Popular science Books

Book SynopsisThere are more than 100 billion brain cells in our heads, and every single one represents a fragment of thought and feeling. Each cell possesses a mysterious beauty, with branching, intricate patterns like shattered glass. Richard Wingate has been scrutinising them for decades, yet he is still gripped by the myriad of forms when he looks down the microscope. With absorbing lyricism and clarity, Wingate shows how each type of cell possesses its own personality and history, illustrating a milestone of scientific discovery and illuminating the stories of pioneering scientists like Santiago Ramon y Cajal and Francis Crick, and capturing their own fascinating shapes and patterns. Discover the ethereal world of the brain with this elegant little book - and find out how we all think and feel.Trade ReviewA lyrical love letter to the art and science of neuroanatomy. In elegant, evocative prose, Wingate tells the very human tales of the early explorers of the nervous system, highlighting the joy of discovery and the insights that can be had if you just really look. -- Kevin J. Mitchell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience, Trinity College DublinFew books [...] convey so succinctly the combination of care, determination, obsessiveness and imagination that scientists in a field such as neuroscience require to make an advance in knowledge ... A short and exhilarating book * The Oldie *This book is a wonderful description of the cells that make up the brain and how the remarkable organ works ... The author conveys his passion for neuroscience in this volume, which will leave the reader enthralled and wanting more. -- Dr Arpan K Banerjee * Hektoen International *Beautiful, mysterious, and intricate * The Idler *

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Book Synopsis*SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 BARBELLION PRIZE* *A BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week* As seen on Sky Arts Book Club with Elizabeth Day and Andi Oliver An eye-opening account of disability, identity, and how robotics and technology are changing what it means to be human - from the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Soldier Harry Parker's life changed overnight, when he lost his legs to an IED in Afghanistan. That took him into an often surprising landscape of a very human kind of hacking, and he wondered, are all humans becoming hybrids? Parker introduces us to the exhilarating breadth of human invention - and intervention. Grappling with his own new identity and disability, he discovers the latest robotics, tech and implants that might lead us to powerful, liberating possibilities for what a body can be. 'I loved Hybrid Humans. A way of looking at the future without nostalgia for the past' - Jeanette WintersonTrade ReviewFascinating ... Parker's writing is elegant and often lyrical ... As someone who has lived as a "hybrid" for more than a decade, Parker never forgets the realities of everyday life, which encompass both pain and beauty. This may be a tour of the scientific avant garde, but the focus is always on the human heart and mind -- Book of the Day * Observer *Harry Parker has explored the cutting edge of interaction between humanity, computing and AI ... a captivating and cautionary travel guide to a new world -- Gavin Francis, author of Adventures in Human BeingI loved Hybrid Humans. It is modest, wise ... and a way of looking at the future without nostalgia for the past -- Jeanette WintersonA terrific writer -- Elizabeth DayHybrid Hymans is an argument for the work of salvage ... The cracks - the brokenness intimating precarity and mortality - create value and even beauty, as well as ways to connect with others * Times Literary Supplement *Absorbing ... Parker takes us on a tour of the weird and wonderful world where man and machine meet * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis"A NATURAL STORYTELLER" Mary Roach "BRILLIANT AND BEGUILING" Matthew Gavin Frank "CAPTIVATING ... WILL ALTER THE WAY YOU SEE AND MOVE THROUGH THE WORLD" M. R. O'Connor "AS ENTERTAINING AS IT IS ENLIGHTENING" Geographical Magazine, Book of the Month Within our heads, we carry around an infinite and endlessly unfolding map of the world. Navigation is one of the most ancient neural abilities we have - older even than language - and in Dark and Magical Places, Christopher Kemp embarks on a journey to discover the remarkable extent of what our minds can do. From the secrets of supernavigators to the strange, dreamlike environments inhabited by people with 'place blindness', he will explore the myriad ways in which we find our way. Kemp explains the cutting-edge neuroscience that is transforming our understanding of it - and tries to answer why, for a species with a highly-sophisticated internal navigation system that evolved over millions of years, do humans get lost such a lot? "I WAS THRILLED TO DISCOVER THIS BOOK" Robert MoorTrade ReviewChris Kemp may not be able to find his way out of a stairwell, but he has quickly and with no false turns made his way to the top of my list of favorite science writers ... A natural storyteller, a deft explainer, and a terrific and funny writer. -- Mary Roach, author of FUZZBrilliant and beguiling -- Matthew Gavin Frank, author of FLIGHT OF THE DIAMOND SMUGGLERSAs entertaining as it is enlightening -- Book of the Month * GEOGRAPHICAL MAGAZINE *Captivating ... will alter the way you see and move through the world. -- M. R. O'Connor, author of WAYFINDINGAs a person who often finds myself lost in cities and forests alike, I was thrilled to discover this book, a dazzling-at times dizzying-exploration of brains and places, how they trouble one another and how they a give one another meaning. -- Robert Moor, bestselling author of ON TRAILSA fascinating and sneakily amusing book.... Christopher Kemp is an elegant and quick-witted writer who, feeling perpetually and hopelessly lost himself, is perfectly qualified to lead us through some of the most complicated and discombobulating corners of human cognition. -- John Mooallem, author of THIS IS CHANCE!A modern look inside the brain written as beautifully as a long-form poem. Don't miss this opportunity to let Kemp show you the how and why of where. -- David Eagleman, Stanford neuroscientist, author of INCOGNITO and LIVEWIREDWith the exception of 'who am I?', there is no more fundamental human question than 'where am I?' Part of the thrill of reading Dark and Magical Places is the realization that, for scientists, this is still an open question. Too many attempts to explain neuroscience to a nonscientific audience treat the brain as a conquered frontier. With remarkable clarity and concision, Kemp takes us through the darkness, unraveling the magic of human navigation and orientation. This is a journey to the center of the mind led by a navigator who understands that the journey is as important as the destination. -- Greg Milner, author of PINPOINT

