Popular science Books

Book SynopsisOne of the world''s most outstanding astrophysicists provides a state-of-the-art investigation into the possibility of time travel.Human beings have a strong desire to travel through time. Although scientists are not yet taking out patents on a time machine, they are investigating whether it is possible under the laws of physics. In Newton''s three-dimensional world this would have been inconceivable. But with Einstein''s theory of relativity a fourth dimension time enters the frame. Is it really inconceivable that we can travel along the timeline?In this book Richard Gott offers an intellectually expansive, witty and engaging study of the viability of time travel, which takes us from the dream of time travel itself in H. G. Wells''s path-breaking novel THE TIME MACHINE to cutting-edge research into astrophysics and quantum teleportation. He explores the scientific, social and moral implications of time travel, and looks at recent remarkable experiments in whi

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Book SynopsisCelebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo missions to the moon, this collection features 50 key artifacts from the Smithsonian archives from the groundbreaking space exploration program of the 1960s. Bold photographs, fascinating graphics, and engaging stories celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 20th century's most important space endeavor: NASA's Apollo missions to the moon. From inflight exercise straps to an emergency oxygen mask and astronaut-selected mix tapes, this carefully curated array of objects--complete with intriguing backstories and profiles of key participants--animates the historic space exploration program that landed humans on the moon, advanced the world's understanding of space travel and our solar system, and revolutionized our sense of humanity's place in the universe.Trade Review“But this book is, in fact, much more than a compendium of gorgeous photographs of iconic objects in stasis. Through her particular selection of non-obvious, non-iconic objects, Muir-Harmony gestures to the stories and backstories that haven’t been told about the Apollo mission…this tangible object, her book, is a fine place to begin to understand Apollo.” –Los Angeles Review of Books“The moon landing is a matter of public memory, which is another way of saying that it’s contested history. In 1971, Collins became the director of the Smithsonian’s National Air Museum, overseeing the addition of “Space” to its name in 1976, and he provides the introduction to APOLLO TO THE MOON: A History in 50 Objects…” –The New York Times“This remarkable book by Teasel Muir-Harmony, a curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, tells the story of the technical and human aspects of the Apollo program through a series of objects…From the forward by Michael Collins, command module pilot on Apollo 11, to the closing comments of Buzz Aldrin, the lunar module pilot on the same mission, readers are in for a stunning ride through the familiar and the surprising.” –Physics Today "This clever and intriguing artifact key to Apollo makes the legendary missions feel human and freshly astonishing." –Booklist“The saga of NASA’s glory days, illustrated with artifacts from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.” –GeekWire “There is something here for everyone from the person who doesn't know about these missions at all to the person who is looking to fill in the spaces of their knowledge.” –Lit and Life "It is very rare for me these days to read a book in print – but for this I’m glad that I made the exception. It’s gorgeous, in its own geeky-techie-nostalgic way, and I am glad to have it on my shelves to pick up and dip into, over and over again." - Reading Reality“The entire book is beautifully done, from the photographs to the people and items that were included, each focusing on a different mission or important event, I loved looking through this book.” –Books Are My Thing“…a book to be browsed and savored.” –From the TBR Pile“I live in the town that the space program built. Most of our schools are named after either astronauts or shuttles. My husband is an aerospace engineer, my mother works for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and we all drive past a Saturn V on a daily basis. With the space program being so much a part of my day to day life, I figured there wasn’t much this book could teach me but I was so wrong!” –I Wish I Lived in a Library

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Book SynopsisIn Skeptic, Michael Shermer "turns a critical eye toward questions big, small, and trivial." His trademark combination of deep scientific understanding and entertaining writing style has thrilled his huge and devoted audience for years. Now, seventy-five of these columns are available together for the first time.

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Book SynopsisEverything that lives will die. That's the fundamental fact of life. But not everyone dies at the same age. A giant fungus found in Michigan has been alive since the Ice Age, while a dragonfly lives but four months. What accounts for these variations? This book takes you on a tour through the scientific study of longevity and aging.Trade Review"Seeds may look small and boring, yet tricks, bribes and devious deceptions lie at the heart of their evolution, as ecologist Jonathan Silvertown entertainingly recounts in this fascinating celebration of the green world upon which all human life depends." -New Scientist, Best Books of the Year"

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Book SynopsisThe contentious history of the idea of the black holethe most fascinating and bizarre celestial object in the heavens For more than half a century, physicists and astronomers engaged in heated dispute over the possibility of black holes in the universe. The weirdly alien notion of a space-time abyss from which nothing escapesnot even lightseemed to confound all logic. This engrossing book tells the story of the fierce black hole debates and the contributions of Einstein and Hawking and other leading thinkers who completely altered our view of the universe. Renowned science writer Marcia Bartusiak shows how the black hole helped revive Einstein's greatest achievement, the general theory of relativity, after decades during which it had been pushed into the shadows. Not until astronomers discovered such surprising new phenomena as neutron stars and black holes did the once-sedate universe transform into an Einsteinian cosmos, filled with sources of titanic energy that can be understood

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed author Matt Ridley's thrilling follow-up to his bestseller 'Genome'. Armed with the extraordinary new discoveries about our genes, Ridley turns his attention to the nature versus nurture debate to bring the first popular account of the roots of human behaviour.Trade Review‘“Nature via Nurture” sets the modern terms for an ancient debate, and at the same time delivers a superb tutorial on contemporary genetics; the feedback loop that embraces genes and environment is generally not well understood. And yet this plasticity, this elegant mutuality, seems crucial if our new understanding of human nature is to inform public policy. These times need a book like this.’ Ian McEwan ‘Lucidly explains the most recent discoveries on what makes us what we are, and how we should think about these discoveries as we ponder who we want to be…A treat, written with insight, wisdom, and style.’ Steven Pinker, author of ‘The Blank Slate’ ‘Bracingly intelligent, lucid, balanced – witty, too. “Nature via Nurture” is a scrupulous and charming look at our modern understanding of genes and experience.’ Oliver Sacks ‘A real page-turner. What a superb writer he is, and he seems to get better and better.’ Richard Dawkins, author of ‘The Selfish Gene’

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWhat Herve This aims for is to use fairly high-powered yet accessible science not only to analyze what transpires in traditional cooking but also to adapt his unique brand of analysis to flavors, textures, colors, and more, therefore entering new realms of culinary epistemology. -- Albert Sonnenfeld, translator of Culture of the Fork: A Brief History of Everyday Food and Haute Cuisine in Europe For people with a (very) serious interest in food, this is satisfying stuff. The Australian Another tour de force by a favorite polymath that will be valuable to all who love to cook and dine on good cooking... Highly recommended. Choice This is one of those books that could be great for holiday reading by the curious as well as being an essential part of academic study. Yum.fiTable of ContentsInto the Mouth 1. Let Us Play with Our Senses 2. Health and Diet 3. What Are the Notes? 4. The Question of Hors d'oeuvres 5. Understanding, Perfecting 6. Without Forgetting All That Makes Life Beautiful 7. From Molecular Cuisine to Culinary Constructivism A Last Bite for the Road Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisDeath by Euphoria. Dysgenics. Population Death Spiral. Genetic Superhumans. Geomagnetic Reversal. Galactic Collision. Strangelets. Whether we like it or not, everything's going to come to a pretty unpleasant halt on our planet at some point in the future. What we don't know is what form our extinction is likely to take. In this accessible and entertaining book, acclaimed writer Alok Jha explains the head-spinning apocalyptic science behind 50 horrifying doomsday scenarios.Table of ContentsHUMAN THREATS: Mass extinction; Global pandemic; The Doomsday machine; Mutually assured destruction; Terrorism; Death by euphoria; Overpopulation; Population death spiral. TECH: Cyberwar; Biotech disaster; Nanotech disaster; Artificial superintelligence. ENVIRONMENT: Transhumanism; Death of the bees; Invasive species; Desert Earth; Global food crisis; Water wars; Resource depletion; Environmental collapse; Rising sea levels; The Gulf Stream shuts down; Snowball Earth; Chemical pollution; Ozone destruction; Asteroid impact; Mega tsunami; Supervolcano; Oxygen depletion; Geomagnetic reversal; Superstorms. SPACE: Sun storms; Polar shift; Lethal space dust; Runaway black hole; Gamma rays from space; Vacuum decay; Solar collision; Scientists create a black hole; Hostile extraterrestrials; Death of the sun; Galactic collision; The end of time; Strangelets. GENETICS: Genetic superhumans; Dysgenics; Organic cell disintegration. THE FUTURE: It's all a dream; Information extinction; Unknown unknowns. Index.

