand ideas and developments that have reshaped psychology - as well as the struggles, missteps, conflicts, and misunderstandings that nearly derailed them. Through it all emerges the author's infectious excitement about exploring the human mind and his roaming quest for how to make life better for the mass of humanity. -- Roy F. Baumeister, author of Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human StrengthMartin Seligman is an intellectual giant, and readers will look to his memoir The Hope Circuit for secrets to his phenomenal impact as a scholar. What they will find is a deeply human story of his own struggles, hopes and ideas, told in an inspiring way. The Hope Circuit is more than an autobiography; it is a handbook for each of us to build a life dedicated to human flourishing. -- Arthur C. Brooks, PhD, President of the American Enterprise InstituteOne of our most important psychologists alive takes us on a surprising personal journey through his own highs and lows, twist and turns, overcoming tremendous obstacles to discover some of the most groundbreaking and iconic concepts in psychology. For a time his concept of 'learned helplessness' dominated the field as we looked to undo the past and now has us looking forward with positive psychology to grow our resilience , gratitude and hope. If you have an interest in the human condition, you will love this book. -- John Ratey, author of Spark and Driven to DistractionThis inspiring and rewarding well-documented record of a lifetime is a beautifully written page-turner. In addition, The Hope Circuit is the saga of how American psychology came of age. -- George E. Vaillant, MD, author of Triumphs of ExperienceThis valuable memoir reveals how an influential new approach in psychology is intertwined with the life story of its leader. -- Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard University and author of Multiple IntelligencesThe Hope Circuit is riveting. It turns out that one of the greatest psychologists of all time is also one of our greatest story tellers. Offering an unparalleled glimpse into a particular time and place and history of science, Marty Seligman's book will entertain you, fascinate you, disabuse you, and move you. Along with Marty, you will laugh, grieve, and rage and, alighting on the last page, insist on a sequel. -- Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph. D., professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and author of The How of HappinessMartin Seligman has written a fascinating and intimate portrait of both his own life and the discipline of psychology. A deeply gifted scholar, practitioner and communicator, he reminds us that positive psychology has profound implications for the way we live and work-and for public policy. -- The Honorable Kevin Rudd, 26th Prime Minister of AustraliaThe Hope Circuit is a remarkable blend of personal growth and scientific discovery. Seligman is one of the giants of science and in this treatise he bares his sole as to how he came to the revelations that have so changed the field. Preparedness, safety signal, learned helplessness, and positive psychology are among the most original and important contributions to psychology in the last half century. The treatise reads as a character study and as a road map for how to do science and it is always fascinating and illuminating. -- Steven Hollon, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Psychology, Vanderbilt UniversityIn my life, Martin Seligman rapidly evolved from just brilliant scientist, to become my good friend and mentor after we started the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program in 2008. This book, The Hope Circuit, which is both entertaining and refreshingly honest, helps me understand how he become the scientist, visionary and patriot I met and admire today. -- Rhonda Cornum, Brigadier General (retired), PhD, MD, and Director of Health Strategy for TechWerksA noted psychologist charts a life spent in service to positivity. The brass-tacks account of how positive psychology came into being, and Seligman's openness in discussing some of its problems, is a rewarding read. * Kirkus Reviews *A fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about the history of psychology and the personality of one of the most prominent psychologists of all time. * Scientific American *In his new book, The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist's Journey from Helplessness to Optimism, he makes a compelling case for looking forward, in every sense... We Brits might not care for happiness hyperbole, but Seligman might just be right - an injection of optimism never goes amiss. -- Judith Woods * The Telegraph *I think Seligman has a point ... The worse it is, the happier we are...there is a British form of optimism: hope for the best and prepare for the worst. And if it happens, go for a therapeutic pint in the pub... -- Carol Midgley * The Times *...a set of ideas focused on positive experience, civic fulfilment and positive traits that would permeate into popular culture and government policy. * The Psychologist *an invaluable source for anyone interested in the politics and sociology behind scientific change...[a] fascinating book... I highly recommend it. * Private Practice *