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Book Synopsis'Through the lens of her personal experience as a poker player, Alex O'Brien reveals the tricks that can help each of us navigate a world beset with uncertainty and misinformation' ANGELA SAINI 'It's thrilling' PHILIP BALL 'Deserves to be widely read' ALOM SHAHA SHORTLISTED FOR THE GLOBAL POKER INDEX AWARDS This is a book about getting to the truth. At the poker table you need certain skills to win. The more Alex O'Brien played competitively, the more she realised those skills are essential in everyday life too. From reading body language to calculating risk, dealing with uncertainty and separating emotion from facts, her toolkit will help you make better decisions and understand what's happening around you. Offering insights from the latest psychology, neuroscience, game theory and more, you'll encounter new ideas and ways of thinking from pioneering researchers and experts in their field. With O'Brien as your guide, you'll learn to see clearly, think carefully and cut through the noise of a complex world.Trade ReviewThrough the lens of her personal experience as a poker player, Alex O'Brien reveals the tricks that can help each of us navigate a world beset with uncertainty and misinformation. I gleaned such useful advice from this heartfelt book - and came away also wanting to learn how to play poker! -- Angela Saini, journalist and author of 'Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong' and 'The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule'The Truth Detective is the kind of timely popular science that captures people's attention and deserves to be widely read -- Alom Shaha, author of Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines, Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder and Why Don’t Things Fall Up I was gripped from the outset by The Truth Detective. No doubt because, as a competitive poker player, Alex O'Brien has skin in the game, she has made this exploration of how to read and understand human behaviour thrillingly alive. You might not emerge from the book as a poker champ, but you'll be astonished, enthralled, and - who knows? - even enriched by what you'll learn. -- Philip Ball, broadcaster and author of Bright Earth, Critical Mass, The Modern Myths and How Life WorksNow, more than ever, it is vital that we all think critically about the news we're reading, the media we're consuming, and the opinions being easily thrown around. O'Brien's book takes us back to the basics of such critical thinking with the insightful premise of making decisions when clouded by uncertainty. A brilliant poker player, she brings her experience from the game and shows us how to apply this to everyday life. I will definitely be applying some of the lessons I've learnt! -- Roma Agrawal MBE, engineer, broadcaster and author[The Truth Detective] got me thinking about the life skills we've acquired through playing games... risk is an important skill to learn in life [and the book] explores how the games rules and strategies help us to better navigate the world and make better choices -- Jessica Creighton * BBC Woman's Hour *The Truth Detective is a belter and [the] perfect Christmas present for those awkward relatives who don't want jumpers, mints or Annuals -- Nicholas Booth, former technology editor of The Times and author The Search for Life on MarsEngaging ... Alex O'Brien holds all the aces here [with] first-hand experience at the table and a good grip on the latest science and psychology. Follow suit to boost your odds at winning in that great game we call life -- Roger Highfield, Science Director of The Science Museum and author of Virtual YouA fascinating book that uses poker to discuss philosophy, magic, strategy, cognitive science, game theory, deception, biases, risk management, and much more. Who knew one book could teach you so much about poker and the best scientific research in so many fields? -- Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, New York Times bestselling author of Everybody Lies and Don't Trust Your GutA wise, mind-expanding guide for living in uncertain times. In The Truth Detective, Alex O'Brien draws on her experience at the poker table to provide a whole new lens on the world. A perspective-changing book that will help you make smarter, more informed choices when navigating life's unknowns -- Richard Fisher, author of The Long ViewThe Truth Detective is both a riveting read and a call to action. Alex O' Brien intertwines lessons from the poker table with cutting edge scientific research on human behaviour and the brain, showing us how to understand the world better, and to understand ourselves better. I found myself thinking about The Truth Detective long after I read it. Even if you've never played poker, you will be richly entertained and educated by this beautifully written gem of a book -- Jennifer Shahade, author of 'Chess Queens' and two time US Women’s Chess ChampionFrom the first page to the last, The Truth Detective captivates the reader with a new perspective on an age-old game. Steeped in stories and research, which both inspire and educate, O'Brien has crafted a 'poker book' that belongs on every bedside table, even if you have never played the game. It's that good. And it matters that much -- Erin Lydon * President, Poker Power *I can't imagine a book more perfectly suited to its time than The Truth Detective. The challenge of knowing 'what is the truth' goes far beyond the poker table. By using the game of poker to explore truth and deception, O'Brien makes the topic not just accessible but also truly entertaining. The interviews and well-documented research woven throughout give scientific backbone to a much-needed look at a very important topic. This is an exhortation for us all to be more careful consumers of 'truth'. -- Kara Scott, broadcaster and World Series of Poker anchorCaptivating, gripping and the best book I've read since 'Thinking Fast and Slow' O'Brien doesn't pull any punches, and examining the bluffs we seek and the bullshit we find in life, [she] combines a number of studies, sources and complex thoughts into a case for critical thinking. This is a book that should be read and savoured in full; it pulls many of the great concerns of the day such as AI, climate change, fake news, pandemic issues, and the power of social media into a riveting page turner. As soon as I started reading The Truth Detective I literally couldn't stop ... do someone you love a favour and give them the gift of this book. -- Dara O’Kearney, former ultra runner and author of The Poker Solved SeriesAlex O'Brien picks up where Kenny Rogers left off with this approachable set of essential lessons for opening your eyes to the game that is our society. -- Subhadra Das, author of Civilised: Ten Lies that Made the West