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Book SynopsisBefore the Higgs boson, there was a maddening search for another particle that holds the secrets of the universe – the neutrino. First detected in 1956, it teased the answers to science’s greatest mysteries. How did the Big Bang happen? What might ‘dark matter’ be made of? And could faster-than light travel be possible, overturning Einstein’s theory of special relativity? But the hunt for the neutrino and its meaning has also involved adventures, from Cold War defections and extra dimensions to mile-deep holes in the Antarctic ice and a troubled genius who disappeared without a trace. Renowned astrophysicist and award-winning science writer Ray Jayawardhana delivers a thrilling detective story of revolutionary science from the dawn of the quantum age to today’s most inventive labs.Trade Review'The book has received much praise, with its entertaining storytelling by Jayawardhana - an award-winning science writer and celebrated researcher - applauded widely.' * New Statesman *‘A great ghost story and a thumping good piece of science writing rolled into one.’ * Observer *‘Jayawardhana goes a step further than just tracking the scientific progress made in the neutrino search: he tells a story… paced perfectly, with some very in-depth topics covered in a compelling and easily understandable way… a well-written and gripping history.’ * BBC Sky at Night *‘Strong on the history… comprehensive.’ * The Economist *'The Neutrino Hunters is a fascinating, comprehensive look at the monumental efforts to detect the least understood particle known to physics. While the Higgs boson might be more famous, Ray Jayawardhana reveals that neutrinos are far more mysterious, and may hold the key to the next breakthroughs in the field.' -- Chad Orzel, author of How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog'Vividly, colourfully, and humorously captures the often offbeat characters who, over the past century, have pursued one of the most elusive – and significant – mysteries in the history of physics.' -- Richard Panek, author of The 4% Universe'Absorbing and accessibly told.' * The Bookseller *'Everything about neutrinos is fascinating. The various dramas associated with their discovery, our efforts to understand their very weird properties, and finally, what they have taught us about fundamental physics are remarkable. Ray Jayawardhana is the perfect person to convey these exciting stories.' -- Lawrence Krauss, author of The Physics of Star Trek and A Universe from Nothing'Move over Neil deGrasse Tyson and Brian Greene! Ray Jayawardhana is the new dean of popular science – a working scientist who can explain even the most complex matters in a clear and entertaining way. In Neutrino Hunters, he spins a thrilling tale that takes us from the deepest depths of the Earth to the farthest reaches of the universe. A wonderful read from start to finish.' -- Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Red Planet Blues and Fast Forward'Ray Jayawardhana’s thorough and lucid discussion of ghostly neutrinos whisks readers from subterranean labs and the thermonuclear hearts of stars into profound questions of the universe’s evolution, and why there is something rather than nothing. The Neutrino Hunters is an excellent overview of a vibrant and vital area of research.' -- Lee Billings, author of Five Billion Years of Solitude'We are lucky to have Dr Jayawardhana – a first-rate storyteller who also knows the physics inside and out – to guide us through the science and the personalities behind this remarkable story.' -- Dan Falk, author of In Search of Time'In this richly detailed and nuanced book, scientist and author Ray Jayawardhana captures the incredible story of one of nature’s most ghostly, yet vital ingredients. From the Earth’s core to exploding stars, vanishing scientists, and the very essence of matter in the universe, it’s a wild and immensely satisfying ride.' -- Caleb Scharf, author of Gravity’s Engines'Ray Jayawardhana tells a whopping good ghost story. Beautifully written, Neutrino Hunters paints a vivid portrait of this new astronomy for the 21st century and the fascinating scientists who put it into place.' -- Marcia Bartusiak, author of The Day We Found the Universe'The Neutrino Hunters is a riveting mix of science and biography, providing both entertainment and painlessly assimilated information. Ray Jayawardhana makes clear that the story is just beginning, as neutrino astronomy is starting to provide new insights into the nature of the Universe.' -- John Gribbin, author of In Search of Schrodinger's Cat

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A] riveting account. ... In places, Fossil Men seems more reality television show than a work of popular science, as we follow an outrageous cast. ... The story lines border on the insane: There are civil wars, gunfights, at least one grenade rolling around the feet of scientists as they drive into the desert. ... Pattison... is every bit as good as the best scientist-writers. He describes the intricacies of the human wrist and foot with the skill of a poet... [and] explains in clear and compelling prose how scientists build family trees of ancient species." — New York Times Book Review "Entertaining. ... Satisfying. ... Gripping. ... Big personalities, simmering turmoil, and fascinating popular science." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “At the core of Kermit Pattison’s rip-roaring tale is the prickly, obsessive, brilliant American paleonaut, Tim White, who braves revolutions, tribal warfare, and bitter scientific rivals to unearth ancient bones, without which there would be no pre-history, no civilization, no humanity.” — PETER NICHOLS, New York Times bestselling author of The Rocks and Evolution's Captain "Brilliant. ... A work of staggering depth. ... Pattison deftly weaves strands of science, sociology and political science into a compelling tale that stretches over decades. ... His prose is lively and accessible. ... An ambitious work that fully justifies the extraordinary effort that went into it, both by the fossil men and by the writer who chronicled their work." — Minneapolis Star Tribune “Fossil Men is a wonderful mix of history, science and politics, full of pathos and insight in equal measure. I found it difficult to put down, and I didn’t want it to end....This book should be required reading for all those who care about how science may help answer the question of who we are as humans. A monumental achievement!” — HASOK CHANG, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge "An exciting book, full of colorful personalities, momentous discoveries, and new ideas that challenge us to reconsider everything we believed about the evolution of humankind." — Booklist "Compelling science. ... Perfect for National Geographic readers who want to dig deep into the human evolutionary tree." — Library Journal "A riveting story of academic, political, and personal intrigue." — Christian Science Monitor (Best Books of November 2020 Roundup) "A dazzling journey into deep geological time. ... Pattinson combines his meticulously researched examination of the science of ancient humans with a visceral and penetrating tale of... intrigue, academic rivalry, pathological jealousy and intellectual inertia. He uses his first-hand experience of being on site in Ethiopia to detail the art, science, joys and challenges of fossil-hunting. ... Fascinating. ... Unexpected and revelatory." — The Spectator (London) "Equal parts biography and adventure novel, Pattison illustrates the colorful characters — flaws and all — whose research has shaped our origin story as we know it today." — Discover magazine “[A] lively debut. … Pattison ably combines the adventure yarn with scientific minutiae. … Those interested in human origins should check out this vivid and thorough study.” — Publishers Weekly "Blends science and drama to tell the story of a major paleoanthropology find. ... For anyone interested in fossil hunting, evolutionary science and a hominid skeleton like no other, this book delivers." — Science News “Pattison weaves the multiple intrigues of science, politics, and personalities into a masterly structured tale…. Leaves readers with a new sense of wonder at the origins of humankind.” — Christian Science Monitor "Fascinating. ... Exciting." — Twin Cities Pioneer Press "Any science-minded person... will truly enjoy Fossil Men." — Danville Commercial-News "Perceptive and revealing. ... Pattison has a commendable and enviable grasp of a wide range of difficult methods and concepts, and he does a fine job of presenting and explaining the many scientific developments that have enriched the way we interpret the hominin fossil record.” — Journal of Human Evolution