Read more less

Book SynopsisCompelling and essential . . . will appeal to everyone who enjoyed Adam Kay's This Is Going to Hurt' Philippa PerryIn this powerful and deeply personal memoir, award-winning GP Dr Laura Marshall-Andrews introduces us to the patients who have shaped her radical approach to medicine.Over the course of a decade spent on the frontline of the NHS, Dr Laura witnessed lives being adversely affected by one-size-fits-all treatments. Determined to create change, she began to envisage a new way to care that prioritised the lived experience of her patients.Created with the help of doctors, artists and complementary health practitioners, Dr Laura's pioneering holistic approach was revelatory. From those whose lives were changed by ineffective' drugs, to those for whom alternative therapies, kindness and trust proved transformative, her patients began to flourish.What Seems To Be The Problem? is a heartfelt story of hope, and an urgent call for change in our NHS at a time when it is most in need.Trade Review‘Compelling and essential . . . will appeal to everyone who enjoyed Adam Kay’s This Is Going to Hurt’ Philippa Perry ‘Vital . . . the radical GP changing lives.’ The Observer ‘A wonderful and very important book which movingly describes how a GP both cared for and learned from her patients, and, as a result, opened up a new way for us to think about health and care.’ Lord Nigel Crisp, former NHS Chief Executive ‘This is the story of one brave GP’s fight with an often-soulless medical bureaucracy, to create the kind of doctor’s surgery that most of us wouldn’t dare dream of, and to champion a standard of care all our patients deserve. Adventure story, memoir, political call-to-arms, and heartfelt love letter to those she has spent her whole career looking after, WSTBTP is the most important book written by a doctor I’ve read in years.’ Gabriel Weston, surgeon and author of Direct Red: A Surgeon's Story ‘Offers fascinating insight into the day-to-day dramas of being a GP, as well as the incredible diversity of their patients’ Dr Amanda Brown, bestselling author of The Prison Doctor

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe incredible and inspiring book behind the primetime Channel 4 documentary, Peter: The Human Cyborg''Peter''s story is one of the most extraordinary you will ever hear. Remarkable. I urge people to read it'' Stephen Fry''With candour and bravery, Peter tells how he explored new frontiers of science to give himself a chance of survival in a digital afterlife'' Daily Mail__________Peter didn''t choose to live forever. He simply chose not to die.Diagnosed with a rare but terminal Motor Neuron Disease, brilliant scientist Peter Scott-Morgan refused to accept that within a few short years he''d be dead.Instead, he embarked on a dangerous journey - to cross the border between mortality and immortality. He would meld his humanity with the latest computer and robotic technology to become Peter 2.0.This is the astonishing story of a man uniquely placed to pursue a new way of lifeTrade ReviewCompelling . . . Scott-Morgan is a true one-off. It is in the telling of the love story, rather than the technical details of becoming a cyborg, that this book succeeds * The Times *With candour and bravery, Peter tells how he explored new frontiers of science to give himself a chance of survival in a digital afterlife * Daily Mail *Peter's story is one of the most extraordinary you will ever hear . . . Remarkable. I urge people to read it -- Stephen FryA remarkable account of what it means to be human and what technology can really achieve * Sunday Telegraph *A remarkable story . . . you're left desperate to take nothing for granted * Radio Times *Astonishing * Daily Mail *What's striking is Peter's constant optimism, bravery and his ability to find radical answers to problems that have confounded Britain's brightest minds * Daily Telegraph *Life-affirming . . . The most extraordinary thing about scientist Dr Peter Scott-Morgan, aside from his optimism, is his relentless capacity for joy * Daily Mail *A soaring love story * Financial Times *Fascinating and extremely moving * Sun *Breathtaking . . . We were mesmerised by the boundless creative intelligence, positivity and love that pours from these pages. Profoundly inspiring * Attitude *The astonishing true story behind the primetime Channel 4 documentary about Peter Scott-Morgan, the first person to combine his very humanity with artificial intelligence and robotics to become a full cyborg. His discovery means that his terminal diagnosis is negotiable, something that will rewrite the future - and change the world * GQ *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Bold, inspired and hopeful'' Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global''Lucid and captivating'' Max Tegmark, professor of physics at MIT and author of Life 3.0A captivating memoir that chronicles one woman''s mission to humanise technology and what she learns about humanity along the way.Now more than ever, we find ourselves unable to express our true feelings through technology. Whether it''s a misunderstood text, an oversimplified emoji or a Skype call that leaves us feeling lonely, when most of our communication is carried out through tech, the result is a virtual world that''s lacking our humanity - a society lacking in empathy.Rana el Kaliouby discovered this when she left Cairo, a newly-married, Muslim woman, to take up her place at Cambridge University to study computer science. Many thousands of miles from home, she began to develop systems to help her better connect with her family. She sTrade ReviewLucid and captivating * Max Tegmark, professor of physics at MIT and author of Life 3.0 *An honest and inspiring story that will encourage other women to share their experiences and own their power * Tory Burch, founder and executive chairman of Tory Burch LLC *Bold, inspired and hopeful * Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global *