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Book Synopsis''Through the lens of her personal experience as a poker player, Alex O''Brien reveals the tricks that can help each of us navigate a world beset with uncertainty and misinformation'' ANGELA SAINI''It''s thrilling'' PHILIP BALL''Deserves to be widely read'' ALOM SHAHASHORTLISTED FOR THE GLOBAL POKER INDEX AWARDSThis is a book about getting to the truth. At the poker table you need certain skills to win. The more Alex O''Brien played competitively, the more she realised those skills are essential in everyday life too. From reading body language to calculating risk, dealing with uncertainty and separating emotion from facts, her toolkit will help you make better decisions and understand what''s happening around you. Offering insights from the latest psychology, neuroscience, game theory and more, you''ll encounter new ideas and ways of thinking from pioneering researchers and experts in their field. With O''Brien as your guide, you''ll learn to see clearly, think carefully and cut through the noise of a complex world.

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Book SynopsisA SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 'A thrilling deep-dive through our evolutionary past, and a witty and learned commentary on why we are the way we are - and what wisdom we've lost along the way' Cal Flynn, author of Islands of Abandonment 'A wild ride: brave, outrageous, hilarious, helpful and urgent ... essential reading' Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled Lives What kind of creature is a human? If we don't know what we are, how can we know how to act? Charles Foster sets out to understand what a human is, inhabiting the sensory worlds of humans at three pivotal moments in our history. Foster begins his quest with his son in a Derbyshire wood, trying to find a way of experiencing the world that recognises the deep expanse of time when we understood ourselves as hunter-gatherers, and when modern consciousness was first ignited. From there he travels to the Neolithic, a way of being defined by fences, farms, sky gods and slaughterhouses, and finally to the Enlightenment, when we decided that the universe was a machine and we were soulless cogs within it.Trade ReviewDazzling and, yes, eccentric ... Foster is a beautiful writer and an engaging companion throughout this ... wonderfully fun if entirely bonkers read -- Alex Preston * Observer *Being a Human: Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness is not the book its subtitle would have us believe. It's a better one. It's a lesson in what to watch for in nature. It's a discourse on the sentience we may have had as early humans and that, over millennia, we've somehow roasted into a crisp. It's funny. It's moving. It's mind-expanding. It's a collection of thoughts to read again and again ... Foster is a writer of extraordinary ability -- Rebecca Coffey * Forbes *Foster's daringly imaginative exploration of alternative models of selfhood is an original and beneficial way of grappling with history ... There is an increasing awareness today of the limitations of individualist models of selfhood, which many consider the root cause of some of our most urgent crises. The kinds of new and old imaginaries that Foster explores here, empirically and otherwise, are precisely what we need to remind us that there are many alternatives to the "I, me, mine" mindset -- Anna Katharina Schaffner * TLS *Foster is an amiable narrator. He is self-deprecating, feminist, in awe of what the natural world has to teach him. His observations - that it is hard to say where humans stop and aurochs begin; that the great disaster of the Enlightenment was its reduction of the universe to a machine - align firmly with those of Donna Haraway and Amitav Ghosh in recalling us to the epic mysticism of existence. He is, I think, also an optimist, still hopeful for humanity, even if we are never again going to run around Derbyshire in a deerskin loincloth -- Rachel Andrews * Irish Times *Controversial, yet oddly compelling * Nature *A wonderful, wild, dazzling book. You will feel more human for having read it -- Tom Whyman * Literary Review *A wild ride: brave, outrageous, hilarious, helpful, and urgent. Foster has no time for decaying paradigms; he tunnels underneath their crumbling foundations with a pickaxe to help them on their way. Being a Human will deepen and expand your sense of self. Essential reading -- Merlin Sheldrake, author * Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, & Shape Our Futures *Being a Human is a work of shaggy genius. Its subject is gargantuan in scale; its humour has a reckless panache; its argument is brilliantly original and above all it is written with a matchless audacity of soul. It is one of the most important books I have ever read -- Jay Griffiths, author * Why Rebel? *This is the most wonderful book - deftly written, highly imaginative, and a delight to read - and its message is such that its importance simply cannot be overstated. It gives a devastatingly clear portrait of humanity as we have become, and of what we once had - and still could have - but instead are in the process of throwing away, perhaps forever -- Iain McGilchrist, author * The Master and his Emissary *I'll read anything Charles Foster writes, and this is his most ambitious book yet. It is a historical investigation, a short story collection, a humour primer, a sheaf scientific papers and a work of philosophy all rolled into one, with a side helping of religious ecstasy and badger shit. It will tell you many things you didn't know about who you are. You should read it -- Paul Kingsnorth, author * The Wake *Being a Human is one of the most original inquiries into the who, what, and why of human existence to appear in recent years. Charles Foster writes with inspiring brilliance, originality, and simplicity. I love this book. It should be widely read, for the benefit of all us humans -- Larry Dossey, author * One Mind: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters *A fascinating book of immense scope and proportions ... The evolution of the mind makes for a labyrinthine investigation worthy of Sherlock Holmes -- James Crowden, author * The Frozen River: Seeking Silence in the Himalaya *Monstrously great: book of the year from where I'm sitting. But I'm not sitting, I'm up and waving my arms about for the sustained achievement of this magical, brilliant thing. Being a Human contains a hundred things we desperately need to know. Hugely moving, filled with intelligence, it scurries between centuries with us between its teeth. Charles Foster has invoked a living presence in these pages, a contract with the uncanny. To know a thing about the future we need to retrace our steps into our old mind. We could start here -- Martin Shaw, author * Smoke Hole: Looking to the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass *What a mad, brilliant, mind-expanding book. Being a Human offers a thrilling deep dive through our evolutionary past, and a witty and learned commentary on why we are the way we are-and what wisdom we've lost