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Book SynopsisWilson, this engaging and fascinating work of popular science follows humanity’s unending quest to discover every living thing in our natural world—from the unimaginably small in the most inhospitable of places on earth to the unimaginably far away in the unexplored canals on Mars.Trade Review"If you have any interest in life beyond your own, you should read this book...Between the covers of EVERY LIVING THING you'll learn both about life's amazing diversity and that process of their discovery. Savor this fascinating volume and then help to preserve life's wonders." -- Paul R. Ehrlich, author of THE DOMINANT ANIMAL: HUMAN EVOLUTION AND THE ENVIRONMENT "His writing is concise and entertaining. So entertaining that I found myself laughing out loud and following my husband around saying, "Listen to this!" over and over again as I read." -- Internet Review of Books

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Book SynopsisAn eye-opening look at the new computer revolution and the coming transformation of our economy, society, and culture.

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Book SynopsisFamed geologist Walter Alvarez expands our view of human history, revealing the cosmic, geologic and evolutionary forces that have shaped us.

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Book SynopsisIan Stewart's up-to-the-minute guide to the cosmos moves from the formation of the Earth and its Moon to the planets and asteroids of the solar system and from there out into the galaxy and the universe. He describes the architecture of space and time, dark matter and dark energy, how galaxies form, why stars implode, how everything began, and how it will end. He considers parallel universes, what forms extra-terrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of Earth being hit by an asteroid. Mathematics, Professor Stewart shows, has been the driving force in astronomy and cosmology since the ancient Babylonians. He describes how Kepler's work on planetary orbits led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity, and how two centuries later irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein's theory of general relativity. In crystal-clear terms he explains the fundamentals of gravity, spacetime, relativity and quantum theory, and shows how they all relate to each other. Eighty years ago the discovery that the universe is expanding led to the Big Bang theory of its origins. This in turn led cosmologists to posit features such as dark matter and dark energy. But does dark matter exist? Could another scientific revolution be on the way to challenge current scientific orthodoxy? These are among the questions Ian Stewart raises in his quest through the realms of astronomy and cosmology.Trade ReviewA fascinating tour, seamlessly spliced and historically contexualised * Nature *Ian Stewart elegantly reviews the uncanny effectiveness of mathematics in explaining the universe... Mr. Stewart beautifully describes how Newton's laws can still produce surprising results. * Wall Street Journal *The book does an excellent job of both explaining and entertaining. The author makes you think about familiar subjects in a new way and is very good at filling in any gaps in your knowledge, while also pointing out those areas that need further research * Sky at Night Magazine *With captivating stories and his signature clarity, Ian Stewart shows us how math makes the world - and the rest of the universe - go round -- Steven Strogatz, Professor of Mathematics, Cornell University, and author of The Joy of XStewart is Britain's most brilliant and prolific populariser of maths. -- Alex BellosStewart is sure to please math lovers, history buffs, and science enthusiasts alike by covering an array of eras, innovators, and disciplines. * Publishers Weekly *Praise for previous books: 'This is not pure maths. It is maths contaminated with wit, wisdom, and wonder. Ian really is unsurpassed as raconteur of the world of numbers. He guides us on a mind-boggling journey from the ultra trivial to the profound. Thoroughly entertaining * New Scientist *Stewart has served up the instructive equivalent of a Michelin-starred tasting menu, or perhaps a smorgasbord of appetisers. And of course, appetisers are designed to give you an appetite for more * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisA masterpiece of science reporting that tracks the animal origins of emerging human diseases, Spillover is “fascinating and terrifying … a real-life thriller with an outcome that affects us all” (Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction).Trade Review"David Quammen [is] one of that rare breed of science journalists who blend exploration with a talent for synthesis and storytelling." -- Nathan Wolfe - Nature"An adventure-filled page-turner…told from the front lines of pandemic prevention." -- Lizzie Wade - Wired"As page turning as Richard Preston’s The Hot Zone…[Quammen is] one of the best science writers." -- Seattle Times"David Quammen might be my favorite living science writer: amiable, erudite, understated, incredibly funny, profoundly humane." -- Kathryn Schulz - New York Magazine"Quammen balances the technical terms with gorily gripping description and scenes from his own fearless journeys…But his real gift is his writing, with its nice balance of reverence and whimsy." -- Chloë Schama - Smithsonian"Quammen’s more teacher than Jeremiah. So he calms when he can; but he’s blunt when he must be." -- Jeffrey Burke - Bloomberg"The scariest book you’ll read this year." -- The Daily Beast"[An] ambitious and encyclopedic voyage…Mr. Quammen does a beautiful job of showing how so much of scientific knowledge is provisional, with great unknowns about infectious diseases." -- Richard Preston, author of The Hot Zone"David Quammen has done it again. Fascinating and terrifying, Spillover is a real-life thriller with an outcome that affects us all." -- Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction"This is a frightening and fascinating masterpiece of science reporting that reads like a detective story. David Quammen takes us on a quest to understand AIDS, Ebola, and other diseases that share a frightening commonality: they all jumped from wild animals to humans. By explaining this growing trend, Quammen not only provides a warning about the diseases we will face in the future, he also causes us to reflect on our place as humans in the earth’s ecosystem." -- Walter Isaacson, author of Leonardo Da Vinci

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Book SynopsisA captivating journey through nature, this book explains why life is like it is

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Book SynopsisA Copernican revolution for the life sciences.—Medical TribuneUnlock the mysteries of biology, anthropology, and ancient civilizations in this thought-provoking read where science and spirituality intersect. Through Jeremy Narby′s travels and research in the Amazon, he discovered that shamans were able to use hallucinogens to tap into knowledge and insights that rival our discoveries using modern scientific methods, particularly with regards to DNA and molecular biology. Drawing on visionary experiences, indigenous knowledge, and pharmacology, Narby challenges conventional understanding, unraveling the connections between consciousness, serpent symbolism, and the origins of life itself. This enlightening book blends science, anthropology, and mysticism into a captivating narrative that will expand your mind.

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Book SynopsisAnimal science is bizarre and wonderful. At the extreme end of zoology, psychologists are designing personality tests for dogs and logic problems for pigeons. They're giving fish spatial reasoning problems and asking cockatoos to keep a beat. Now, through dozens of interactive puzzles, IQ tests and quizzes, Are You Smarter Than a Chimpanzee? lets you test yourself against the best nature has to offer. So: are you more than a match for a marmoset? Or a bit of a birdbrain? Based on real, cutting-edge science and debunking common myths about animals, Are You Smarter Than a Chimpanzee? will make you question your assumptions about our place in the animal kingdom - and, finally, explain the real difference between dog-people and cat-people.Trade ReviewHighly recommended! Enormously fun, full of fascinating oddities and genuinely thought-provoking -- Alex Boese, author of Elephants on AcidDelightful ... Ambridge uses a great deal of British wit to further our understanding of who we are by fleshing out our connections to other inhabitants of the animal kingdom -- Tom Gilovich, author of The Wisest One In The RoomAmbridge has a trickster's charm of "How did he do that?" presentation and a stage magician's "Hey presto!" delight in revelation * The Times *Insightful and humorous ... one of the most interesting books we've read all year * How It Works *