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow do medical staff offer care and hope to patients and families when faced with the mayhem and lottery of a broken healthcare system?''Terrifying, whistleblowing'' DAILY MAIL''Compelling... gripping'' GUARDIAN''Fascinating and beautifully written... reminds us what we have with our NHS - and what we stand to lose'' CHRISTIE WATSONThe People''s Hospital is the story of how Ben Taub Hospital strives to provide healthcare to Houston''s most vulnerable population, against the background of the chaos of American healthcare. By telling the frequently heartbreaking stories of patients who have had to battle their desperate financial circumstances as well as life-threatening illness - from Rogelio, a twenty-something, undocumented immigrant from Mexico recently diagnosed with kidney disease, to Roxana, a Salvadoran woman who appears in ER after a life-saving surgery resulted in her developing potenti

Read more less

Book SynopsisGerald Durrell was one of Britain's best loved authors and pioneering naturalists. His books, such as the bestselling My Family and Other Animals continues to entertain generations of children and adults alike. His early family life forms the basis for the ITV drama, The Durrells. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international conservation charity with headquarters in Jersey, UK.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe remarkable stories of the world''s most famous body parts.Louis XIV''s rear end inspired the British National Anthem. Queen Victoria''s armpit led to the development of antiseptics.Robert Jenkin''s ear started a war.All too often, historical figures feel distant and abstract; more myth and legend than real flesh and blood. These stories of bodies and its parts remind us that history''s most-loved, and most-hated, were real breathing creatures who inhabited organs and limbs just like us - until they''re cut off that is.Medical historian Dr Suzie Edge investigates over 40 cases of how we''ve used, abused, dug up, displayed, experimented on, and worshipped body parts, including why Percy Shelley''s heart refused to burn; how Yao Niang''s toes started a 1000 year long ritual; why a giant''s bones are making us rethink medical ethics; and the strange case of Hitler''s right testicle.

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Charming and addictively accessible' STEVEN PINKER 'Original, authoritative and beautiful' BRIAN COX 'The most wonderful adventure' ROBIN INCE A brilliantly illustrated journey through the wonders and mysteries of the human brain – from a renowned husband-and-wife team of cognitive neuroscientists. Professors and husband-and-wife team Uta and Chris Frith have pioneered major studies of brain disorders throughout their nearly fifty-year career. In Two Heads, their distinguished careers serve as a prism through which they share the compelling story of the birth of neuroscience and their paradigm-shifting discoveries across areas as wide-ranging as autism and schizophrenia research, and new frontiers of social cognition including diversity, prejudice, confidence, collaboration and empathy. Working with their son Alex Frith and artist Daniel Locke, they examine the way that neuroscientific research is now focused on the fact we are a social species, whose brains have evolved to work cooperatively. What happens when people gather in groups? How do people behave when they’re in pairs – either pitted against each other or working together? Is it better to surround yourself with people who are similar to yourself, or different? And, are two heads really better than one? Highly original and ingeniously illustrated, Two Heads provides an expansive understanding of how our brains work, and how they work together.Trade ReviewJoyful and fabulously original . . . Have I ever read anything like it before? No, I’m certain that I haven’t. Each page is a visual delight . . . It’s extremely easy to read and often very funny. And yet you finish it with your mind blown. Simply by virtue of the fact that it makes some pretty cutting-edge brain science seem almost straightforward, it subtly expands the world of the reader * Observer *Neither simplifies nor trivialises the way the human brain works . . . An enlightening, inspirational scientific voyage that highlights the importance of collaboration * Kirkus *[A] comprehensive graphic guide to the workings of the brain . . . Chock-full of science facts . . . The work overall has the feel of being invited to dinner with a friend’s eccentric genius parents * Publisher's Weekly *A marriage of neuroscience and art which delivers deep insight into the workings of our brains and how we live together as human beings. Original, authoritative and beautiful -- Brian CoxA charming and addictively accessible introduction to neuroscience, featuring a pair of pioneers who have illuminated some of its deepest implications for thought, emotion and psychopathology -- Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and the author of HOW THE MIND WORKS and RATIONALITYYou could not ask for two more inspiring tour guides to take you on a tour of your brain. This is a brilliant introduction to the mysteries of why we are and how we are. It is fascinating and at times disturbing, but it is also the most wonderful adventure -- Robin InceA fantastically fun way to learn about the brain, the mind and the lives of two of the world's most brilliant scientists -- Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Professor of Psychology at the University of Cambridge and author of INVENTING OURSELVESI have never seen anything like this. It is an engaging story of the careers – and the love affair – of two of the world’s leading cognitive neuroscientists. It is a witty and accessible introduction to the brain and how it works. It is a cutting-edge exploration of issues such as schizophrenia, autism, prejudice, and empathy. Oh, and it’s also an absolutely beautiful graphic novel. Two Heads is a triumph and a delight -- Paul Bloom, Professor of Psychology at University of Toronto and author of THE SWEET SPOTBeguiling, cheeky and endlessly thought-provoking . . . This book will change the ways you think about the ways you think -- Steve Silberman, author of NEUROTRIBESTwo Heads breaks the mold. It's a fabulous book about the lives and work of a cognitive neuroscience power couple who have illuminated what has come to be called the 'social brain' . . . Read it if you are interested in the topic, or if you simply want to have a very enjoyable experience -- Joseph LeDoux, Professor of Neural Science at New York University and author of THE DEEP HISTORY OF OURSELVESTell[s] the story of their love affair with neuroscience – and with each other * i *