along the way. Foster is a true modern polymath who writes with wit, humour and heart: I'll be pressing this book into other people's hands -- Cal Flyn, author * Islands of Abandonment *Charles Foster has created a book of immense, deeply felt intelligence. This book is a startling reset on our understanding of the journey of human thought. Approaching the question from a totally new perspective of lived experience, Foster shows us how we came to be the people we are, with the values we exert in the world. Not only are the revelations startling, but the metaphoric power of Foster's language is frequently astonishing. I wish I'd written this book, and that's my highest praise -- Carl Safina, author * Becoming Wild: How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace *Profound, erudite, provocative and funny, this outrageously brilliant and wise book is a challenge to the reductive materialism that dominates current understandings of the human animal-and the natural world. Foster draws on his empathy with the animist Palaeolithic to argue for a return to non-dogmatic forms of Enlightenment values that might take seriously the affective dimension of human nature and experience-to recover 'enchantment' and express the 'vertiginous wonder of the world' ... Wildly eccentric and ranging widely, but always in control -- Steve Ely, author * Englaland *Charles Foster has written the unwritable - gifting us a perspective-tumbling insight into other worlds. Being a Human is both challenging and entertaining. By the time you have finished reading it you will not look in the mirror and see quite the same person as before -- Hugh Warwick, author * Linescapes: Remapping and Reconnecting Britain's Fragmented Wildlife *Few of us have given much thought to the dazzling human journey from hunter-gatherer to now. In a 10,000 year odyssey fizzing with masterful revelation, Professor Foster makes us relive our nature-centric past, shows us how much we have lost and makes us startlingly aware of who we really are -- Sir John Lister-Kaye OBE, author * The Dun Cow Rib *More turned-down page corners than any other recent book on my shelves. A brilliant, inventive, and unsettling exploration of our glorious and broken nature. Foster's work shakes us out of dozy estrangement from our own humanity and welcomes us into the mysteries of belonging ... Its richness demands careful reading -- David George Haskell, Pulitzer finalist * The Forest Unseen *A daredevil read. Once again, Charles Foster has journeyed to places most of us wouldn't dare; and emerged with a book that is passionate and kind, deeply intelligent and uproariously funny -- Helen Jukes, author * A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings *How to enact a visceral archaeology of the human animal, not merely by ingesting and metabolizing the finest research, but by excavating the layers of one's own creaturely soul? Charles Foster journeys barefoot toward the tastes, textures, and rhythms that enveloped our early ancestors, the ecstasies and terrors that shivered the bones of our Paleolithic progenitors. Only someone fairly mad - possessed of a sensorial imagination verging on clairvoyance, an alarming appetite for physical duress, and an uncanny gift for wyrding his way into other shapes of sentience - would undertake such an impossible endeavor, dropping down and down into the depths within, spelunking in his soul's bone hollows, stirring up old, old ghosts in order to discover how thoroughly haunted our present existence really is -- David Abram, author * Becoming Animal: An Earthly Cosmology *Charles Foster's writing is matchless. He approaches intellectual enquiry with heart, body and mind in that order - the only correct one. No-one else could tackle the whole of human evolution, the history and implications of our 'inadequate mutations' with such wit and elegance. Being a Human is both panoramic and intimate: an experiment in living, a manifesto, a brilliant synthesis, a conversation you'd have in a pub after hours of walking on a wind-scoured moor. Brace yourselves for a thrilling encounter with the other, with the marvellous, terrifying spectacle of the self. This book will leave you changed: both wiser and more bewildered. Which is to say more alive -- Helen Mort, author * Never Leave the Dog Behind: Our Love of Dogs and Mountains *An exhilarating book that asks all the big questions about our past, present and future, Being A Human contributes to the growing field of literature that tasks us with thinking, and behaving, like Earthlings. That Foster has managed to produce this clarion call for 'a vibrant scientific mysticism' whilst being funny and entertaining is little short of a marvel -- Gregory Norminton, author * The Devil's Highway *This made me feel good about being a Palaeolithic archaeologist; it's an exquisitely irreverent celebration of how best to be a human, and an exemplary lesson in the elemental nature we've so often left behind in lives that are, as Foster suggests, suffocatingly simple in relation to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. As a Palaeolithic specialist I am bound to agree with his thesis that the quality of life declined with the increasingly urban nature of early agricultural life, and plummeted significantly with the industrialisation that accompanied the enlightenment. Foster writes with a unique voice that is full of soul; a paean to our wild selves that could not come at a better time in Earth history. His central thesis - that we repurpose enlightenment scepticism and empiricism in order to rediscover the enchantment of our wilder selves is delivered with the observational panache and intelligence that is drawn from his own human nature, the wildness of nature, and the very wildness of academe. At times hilarious (check out page 105), at times revelatory, at all times with a prose red in tooth and claw, this is a glorious celebration of the shameful behaviour of humans. -- Paul B. Pettit, Professor of Palaeolithic ArchaeologyFoster is a wonderful prose stylist, and knows how to build a case and support it with plentiful detail. This powerful account is a remarkable achievement -- Starred review * Publishers Weekly *A spirited romp through human history ... This is a magpie book full of intriguing anthropological sketches ... Fits neatly into the growing library of modern British natural history writing, alongside the best of Nan Shepherd, Robert Macfarlane, and Roger Deakin -- Starred review * Kirkus *Foster is an amiable narrator. He is self-deprecating, feminist, in awe of what the natural world has to teach him. His observations ... align firmly with those of Donna Haraway and Amitav Ghosh in recalling us to the epic mysticism of existence * Irish Times *Clever, funny and wise ... Being a Human delivers mind-expanding revelation and glorious originality and colour ... This is my book of the year -- Patrick Barkham, author * The Butterfly Isles *Breathtaking ... Foster's writing style is deceptively modest and often funny ... buy copies as presents to yourself and your friends and donate at least one to a school library * Fortean Times *