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Book Synopsis* Confidence makes your brain work better and boosts your performance* Confidence acts like a mini-antidepressant, lifting your mood* Confidence is contagious* Confidence is anxiety's greatest antidote* Confidence is a set of habits that feel fake at first but become real with practice* Confidence makes boys bullsh*t more than girls* Overconfidence can have disastrous consequences_________'Brilliant ... it will change how you think about confidence.' Johann Hari'Important for everyone but crucial for women.' Mary Robinson'Interesting and important.' Steven Pinker__________Imagine we could discover something that could make us richer, healthier, longer-living, smarter, kinder, happier, more motivated and more innovative. Ridiculous, you might say... What is this elixir?Confidence.If you have it, it can empower you to reach heights you never thought possible. But if you don't, it can have a devastating effect on your future. Confidence lies at the core of what makes things happen.Exploring the science and neuroscience behind confidence that has emerged over the last decade, clinical psychologist and neuroscientist Professor Ian Robertson tells us how confidence plays out in our minds, our brains and indeed our bodies. He explains where it comes from and how it spreads - with extraordinary economic and political consequences. And why it's not necessarily something you are born with, but something that can be learned.__________'Rich stories and change-inspiring examples for every kind of performer.' Pippa Grange'Appealing... ranges from neuroscience to politics.' NatureTrade ReviewAn inviting explanation of an interesting and important new topic in psychological science. * Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of HOW THE MIND WORKS and RATIONALLY *A revelatory and practical new exploration of the science of confidence, which is important for everyone but crucial for women. * Mary Robinson *A brilliant and thought-provoking book - it will change how you think about confidence. * Johann Hari *Rich stories and change-inspiring examples for every kind of performer. * Pippa Grange *A fascinating read. * RTE Radio One *

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Book SynopsisOn July 1, 1959, at Ypsilanti State Hospital in Michigan, the social psychologist Milton Rokeach brought together three paranoid schizophrenics: Clyde Benson, an elderly farmer and alcoholic; Joseph Cassel, a failed writer who was institutionalized after increasingly violent behavior toward his family; and Leon Gabor, a college dropout and veteran of World War II. The men had one thing in common: each believed himself to be Jesus Christ. Their extraordinary meeting and the two years they spent in one another’s company serves as the basis for an investigation into the nature of human identity, belief, and delusion that is poignant, amusing, and at times disturbing. Displaying the sympathy and subtlety of a gifted novelist, Rokeach draws us into the lives of three troubled and profoundly different men who find themselves “confronted with the ultimate contradiction conceivable for human beings: more than one person claiming the same identity.”

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Book SynopsisWho is the ''Devil''? And what is he due? The Devil is anyone who disagrees with you. And what he is due is the right to speak his mind. He must have this for your own safety''s sake because his freedom is inextricably tied to your own. If he can be censored, why shouldn''t you be censored? If we put barriers up to silence ''unpleasant'' ideas, what''s to stop the silencing of any discussion? This book is a full-throated defense of free speech and open inquiry in politics, science, and culture by the New York Times bestselling author and skeptic Michael Shermer. The new collection of essays and articles takes the Devil by the horns by tackling five key themes: free thought and free speech, politics and society, scientific humanism, religion, and the ideas of controversial intellectuals. For our own sake, we must give the Devil his due.Trade Review'Michael Shermer is our most fearless explorer of alternative, crackpot, and dangerous ideas, and at the same time one of our most powerful voices for science, sanity, and humane values. In this engrossing collection, Shermer shows why these missions are consistent: it's the searchlight of reason that best exposes errors and evil.' Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress'This is a rather difficult book for me to blurb, given that an entire chapter is devoted to criticizing my claims about pragmatic truth vis-à-vis scientific truth. However, Dr. Michael Shermer is a very clear thinker, and the kind of skeptic that is always necessary to ensure that public thought, scientific and otherwise, maintains a certain clarity. He's a passionate advocate of free speech, for this and many other reasons - to the point of entitling his new book Giving the Devil His Due, which is devoted to many worthwhile topics, but to free speech above all. Despite our disagreements, this is a necessary book for our times. Read it. And thank God and the powers that be that you have the right to do so.' Jordan B. Peterson, University of Toronto, and author of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos'Michael Shermer is a fearless defender of free speech, open inquiry, and freedom of thought and conscience, including - and especially - for those with whom he disagrees. Giving the Devil His Due is one of the strongest bulwarks against the tyranny of censorship that I have read.' Nadine Strossen, New York University, former President of the ACLU, and author of Hate: Why We Should Resist it with Free Speech, Not Censorship'… a detailed roadmap for thinking well and clearly about interesting and challenging ideas. This vivid, erudite, broad, and deep collection of essays is marvelously written - so much so that, as you finish one essay, you cannot resist starting the next. And the range - from ancient civilizations to the colonization of Mars, from free speech on campus to gun control in cities - is as astonishing as it is engaging.' Nicholas A. Christakis, MD, Ph.D, author of Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society'As always, Michael Shermer is hard-hitting, thought-provoking, and brilliant. The fascinating essays in this wide-ranging book will make you think - and then rethink.' Amy Chua, Yale University, and author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations'Michael Shermer is the voice of reason, and this is a book of his best essays - the ones we most need to read to understand the madness of our time and to imagine a more reasonable future. The range of questions Shermer addresses and the breadth of his knowledge make this book a delight to read.' Jonathan Haidt, New York University, author of The Righteous Mind, and co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind'Giving the Devil His Due is a treasure trove for lovers of the humanities and society at large as viewed through the perspective of scholarly minds, treatises, and essays. It's marvelously ripened and full of wonderful tales… ' Robert Hunziker, Counterpunch'A powerful case is made here for why free speech is the best way to drive out bad ideas and fake news.' The Times'A collection of skilful elucidations of academic ideas.' Christopher Silvester, The Critic'Each essay is well crafted to provoke thoughtful reflection and amply referenced for those who wish to dig deeper into each topic … However, for any reader new to scepticism, Giving the Devil his Due would be an auspicious place to start.' Don Carpenetti, Chemistry WorldTable of ContentsIntroduction. Who is the Devil and what is he due?; Part I. The Advocatus Diaboli: Reflections on Free Thought and Free Speech: 1. Giving the Devil his due: why freedom of inquiry and speech in science and politics is inviolable; 2. Banning evil: in the shadow of the Christchurch massacre, myths about evil and hate speech are misleading; 3. Free speech even if it hurts: defending Holocaust denier David Irving; 4. Free to inquire: the evolution-creationism controversy as a test case in equal time and free speech; 5. Ben Stein's blunder: why intelligent design advocates are not free speech martyrs; 6. What went wrong? Campus unrest, viewpoint diversity, and freedom of speech; Part II. Homo Religiosus: Reflections on God and Religion: 7. E pluribus unum for all faiths and for none; 8. Atheism and liberty: raising consciousness for religious skepticism through political freedom; 9. The curious case of Scientology: is it a religion or a cult?; 10. Does the Universe have a purpose?; 11. Why is there something rather than nothing?; Part III. Deferred Dreams: Reflections on Politics and Society: 12. Another dream deferred: how identity politics, intersectionality theory, and tribal divisiveness are inverting Martin Luther King, Jr's dream; 13. Healing the bonds of affection: the case for classical liberalism; 14. Governing mars: lessons for the red planet from experiments in governing the blue planet; 15. The Sandy Hook effect: what we can and cannot do about gun violence; 16. On guns and tyranny; 17. Debating guns: what conservatives and liberals really differ on about guns (and everything else); 18. Another fatal conceit: the lesson from evolutionary economics is bottom-up self-organization, not top-down government design; Part IV. Scientia Humanitatis: Reflections on Scientific Humanism: 19. Scientific naturalism: a manifesto for Enlightenment humanism; 20. Mr Hume: tear. Down. This. Wall.; 21. Kardashev's types and Sparks' law: how to build civilization 1.0; 22. How lives turn out: genes, environment, and luck – what we can and cannot control; Part V. Transcendent Thinkers: Reflections on Controversial Intellectuals: 23. Transcendent man: an elegaic essay to Paul Kurtz – a skeptic's skeptic; 24. The real hitch: did Christopher Hitchens really keep two sets of books about his beliefs?; 25. The skeptic's chaplain: Richard Dawkins as a fountainhead of skepticism; 26. Have archetype – will travel: the Jordan Peterson phenomenon; 27. Romancing the past: Graham Hancock and the quest for a lost civilization.