Read more less

Book SynopsisMoving, honest and inspiring – this is a nurse’s true story of life in a busy A&E department during the Covid-19 crisis.Working in A&E is a challenging job but nurse Louise Curtis loves it. She was newly qualified as an advanced clinical practitioner, responsible for life or death decisions about the patients she saw, when the unthinkable happened and the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. The stress on the NHS was huge and for the first time in her life, the job was going to take a toll on Louise herself.In A Nurse’s Story she describes what happened next, as the trickle of Covid patients became a flood. And just as tragically, staff in A&E were faced with the effects of lockdown on society. They worried about their regulars, now missing, and saw an increase in domestic abuse victims and suicide attempts as loneliness hit people hard. By turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, this book shines a light on the compassion and dedication of hospital staff during such dark times.'An important memoir that we all need to read right now.' – CloserTrade ReviewAn important memoir that we all need to read right now. * Closer *

Read more less

Book Synopsis“For the decade of my father’s illness, I felt as if I was floating in the deep end, tossed by waves, carried by currents but not drowning.” In a singular account of battling Alzheimer’s, Patti Davis eloquently weaves personal anecdotes with practical advice tailored specifically for the overlooked caregiver. After losing her father, Ronald Reagan, Davis founded a support group for family members and friends of Alzheimer’s patients; drawing on those years, Davis reveals the surprising struggles and gifts of this cruel disease. From the challenges of navigating disorientation to the moments when guilt and resentments creep in, readers are guided gently through slow-burning grief. Along the way, Davis shares how her own fractured family came together and how her father revealed his true self—always kind, even when he couldn’t recognise his own daughter. The result is an achingly beautiful work on the fragile human condition from a profoundly wise and empathetic writer.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDavid Mearns has discovered some of the world's most fascinating and elusive shipwrecks. From the mighty battlecruiser HMS Hood to the crumbling wooden skeletons of Vasco da Gama's 16th century fleet, David has searched for and found dozens of sunken vessels in every ocean of the world.The Shipwreck Hunter is an account of David's most intriguing and fascinating finds. It details both the meticulous research and the mid-ocean stamina and courage required to find a wreck miles beneath the sea, as well as the moving human stories that lie behind each of these oceanic tragedies.Combining the derring-do of Indiana Jones with the precision of a surgeon, in The Shipwreck Hunter David Mearns opens a porthole into the shadowy depths of the ocean.Trade ReviewThe underwater worlds of past and present collide in the depths of the ocean in this gripping and suspenseful narrative by David Mearns, a true expert on mysteries of the deep sea. * Clive Cussler *For [Mearns], setting world records and recovering centuries-old treasures is just another day at the office-or ocean, rather. * National Geographic *In 1915 Ernest Shackleton's ship SY Endurance sank into the icy depths of the Weddell Sea, never to be seen again. Her loss marked the start of what is arguably the greatest rescue in history and the ship remains a potent symbol of courage and survival. David Mearns has long wanted to pay tribute to Shackleton by finding his ship. Given David's amazing track record and outstanding abilities, I am quite sure that one day I will be able to see images of my grandfather's Endurance, no longer lost. * Alexandra Shackleton *Fascinating * Nautilus Telegraph *

Read more less