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Book Synopsis'Felix Flicker brilliantly reveals the secrets behind the modern-day magic we call physics' Marcus du Sautoy 'The world is already telling you its spells; the purpose of this book is to help you listen' Imagine you had a crystal that lit upon your command: magic must be at work, and you must surely be a wizard. But what if you discovered that you routinely cast such spells? Are the spells no longer magic ... or are you a wizard? The modern term for wizardry is condensed matter physics. It is the study of the world around us - the states of matter and how they emerge from the quantum realm. Thanks to its practical magic we can make lasers which cut through solid metal, trains which hover in mid-air, and crystals which light our homes. It is one of the best-kept secrets in science; a third of all physicists work on it, yet its story has never been told. Join Felix Flicker as he introduces the magic of condensed matter physics. It will be a journey that reveals the subtle spells that conjure crystals from chaos and create new particles that have never before existed. The Magick of Matter will revolutionise what you know about physics and reality; you'll never see the world in the same way again.Trade ReviewThe Magick of Matter explicitly sets out to stop us taking ordinary, everyday stuff for granted, and to restore our sense of wonder at the wizardry of the world -- Tom Sutcliffe, BBC Radio 4 * Start the Week *Conversational and lively ... the author's wonder and sense of excitement shine through ... a fascinating tale of an often-overlooked pillar of modern science * Nature Physics *Well-handled and consistently engaging. It combines fascinating facts with real insights into what are in some cases relatively unfamiliar aspects of physics. -- Peter Forbes * Popular Science *Felix Flicker brilliantly reveals the secrets behind the modern-day magic we call physics. A beautifully crafted book to inspire the next generation of scientific wizards and to help the current generation to understand the bizarre universe we inhabit -- Marcus du Sautoy, author * Thinking Better *Playful, profound and penetrating: an exhilarating gallop through the mystical world of matter -- Charles Foster, author * Being a Human *The Magick of Matter is a fascinating, enlightening, and altogether delightful book. Once you fall under its spell, you will find it hard to put it down. -- Fritjof Capra, author * The Tao of Physics *A must-read for anyone wanting to understand how the spells of physics have transformed our world. Felix Flicker not only sees the magic in the ordinary but can explain the extraordinariness of magic too -- Femi Fadugba, author * The Upper World *

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Book SynopsisAs heard on BBC Radio 4 Start The Week 'Felix Flicker brilliantly reveals the secrets behind the modern-day magic we call physics' Marcus du Sautoy Imagine you had a crystal that lit upon your command: magic must be at work, and you must surely be a wizard. But what if you discovered that you routinely cast such spells? Are the spells no longer magic ... or are you a wizard? The modern term for wizardry is condensed matter physics. It is the study of the world around us - the states of matter and how they emerge from the quantum realm. Thanks to its practical magic we can make lasers which cut through solid metal, trains which hover in mid-air, and crystals which light our homes. It is one of the best-kept secrets in science; a third of all physicists work on it, yet its story has never been told. Join Felix Flicker as he introduces the magic of condensed matter physics. It will be a journey that reveals the subtle spells that conjure crystals from chaos and create new particles that have never before existed. The Magick of Matter will revolutionise what you know about physics and reality; you'll never see the world in the same way again.Trade ReviewThe Magick of Matter explicitly sets out to stop us taking ordinary, everyday stuff for granted, and to restore our sense of wonder at the wizardry of the world -- Tom Sutcliffe, BBC Radio 4 * Start the Week *Conversational and lively ... the author's wonder and sense of excitement shine through ... a fascinating tale of an often-overlooked pillar of modern science * Nature Physics *Well-handled and consistently engaging. It combines fascinating facts with real insights into what are in some cases relatively unfamiliar aspects of physics. -- Peter Forbes * Popular Science *First-rate ... commendable * Fortean Times *Felix Flicker brilliantly reveals the secrets behind the modern-day magic we call physics. A beautifully crafted book to inspire the next generation of scientific wizards and to help the current generation to understand the bizarre universe we inhabit -- Marcus du Sautoy, author * Thinking Better *Playful, profound and penetrating: an exhilarating gallop through the mystical world of matter -- Charles Foster, author * Being a Human *The Magick of Matter is a fascinating, enlightening, and altogether delightful book. Once you fall under its spell, you will find it hard to put it down. -- Fritjof Capra, author * The Tao of Physics *A must-read for anyone wanting to understand how the spells of physics have transformed our world. Felix Flicker not only sees the magic in the ordinary but can explain the extraordinariness of magic too -- Femi Fadugba, author * The Upper World *