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Book Synopsis'Wonderful' Philosophy Now__________________________When a computer goes wrong, we are told to turn it off and on again. In Am I Dreaming?, science journalist James Kingsland reveals how the human brain is remarkably similar. By rebooting our hard-wired patterns of thinking - through so-called 'altered states of consciousness' - we can gain new perspectives on ourselves and the world around us.From shamans in Peru to tech workers in Silicon Valley, Kingsland takes us on a dazzling tour of lucid dreams, mindfulness, hypnotic trances, virtual reality and drug-induced hallucinations. A startling exploration of perception and consciousness, this is also a provocative argument for using altered states to boost our mental health.'Read this book and take part in one of the greatest intellectual adventures of all time.'Professor J. Allan HobsonTrade ReviewKingsland does a wonderful job of succinctly conveying complex theories. * Philosophy Now *James Kingsland leads us through the wonderful world of modern consciousness science. This book is many splendored - read it so you can take part in one of the greatest intellectual adventures of all time. * Professor J. Allan Hobson, MD, Professor of Psychiatry, Emeritus, Harvard Medical School *A fascinating, eye-opening insight into how an alteration of consciousness can reboot our brains and improve our mental health and wellbeing. I highly recommend it. * Amanda Feilding, director of the Beckley Foundation *Compelling and authoritative... Read this book. * Dr Ben Sessa, Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College and Consultant Psychiatrist *Rigorously researched, elegantly crafted, and personally inspired, this is a wonderful contribution to the burgeoning field of neurophenomenology, where science meets spirit. Every page delivers an insight. * Andrew Holecek, Author of The Power and the Pain *Kingsland's book is a cursory but fascinating exploration of the neuroscience behind meditation, and he offers a wonderful starting point for further research and practice. * Publishers Weekly on Siddhartha's Brain *A pleasure to read... This is a smart, accessible balance of philosophical teachings and brain science and how meditation can relate to everything from addiction to Alzheimer's disease. * Washington Times on Siddharta's Brain *Fascinating... Whether you're a sceptic or a true believer, exploring Siddhartha's brain offers compelling insights and invites further questions about the potential of the human mind. * Chicago Tribune on Siddharta's Brain *Brain science and Buddhist lore combine in this compelling treatise on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness * Kirkus Reviews on Siddharta's Brain *Reveals not only how mindfulness meditation can rewire the human brain and help us achieve a sense of spiritual fulfilment but also how we can easily integrate the practice into our daily lives. * Scientific American on Siddharta's Brain *Table of Contents1: Magical Thinking 2: Dream On 3: Holidays from Reality 4: Puppets on a String 5: Wonder Child 6: Mother Ayahuasca 7: Death of the Ego 8: The Wonderful Lightness of Being 9: The Void Between Dreams

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIf science and medicine were a theme park, Luke O'Neill is the best company on the wildest rides . . . serious and fun . . . expansive and detailed . . . a disruptive professor in his own class -- BonoLuke's brilliant wit and infectious passion makes for a fascinating and hugely entertaining read...a timely reminder of just why science and the scientists who have shaped our lives matter -- Liz BonninA lively, gossipy, story-filled delight, filled with fascinating factoids * Sunday Independent *Even the scientifically illiterate, like myself, could get it and have a whole new understanding of all kinds of things * Brendan O’Connor *

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Book SynopsisWhat games can teach us about life, the universe and ourselves. If you shuffle a deck of cards what are the odds that the sequence is unique? What is the connection between dice, platonic solids and Newton's theory of gravity? What is more random: a dice tower or a number generator? Can you actually employ a strategy for a game as basic as Rock-Paper-Scissors? These are all questions that are thrown up in games and life. Games involve chance, choice, competition, innovation, randomness, memory, stand-offs and paradoxes - aspects that designers manipulate to make a game interesting, fun and addictive, and players try to master for enjoyment and winning. But they also provide a fascinating way for us to explore our world; to understand how our minds tick, our numbers add up, and our laws of physics work. This is a book that tackles the big questions of life through the little questions of games. With short chapters on everything from memory games to the Prisoner's Dilemma, to Go

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2019 ANDRÉ SIMON FOOD & DRINK BOOK AWARDS''Like a new Bill Bryson, she offers an easy sharing of deep knowledge, with humour, where one learns things in a gentle way without it feeling like learning.'' Dan Jago, judge of the André Simon Food & Drink Book Awards''Hot or cold, caffeinated, alcoholic, sweet or not, this book provides a fascinating cultural history of our favourite drinks, and explores the science (or not) underpinning their many health claims. A wonderful read!''Dr Giles Yeo, author of Gene Eating''A truly engaging read. By dispelling common health misconceptions and debunking bad science, Drinkology arms us with information to make better choices about what we drink, not just what we eat.''Ian Marber''Very engaging and entertaining . . . a clear guide to everything we need to know about drinks, from water to milk, tea, alcohol and beyond. Dr Willett dispels common myths and fads andTrade ReviewLike a new Bill Bryson, she offers an easy sharing of deep knowledge, with humour, where one learns things in a gentle way without it feeling like learning.Very engaging and entertaining . . . a clear guide to everything we need to know about drinks, from water to milk, tea, alcohol and beyond. Dr Willett dispels common myths and fads and sets the record straight . . .allowing us to make fully informed choices. A fascinating deep dive into the science behind everything we drink. -- Elisabeth Cresta and Caroline Day, Founders of Fight the FadsA truly engaging read. By dispelling common health misconceptions and debunking bad science, Drinkology arms us with information to make better choices about what we drink, not just what we eat. -- Ian MarberHot or cold, caffeinated, alcoholic, sweet or not, this book provides a fascinating cultural history of our favourite drinks, and explores the science (or not) underpinning their many health claims. A wonderful read! -- Dr Giles Yeo, author of Gene Eating