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Book Synopsis'A future classic of popular science' Mail on Sunday 'A dazzling account' Financial Times 'Absorbing, surprising and at times profound. After reading this, reality will never be quite the same' Dave Goulson Our senses are how we navigate the world: they help us recognise the expressions on a loved one's face, know whether fruit is ripe by its smell, or even sense a storm approaching through a sudden drop in air pressure. It's now believed that we may have as many as fifty-three senses - and we're just beginning to expand our knowledge of this incredibly extensive palette. Sensational is a mind-bending look at how our brains shape our experience of the world, marshalling the latest discoveries in science to explore the dazzling eyesight of the mantis shrimp, the rich inner lives of krill, and the baffling link between geomagnetic fields and canine bowel movements. Blending biology and neuroscience, Ward reveals that understanding our senses may hold the key to understanding the origins of human behaviour - from why we kiss to our varied music tastes.Trade Review[An] infectiously enthusiastic survey of the human senses ... underneath the entertainment this is a serious and thoughtful book -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *A rollercoaster combination of science, cultural history, rumour and schoolboy humour * Guardian *Combining biological science with history, culture, sociology and personal reflections, this is a wide-ranging and highly engaging read * Observer *Enlightening and digestible ... Sensational is not only a rich mine of information, it teaches tolerance and understanding ... Listening to his book is a delight * The Times *Ward has conjured up a thrilling - and revolting - world of sensory overload in the style of a goofy lecture. Both learned and irreverent, he can be existentially disturbing and extremely funny in the same paragraph - a talent that could make this a future classic of popular science * Mail on Sunday *A dazzling account of how we use sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell to navigate the world * Financial Times *Ward is more than qualified as our tour guide into the dazzling world of senses - both our own and those of other animals ... an impressive journey -- BBC WildlifeEnjoyable popular science * Kirkus *[An] eye-opening pop-science treatise ... [Ward] packs in innumerable fascinating details ... the delivery benefits greatly from the author's stylish, evocative prose ... this will change how readers see the world * Publisher's Weekly *Absorbing, surprising and at times profound. After reading this, reality will never be quite the same -- Prof Dave Goulson, author * Silent Earth *It is nearly impossible to grasp what other animals smell, see, or feel. Ashley Ward's dive into the way we and other species interpret the surrounding world offers astonishing insights -- Frans de Waal, author * Different: Gender Through The Eyes of a Primatologist *

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Book SynopsisAward Winner in the Science category of the 2020 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book FestAward-winning author and thought leader Dawson Church, Ph.D., blends cutting-edge neuroscience with intense firsthand experience to show you how you can rewire your brain for happiness-starting right now.Neural plasticity-the discovery that the brain is capable of rewiring itself-is now widely understood. But what few people have grasped yet is how quickly this is happening, how extensive brain changes can be, and how much control each of us has over the process.In Bliss Brain, famed researcher Dawson Church digs deep into leading-edge science, and finds stunning evidence of rapid and radical brain change. In just eight weeks of practice, 12 minutes a day, using the right techniques, we can produce measurable changes in our brains. These make us calmer, happier, and more resilient.When we cultivate these pleasurable states over time, they become traits. We don't just feel more blissful as a temporary state; the changes are literally hard-wired into our brains, becoming stable and enduring personality traits.The startling conclusions of Church's research show that neural remodeling goes much farther than scientists have previously understood, with stress circuits shriveling over time. Simultaneously, "The Enlightenment Circuit"-associated with happiness, compassion, productivity, creativity, and resilience-expands.During deep meditation, Church shows how "the 7 neurochemicals of ecstasy" are released in our brains. These include anandamide, a neurotransmitter that's been named "the bliss molecule" because it mimics the effects of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. It boosts serotonin and dopamine; the first is an analog of psilocybin, the second of cocaine. He shows how cultivating these elevated emotional states literally produces a self-induced high.While writing Bliss Brain, Church went through a series of disasters, including escaping seconds ahead of a California wildfire that consumed his home and office and claimed 22 lives. The fire triggered a painful medical condition and a financial disaster. Through it all, Church steadily practiced the techniques of Bliss Brain while teaching them to thousands of other people. This book weaves his story of resilience into the fabric of neuroscience, producing a fascinating picture of just how happy we can make our brains, no matter what the odds.