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Book SynopsisIn this enchanting work of scientific exploration, acclaimed science author Frank Ryan explains how metamorphosis - the intricate trick of nature by which caterpillars transform into butterflies - reveals secrets that are shaking the scientific world. Ryan brings to life the work of pioneering naturalists who have traced metamorphosis in myriad species, from amphibians to marine creatures, even human puberty, to rewrite some of our longest-held beliefs about evolution. Lyrical and provocative, The Mystery of Metamorphosis offers a new understanding of some of the most ancient miracles of the nature.Trade Review"A well-researched piece of popular science... Ryan successfully shows that a deeper knowledge of metamorphosis could have far-reaching consequences." * The Big Issue *“A brilliant book…a superb story, some excellent scientific insights, and a fascinating theory. Recommended.” Brian Clegg * PopularScience.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisEveryone who's had to get to grips with chance knows how tricky even its simplest manifestations can be. Its workings are a constant challenge to common sense: a run of luck goes bad just when you trust it; expert predictions of everything from the weather to elections prove hopelessly unreliable; proven health advice turns out to be anything but. Award-winning scientist and writer Robert Matthews shows us how we can cut through the conundrums of chance. He gives us access to some of the most potent intellectual tools ever developed, and explains how we can use them to guide our judgements and decisions. By the end of the book you'll know: -The secret to predicting coincidences; -The golden rule of professional gamblers; -How to tell when insurance is a waste of money; -When to heed health and diet warnings - and when to ignore them; -How to tell when forecasts are worth taking seriously; -How to make better choices in the face of uncertainty. Using a host of real-life examples, this groundbreaking book shows how the laws of probability can sharpen your decisions, make the most of your luck - and quite possibly transform your life.Trade ReviewIt takes an extraordinary writer to animate this driest of subjects for a general audience. That writer is Matthews ... At a time when mathematics needs charismatic ambassadors more than ever, Matthews has written a book of great significance. -- Oliver Moody * Times *Beguiling ... Matthews has the knack of explaining things clearly for the nonspecialist, leavening the formulae with intriguing snippets of history and biography ... his enthusiasm contributes to a lively and fascinating narrative. -- Ian Critchley * Sunday Times *Praise for Why Don't Spiders Stick to Their Webs: "Matthews gives us his wisdom like a beneficent and well-read uncle, entertaining his guests at the dinner table." -- Brian Clegg * Popular Science Books *Praise for 25 Big Ideas: "Robert Matthews has a gift for finding the simple, fascinating stories at the heart of concepts transforming the modern world" -- John Rennie, former Editor * Scientific American *

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Book SynopsisTaking readers into the remarkable world of cosmology, Hooper describes many of the extraordinary and perplexing questions that scientists are asking about the origin and nature of the world.Trade Review"Beginning with Carl Sagan’s Cosmos in 1980, Big Bang books have become a genre that curious readers should check out every few years to keep up with breakthroughs (gravity waves being the latest). They can’t go wrong with Hooper’s. A lucid account that is neither dumbed down nor overly difficult." * Kirkus, starred review *"I found myself getting wonderfully lost in this book, and swapping my usual pre-bedtime read for this. This is not something that has ever happened to me before with a popular science book!. . . I love that the book does not shy away from controversial or tough concepts. . . . This is essential reading for any cosmology enthusiast."---Dr. Laura Nuttall, BBC Sky at Night"[At the Edge of Time]’s enthusiasm for its subject is contagious. From Einstein’s theories and Edwin Hubble’s discoveries to the Large Hadron Collider, the text presents scientific advancement as an exciting odyssey—if one that is, for the time being, often characterized by questions, to be answered at a future date to the satisfaction of all."---Rebecca Foster, Foreword Reviews"[An] informed introduction to 'the mysteries of our universe’s first seconds'."---Andrew Robinson, Nature"Hooper takes the reader on a tour of our collective ignorance about the early universe. . . . Science is a messy endeavor, with dead ends and false alarms and backtracking; that can still be an interesting story, and this book succeeds in explaining both what we do know about the universe’s origins and what remains unknown."---Jeff Foust, The Space Review"Scientists know precious little about what happened when the universe got its start: many cosmologists think space and time underwent an extremely rapid expansion called inflation, yet this theory raises as many questions as it answers. . . . Hooper takes readers on a mind-bending expedition through these questions and shows how they all connect to the beginning."---Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American"If you're mystified and curious about the mysteries of the Universe, including dark matter, dark energy, and cosmic inflation, and want a unique take on all of these puzzles with a peek behind how science-in-action works, you won't want to miss this book."---Ethan Siegel, Forbes"Hooper's writing style has an almost palpable sense of excitement, which creates an incredibly engaging read as we travel back in time."---Matthew Hodgson, Astronomy Now"This is definitely a book that will leave you musing on what might be the next big cosmological discovery."---Deb Farkas, California Classroom Science"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. . . . [At the Edge of Time is] a brief but comprehensive account of the general development of current cosmological knowledge, written by an enthusiastic expert in the field and easy for the layman to follow."---Colin Cooke, The Observatory

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"I greatly enjoyed Richeson's Tales of Impossibility. It deserves to become a classic and can be highly recommended."---Robin Wilson, Times Higher Education"Even if you never read a single proof through to its conclusion, you’ll enjoy the many entertaining side trips into a geometry far beyond what you learned in high school."---Jim Stein, New Books in Mathematics"The whole book, both informative and amusing, is a highly recommended read."---Adhemar Bulteel, European Mathematical Society"This book was a pleasure to read and I would recommend it for anybody who wants a lovely overview of many areas of the history of mathematics, with a focus on some very easy to understand problems."---Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica"Richeson clearly explains what it means to be impossible to solve a problem, cites other impossibility results, goes into detail about geometric constructions with various instruments, and discusses the defective proofs and the cranks that have turned up along the way." * Mathematics Magazine *"This fascinating text will appeal to all those interested in the history of mathematics, not leasy because of its helpful notes on each chapter and its two dozen pages of references for further reading"---Laurence E. Nicholas CMath FIMA, Mathematics Today"A fact-filled, insightful, panoramic view of how mathematics developed to what it is today transformed by folks thinking both inside and outside of G so as to resolve the impossible."---Andrew J. Simoson, Mathematical Intelligencer

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of one of the four forces in the universe: GravityTrade Review'Clegg's skills never flag, and his account remains lucid and free of jargon, bad jokes, and math phobia' Kirkus Reviews'With this book in hand, we have all we need to set off on our next flight with our eyes open to the sheer wonder of what is involved' Alain de Botton, Inflight Science

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Book SynopsisSteve Jones's highly acclaimed, double prize-winning, bestselling first book is now fully revised to cover all the new genetic breakthroughs from GM food to Dolly the sheep.'An essential sightseer's guide to our own genetic terrain.' Peter Tallack, Sunday Telegraph'Superb and stimulatingan exhilarating trip around the double spiral of DNA, a rush of gravity-defying concepts and wild swerves of the scientific imagination.' J.G. Ballard, Daily Telegraph'Not so much divination as demystification An attempt to bring genetics and evolution more into the public domain. If, for instance, you ever wondered just what genetic engineering is about, here is as good a place as any to discover. Few have Jones's ability to communicate a difficult idea with such humour, clarity, precision and ease.' Laurence Hurst, Times Higher ; Sensitive to the social issues raised by genetics yet Jones's interest reaches beyond contemporary social issues to the human past, to what genetics can and cannot tell us ab

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Book SynopsisFeatures numbers that define the essence of the Universe. They tell us how strong its forces are, and what its fundamental laws can do: the strength of gravity, of magnetism, the speed of light and the masses of the smallest particles of matter. They express our greatest knowledge and our greatest ignorance about the cosmos.Trade ReviewHis appeal lies in a winning way with historical anecdote and apt quotation and a forceful eloquence * Sunday Telegraph *A distinguished cosmologist * Sunday Times *Barrow is a fantastic storyteller. The book is full of wonderful moments, vignettes that you will want to remember * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisHave you ever had a premonition, the feeling of being watched, or a telepathic experience? Renowned biologist Rupert Sheldrake explores the intricacies of the mind and discovers that our perceptive abilities are stronger than many of us could have imagined.Trade ReviewYou will certainly never take the miracle of the senses for granted again -- Dr James Le Fanu * The Tablet *Sheldrake uses many case studies, along with scientific theory, to support his research, and the result is, quite literally, mind-expanding * The Good Book Guide *Dr Rupert Sheldrake continues to chart a new course in our understanding ...The application of this understanding has the potential to heal our world -- Deepak Chopra, M.D.[Sheldrake's] genius lies in his taking well-attested anecdotal phenomena like telepathy, the sense of being stared at and anticipating alarm calls, then puts them to the scientific test. In doing so his work not only extends - indeed stretches - the mind, it extends science in a new and creative direction. * David Lorimer, Scientific and Medical Network Review *