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Book SynopsisDid you know your irises are lying to you and all human eyes are actually brown?Want to know the absolute worst way to die, according to science? Did you know that a smoking psychedelic toad milk could alleviate depression for up to four weeks?117 Things You Should F*#king Know About Your World tells you the answers to these questions and many more weird and wonderful facts about the universe. Split into the site's different subject areas of environment, technology, space, health and medicine, plants and animals, physics and chemistry, this is the ultimate science book. With 25 million social media followers, I F*#king Love Science is the world's favourite source of science on the web. From missing nuclear weapons and Facebook secret files to the world's smallest computer and why you should wrap your car keys in tinfoil, this is the book that only the world's leading source of crazy-but-true stories could produce.

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Book SynopsisUnlock the secrets of atomic science with this accessible and gripping account of all 118 known elements.

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Book SynopsisIn this humane and important exploration of modern medicine, Druin Burch examines the future of medicine, our changing physicalities and the implications of longer life. From birth to death and through the exploration of topics such as disease, sex, mind, eating and drinking, Burch tracks the future of medicine by looking at what is already possible today. Weaving in insights from literature, art and history, The Shape of Things to Come considers the cultural complexity surrounding medicine as well as its impact on the humanities. As a specialist in geriatric medicine Burch writes with a keen understanding of the medical profession. He outlines the areas of medicine which have seen the greatest improvements and optimistically offers insight into further advancements. Praise for Druin Burch: 'A writer of searing intelligence and lively wit' GOOD BOOK GUIDE 'Each chapter is a self-contained pleasure to read' SUNDAY TIMES 'Intriguing and informed' THE TIMESTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR TAKING THE MEDICINE: 'Each chapter is a self-contained pleasure to read, like mini-fables on the perils of medicine' Sunday Times. 'Intriguing and informed' The Times. 'A gripping history of the blundering progress of medicine' Independent. 'A fascinating and irreverant history of medicine and those who've claimed to understand it, written by an NHS doctor with searing intelligence and lively wit' * Good Book Guide *

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Book SynopsisIn What Do Animals Think and Feel?, the biologist Karsten Brensing has something astonishing to tell us about the animal kingdom: namely that animals, by any reasonable assessment, have developed the sophisticated systems of social organization and behaviour that human beings call 'culture'. Dolphins call one another by name and orcas inhabit a culture that is over 700,000 years old. Chimpanzees wage strategic warfare, while bonobos delight in dirty talk. Ravens enjoy snowboarding on snow-covered roofs, and snails like to spin on hamster exercise wheels. Humped-back whales follow the dictates of fashion and rats are dedicated party animals. Ants recognize themselves in mirrors and spruce themselves up before they return home. Ducklings can pass complicated tests in abstract thinking. Dogs punish disloyalty, though they are also capable of forgiveness if you apologize to them. Brensing draws on the latest scientific findings as well as his own experience working with animals, to reveal a world of behavioural and cognitive sophistication that is remarkably similar to our own.Trade ReviewA very exciting read * General-Anzeiger, Bonn *Brensing is [...] an idealist, committed to the coexistence of humans and animals * Mitteldeutsche Zeitung *Brensing shows impressively that there is no reason to deny animals an inner life of pain, fear, grief and joy * Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung *

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Book SynopsisA fierce, honest, elegant and often hilarious debunking of the great fallacies that drive modern medicine. By the award-winning author of The Way We Die Now. Seamus O'Mahony writes about the illusion of progress, the notion that more and more diseases can be 'conquered' ad infinitum. He punctures the idiocy of consumerism, the idea that healthcare can be endlessly adapted to the wishes of individuals. He excoriates the claims of Big Science, the spending of vast sums on research follies like the Human Genome Project. And he highlights one of the most dangerous errors of industrialized medicine: an over-reliance on metrics, and a neglect of things that can't easily be measured, like compassion. 'A deeply fascinating and rousing book' Mail on Sunday. 'What makes this book a delightful, if unsettling read, is not just O'Mahony's scholarly and witty prose, but also his brutal honesty' The Times.Trade ReviewA deeply fascinating and rousing book * Mail on Sunday *What makes this book a delightful, if unsettling read, is not just O'Mahony's scholarly and witty prose, but also his brutal honesty... [He] is a wise consultant towards the end of his career telling us what he wished he had known at the beginning' * The Times *An exceptionally strong polemic – one that might even persuade Miley Cyrus to start eating wheat again * Sunday Business Post *This systemic perversion of science and its method might the most obvious instance of the corruption O'Mahoney describes, but he casts his net much wider. He also considers, inter alia, the invention of pseudo-diseases, the connivance of the editors of medical journals in increasing the volume of papers, an uncritical deference to the simplifications of statistically-derived knowledge, and the dishonesty of failing to acknowledge the limits of what medicine can reasonably be expected to achieve * Literary Review *[A] humane, knowledgeable and scathing book [...] about the dislocation of medical priorities from the basics of human need * The Tablet *[A] grounded and readable work... Very amusing in parts and identifies real problems. Each chapter stands on its own, and the book can be taken up at will, without losing the thread' * Irish Independent *Prof Seamus O'Mahony is highly critical of the medical system, particularly when it comes to spending huge amounts of money on drugs that do little to prolong life * Irish Examiner *A good book challenges the reader, this book certainly challenged me but I feel better for engaging with this plausible and readable criticism of contemporary medicine * British Journal of General Practice *A very interesting book... [O'Mahony] does make some very interesting points about the limits to medicine and the ability of medicine to cure every ailment' * Northern Standard. *A book on health that everyone should read this year... A fascinating read for patients, medics and anyone who cares... If there is a cure for the travails of our health service, and I remain doubter-in-chief, it must begin with these odorous and painful truths, unearthed and so skilfully dissected out in very readable prose by Professor O'Mahony' * Sunday Independent (Dublin). *