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Book SynopsisNot Even Wrong is a fascinating exploration of our attempts to come to grips with perhaps the most intellectually demanding puzzle of all: how does the universe work at its most fundamnetal level?The book begins with an historical survey of the experimental and theoretical developments that led to the creation of the phenomenally successful ''Standard Model'' of particle physics around 1975. Despite its successes, the Standard Model does not answer all the key questions and physicists continuing search for answers led to the development of superstring theory. However, after twenty years, superstring theory has failed to advance beyond the Standard Model. The absence of experimental evidence is at the core of this controversial situation which means that it is impossible to prove that superstring theory is either right or wrong. To date, only the arguments of the theory''s advocates have received much publicity. Not Even Wrong provides readers with anothTrade ReviewHighly readable, accessible and powerfully persuasive -- John Cornwell * Sunday Times *Will embolden other string critics to speak up and encourage talented young physicists to pursue other lines of research -- John Horgan * Prospect *Compulsive reading -- Roger PenroseIt's a call to arms * New Scientist *

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Book SynopsisWhy do we measure time in the way that we do? Why is a week seven days long? At what point did minutes and seconds come into being? Why are some calendars lunar and some solar?The organisation of time into hours, days, months and years seems immutable and universal, but is actually far more artificial than most people realise. The French Revolution resulted in a restructuring of the French calendar, and the Soviet Union experimented with five and then six-day weeks. Leofranc Holford-Strevens explores these questions using a range of fascinating examples from Ancient Rome and Julius Caesar''s imposition of the Leap Year, to the 1920s'' project for a fixed Easter.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Principles of time measurement ; 2. Prehistory and history of the modern calendar ; 3. Weeks and seasons ; 4. Easter ; 5. Other calendars ; 6. Marking the year ; 7. Dividing the day ; Further Reading

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Book SynopsisFossils have been vital to our understanding of the formation of the earth and the origins of all life on it. However, their impact has not been limited to debates about geology and evolution: attempts to explain their existence has shaken religion at its very roots, and they have remained a subject of ceaseless fascination for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this delightful book, Keith Thomson provides a remarkably all-encompassing explanation of fossils as a phenomenon. How did Darwin use fossils to support his theory of evolution? What are ''living fossils''? What fossils will we leave behind for future generations to examine? Building on the scientific aspects, he places fossils in a very human context, highlighting their impact on philosophy and mythology, our concept of time, and today''s popular culture. What quickly becomes obvious is that the discovery of fossils and the ways in which they have been interpreted over time makes for fascinating reading. From the black market to the Piltdown Man, and from mythological dragons to living dinosaurs, fossils hold a permanent place in the popular imagination.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. A cultural phenomenon ; 3. In the popular imagination ; 4. Some things we know, some things we don't ; 5. Against the odds ; 6. Bringing fossils to life ; 7. Evolving ; 8. Of molecules and man ; 9. Fakes and fortunes ; 10. Back to the future ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisChaos exists in systems all around us. Even the simplest system of cause and effect can be subject to chaos, denying us accurate predictions of its behaviour, and sometimes giving rise to astonishing structures of large-scale order. Our growing understanding of Chaos Theory is having fascinating applications in the real world - from technology to global warming, politics, human behaviour, and even gambling on the stock market.Leonard Smith shows that we all have an intuitive understanding of chaotic systems. He uses accessible maths and physics (replacing complex equations with simple examples like pendulums, railway lines, and tossing coins) to explain the theory, and points to numerous examples in philosophy and literature (Edgar Allen Poe, Chang-Tzu, Arthur Conan Doyle) that illuminate the problems. The beauty of fractal patterns and their relation to chaos, as well as the history of chaos, and its uses in the real world and implications for the philosophy of science are all discussed in this Very Short Introduction.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewLeonard Smith's Chaos (part of the Oxford Very Short Introduction series) will give you the clearest (but not too painful idea) of the maths involved... There's a lot packed into this little book, and for such a technical exploration it's surprisingly readble and enjoyable - I really wanted to keep turning the pages. Smith also has some excellent words of wisdom about common misunderstandings of chaos theory... One of the best books so far in this useful and informative series. * popularscience.co.uk *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. The Emergence of Chaos ; 2. Exponential Growth, Nonlinearity, Common Sense ; 3. Chaos in Context: Determinism Randomness and Noise ; 4. Chaos in Mathematical Models ; 5. Fractals, Strange Attractors, and Dimension(s) ; 6. Quantifying the Dynamics of Uncertainty ; 7. Real numbers, Real Observations and Computers ; 8. Sorry, Wrong Number: Statistics and Chaos ; 9. Predictability: Does Chaos Constrain Our Forecasts? ; 10. Applied Chaos: Can We See Through Our Models? ; 11. Philosophy in Chaos ; Glossary ; Further Reading

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Book SynopsisThis book draws on both scientific insights and spiritual wisdom to help the reader focus on what is of value in helping them decide what makes for a good life. In using evidence from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology, and other disciplines, it helps readers think through choices about what the good life consists of.Trade ReviewThis book offers a very broad panorama about many areas and fields, and an updating for those persons less informed about developments in a vast range of subjects and areas that know a growing production and new insights in the last few years. * Luis Oviedo, Reviews in Science, Religion and Theology *This is an important and necessary book, and one that not only inspires but informs about that central topic * Reviews in Science, Religion and Theology, March 2022 *This is a book for a general reader who already suspects that the 'scientism' (the belief that science alone can establish truth) of the so -- called new atheists is flawed. … The authors identify three crucial, interrelated dimensions of flourishing: the material, the relational and the transcendent. … Their inclusive approach to a wide variety of academic disciplines, tempered in the end by a strong appeal to transcendence, has much to be recommended. * Robin Gill, Theology *This is a book for a general reader who already suspects that the 'scientism' (the belief that science alone can establish truth) of the so-called new atheists is flawed... [The authors] inclusive approach to a wide variety of academic disciplines, tempered in the end by a strong appeal to transcendence, has much to be recommended. * SAGE Perspectives Theology, January 2022 *The struggle for human beings to integrate a thoughtful understanding of the world as described by science and an ambitious hope of human flourishing as described by philosophy or faith is one at which humans have largely failed over the last three hundred years. This book is a major step in the right direction. It is very serious about science and very serious about human beings and their hopes and fears. I warmly commend it for a careful and thoughtful provocation towards a deeper commitment to the flourishing of human beings and of the creation. * Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury *The theme of this highly readable and enlightening book is broad and ambitious. It's the product of the authors' deep engagement with science, ethics and religion, and analyses the requisites for a fulfilled life, highlighting those that too often elude politicians and economists. The text is enlivened with historical allusions and quotations. It offers a wise perspective that's much needed as individuals and societies contend with the anxieties of the present era. * Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, former President of the Royal Society *In this magisterial book, Andrew Briggs and Michael Reiss address one of the most fundamental issues confronting humanity—human flourishing. Drawing on science and religion, they examine it from the perspective of the material, relational and spiritual. What emerges are profound insights into meaning, purpose, truth, and the reason for being. This book should be read by anyone interested in what it is to be human. * Colin Mayer, Peter Moores Professor of Management Studies, University of Oxford *What enables the good life? Material goods? Supportive relationships? Transcendent purpose? In this state-of-the-art synopsis, scientist Andrew Briggs and bioethicist Michael Reiss weave these and other threads into the fabric of human thriving. With a breath-taking sweep of scholarship that draws insights from multiple disciplines, they illuminate a path toward meaningful well-being and sustainable joy. * David Myers, Professor of Psychology, Hope College, author of The Pursuit of Happiness *A sophisticated and much-needed and insightful integration of science and humanity. As an economist I am embarrassed by my profession's stunted characterisation of humanity as 'Homo economicus', which shrivels us to hedonistic consumers. In reality, as Professors Briggs and Reiss demonstrate, we thrive from morally-guided agency that transcends ourselves and our time on Earth. In this time of uncertainty and pessimism, it is a hopeful guide to meaningful lives. * Sir Paul Collier, Blavatnik School of Government, author of The Future of Capitalism *In a world where human flourishing seems somewhat more elusive and abstract than ever, Professors Briggs and Reiss capture the many dimensions of human flourishing in the 21st century. In doing so, they give us reason to hope and to work toward a world where all people flourish. This is a delightful and uplifting treatise on what it means to be human. * Heather Templeton Dill, President, John Templeton Foundation *In Human Flourishing: Scientific insight and spiritual wisdom in uncertain times, acclaimed scholars Andrew Briggs and Michael Reiss provide insight for navigating a world of uncertainty and complexity to find more meaning, purpose, and happiness all around us. Using a combination of science and ancient wisdom, they demonstrate why love is essential for human flourishing. * Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and The New York Times bestselling author *For those of my generation, who grew up with post-war austerity, the twenty-first century promised an era of unparalleled human flourishing. But it was a mirage. Material wealth has led to problems of disparity, over-consumption and climate catastrophe. Social media has produced alienation and a retreat from shared values. Democracy and common decency look increasingly fragile. We have entered a strange new era in which extraordinary promise is coupled with a burgeoning sense of insecurity and uncertainty. Science, the powerful facilitator of progress, also threatens our undoing. In this lucid and comprehensive analysis, Andrew Briggs and Michael Reiss carefully examine the rich tapestry of religious, cultural and scientific factors that define our current predicament, and offer a message of hope, a way ahead founded on that familiar, yet too-often elusive, human quality - love. * Paul Davies, Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science, Arizona State University *This book by Briggs and Reiss covers questions that are of critical importance to everyone everywhere: How do we understand human life? What is human flourishing? How do we flourish? The book's rich insights and comprehensive scope will be of benefit to all readers. It provides a roadmap to flourishing in this life, and beyond. * Tyler J. VanderWeele, Loeb Professor of Epidemiology and Director of the Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University *In the midst of a great pandemic, unprecedented poverty, and natural disasters alongside never-before-seen development of new technologies and great wealth, nothing could be more important than wrestling with what it really means for humans to flourish. Here, Briggs and Reiss provide a comprehensive, synthetic and highly readable book that addresses this topic head on. It is the kind of book that should be read and re-read. * Elaine Howard Ecklund, Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, Rice University *As I read this book, Modest Mussorgsky's wonderful Pictures at an Exhibition started playing in my mind. The same sense of multiple perspective, overt spaciousness with periodic attention to intense detail, yet a persistent crescendo in continuity of purpose emerges in this elegant and comprehensive tour of a rich and pan-disciplinary subject. Briggs and Reiss have given a compelling introduction to human flourishing, and show us why, though discussed since the ancient world, it has become ever more pressing in our own times. * Tom McLeish, Professor of Natural Philosophy, University of York *... especially comprehensive in its coverage. Individually, we can all contribute to the good common life, and this book provides a deeply reflective consideration of what this means in increasingly uncertain times. * David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer, 2022/2 *Individually, we can all contribute to the good common life, and this book provides a deeply reflective consideration of what this means in increasingly uncertain times. * David Lorimer, The Summer *Table of Contents1. Dimensions and Pillars of Human Flourishing Part I. Dimensions of Human Flourishing 2. The Material Dimension 3. The Relational Dimension 4. The Transcendent Dimension Part II. Pillars of Human Flourishing 5. Truth 6. Purpose 7. Meaning Part III. Changing Contexts of Human Flourishing 8. Limits to Predictability 9. Religion and Human Flourishing 10. Human Flourishing in an Age of Technology ConclusionDLActionable love 11. Human Flourishing Fuelled by Love Picture Credits and Sources Index

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Book SynopsisSelected and introduced by Richard Dawkins, The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing is a celebration of the finest writing by scientists for a wider audience - revealing that many of the best scientists have displayed as much imagination and skill with the pen as they have in the laboratory. This is a rich and vibrant collection that captures the poetry and excitement of communicating scientific understanding and scientific effort from 1900 to the present day. Professor Dawkins has included writing from a diverse range of scientists, some of whom need no introduction, and some of whose works have become modern classics, while others may be less familiar - but all convey the passion of great scientists writing about their science.Trade ReviewA compendium of some of the most illuminating thinking of the past 100 years. * Eureka, The Times *A feast for many long evenings. * Katie Owen, The Sunday Telegraph *Engaging selection. * Christopher Hirst, The Independent *Richard Dawkins has done a wonderful job. * Nicholas Lezard, Saturday Guardian *Stunning anthology. * The Times *Table of ContentsPART I: WHAT SCIENTISTS STUDY; PART II: WHO SCIENTISTS ARE; PART III: WHAT SCIENTISTS THINK; PART IV: WHAT SCIENTISTS DELIGHT IN

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Book SynopsisScience: A Four Thousand Year History rewrites science''s past. Instead of focussing on difficult experiments and abstract theories, Patricia Fara shows how science has always belonged to the practical world of war, politics, and business. Rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people - men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals in their quest for success. Fara sweeps through the centuries, from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi-tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, illuminating the financial interests, imperial ambitions, and publishing enterprises that have made science the powerful global phenomenon that it is today. She also ranges internationally, illustrating the importance of scientific projects based around the world, from China to the Islamic empire, as well as the more familiar tale of science in Europe, from Copernicus to Charles Darwin and beyond. Above all, this four thousand year history challenges scientific supremacy, arguing controversially that science is successful not because it is always right - but because people have said that it is right.Trade Reviewa surprise and a subversive pleasure * Tim Radford, Guardian: Science Bookclub *Review from previous edition Fara's book could not be more wide-ranging, beginning [with] the quest to take the story of science as far back as she story of science as far back as she possibly can, and ending bang up to date. The content is ambitious. jusiciously and fairly handled...The narrative moves forward in an engaging way, while the enthusiasm and opinions of the author are never far from the surface. It is a book to provoke thought and argument. An impressive achievement. * Jim Bennett, BBC History Magazine *Epic history of science * Jo Marchant, New Scientist *Wide-ranging and provocative...Romps through history at a terrific rate. * The Economist *An impressive and commendable effort to square the circle, to tell science's history, from the beginning. * Martin D. Gordin, Science *An engaging book...Fara is to be commended for stepping back - way back - to assess the history of science in its entirety * Robert J Malone, excutive director of the History of Science Society *Table of ContentsPART I: ORIGINS; PART II: INTERACTIONS; PART III: EXPERIMENTS; PART IV: INSTITUTIONS; PART V: LAWS; PART VI: INVISIBLES; PART VII

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Book SynopsisAn accessible and practical account of the design and function of the main electronic elements in radios, showing how transistor radios work and providing an insight into circuit design.Table of ContentsIntroduction 7 1 Aerial Cir­cuits 13 2 Aerials and Aerial Coupling 25 3 Semi-­Conductor Diodes and their Characteristics 32 4 The Diode Detector 39 5 Transistors 48 6 Understanding Transistor Characteristics 57 7 Audio Amplifiers 75 8 Regenerative Receivers 87 9 The Superhet 93 10 Interstage Connections (Coupling) 103 11 Field Effect Transistors 111 12 Miscellaneous Cir­cuits 118 13 Checking Radio Cir­cuits 125 Index 127

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