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Book Synopsis'Daring, learned and humane... A revelatory restoration of wonder' Stephen Greenblatt. We no longer think, like the ancient Chinese did, that the world was hatched from an egg, or, like the Maori, that it came from the tearing-apart of a love embrace. The Greeks told of a tempestuous Hera and a cunning Zeus, but we now use genes and natural selection to explain fear and desire, and physics to demystify the workings of the universe. Science is an astounding achievement, but are we really any wiser than the ancients? Has science revealed the secrets of fate and immortality? Has it provided protection from jealousy or love? There are those who believe that science has replaced faith, but must it also be a death knell for mythology? Evolutions brings to life the latest scientific thinking on the birth of the universe and the solar system, the journey from a single cell all the way to our human minds. Reawakening our sense of wonder and terror at the world around us and within us, Oren Harman uses modern science to create new and original mythologies. Here are the Earth and the Moon presenting a cosmological view of motherhood, a panicking Mitochondrion introducing sex and death to the world, the loneliness of consciousness emerging from the memory of an octopus, and the birth of language in evolution summoning humankind's struggle with truth. Science may not solve our existential puzzles, but like the age-old legends, its magical discoveries can help us continue the never-ending search.Trade ReviewDaring, learned and humane... A revelatory restoration of wonder' -- Stephen GreenblattA dazzling voyage of the imagination, the story of our origins from the Big Bang to planets to life, told in the language and style of an epic poem. Intelligent, provocative, playful, and beautifully written -- Alan LightmanMore bizarre, more incredible than the ancient myths, the myths of science told by Harman are based on exacting and arduous research. It is a book that will bring the poet to science, and the scientist to poetry -- Eva Jablonka, author of Evolution of Four DimensionsBrilliant. It is a wholly original contribution to the way science ought to become part of the way we think about the universe and talk about the meaning of life. A moving and provocative achievement -- Leon Botstein, President of Bard CollegeEvolutions is innovative precisely because it eschews speculative fictions in favour of strictly factual tales cast in mythic mode... Remarkable for its ambitions, as well as its persuasive mediation on the conjoint trajectories of myth and science' * TLS *Daring and beautifully written, poetic and at times funny, very learned... You cannot begin to do it justice until you've read it' -- Paul Ross, TalkRADIO

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling creator of Lost in Translation, A Small Illustrated Guide to the Universe is a delicately existential and welcoming exploration of the cosmos - one that examines and marvels at the astonishing principles, laws, and phenomena that we exist alongside, that surround us.Have you ever found yourself wondering what we might have in common with stars or why the Moon never leaves us? Thinking about the precise dancing of planets, the passing of time or the nature of natural things? Our world is full of unshakeable mystery, and although we live in a civilisation more complicated than ever, there is beauty and reassurance to be found in knowing how and why.

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Book Synopsis'Clear, succinct and engaging answers to every question you could ask about the weather.' Gavin Pretor-Pinney, author of The Cloudspotter's GuideWhy doesn't rain fall all at once?Can technology change the track of a hurricane?What's the weather like on other planets?Meteorologists Simon King and Clare Nasir reveal the captivating ways the weather works, from exploring incredible weather phenomenon (how are rainbows formed?), expertly breaking down our knowledge of the elements (could we harness the power of lightning?) to explaining the significance of weather in history (has the weather ever started a war?) and discussing the future of weather (could climate modification save the planet?).In What Does Rain Smell Like? Simon and Clare uncover the thrilling science behind a subject that affects us all. They unearth and analyse all aspects of the weather and how it changes our lives through answering our most curious questions about the world around us.

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Book SynopsisFROM THE TEAM BEHIND BBC RADIO 4'S AWARD-WINNING NATURE AND COMEDY SERIES NATURE TABLEDid You Know That...A housefly buzzes in the key of F?A cockroach can live for a week without its head, before dying of starvation?Slugs have four noses? So, if you thought that couldn't get slimier, now imagine them with a cold ...The fingerprints of a koala are so indistinguishable from humans that they've been confused at a crime scene?During its lifetime, a cow can produce nearly 200,000 glasses of milk? Which is extraordinary, because where is it getting all those glasses?The natural world is an amazing, compelling and funny place: a place where fact is always more staggering - and often funnier - than fiction. Based on BBC Radio 4's hit science and comedy series Nature Table, and with a foreword from the show's presenter, Sue Perkins, A Housefly Buzzes in the Key of F is a celebration of the astonishing everyday occurrences that happen right under our noses. With fascinating facts from the programme's expert guests along with big jokes, witty anecdotes and fun games, this bumper collection showcases our planet's flora and fauna in all its remarkable and surprising glory.

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Book SynopsisStudy the diverse cultures of the world and the common threads of humanity in this wonderfully visual guide to anthropology, covering everything you would find on a degree course.A Degree in a Book: Anthropology dives deep into the study of human culture and societies. Discover the impact of language on understanding, how different societies approach family and kinship and how different cultures are studied, as well as how anthropology is used in our everyday lives - applied anthropology.This accessible landscape-format guide is perfect for students and laypeople alike, featuring full-colour infographics, helpful flow charts, diagrams, summary sections and ideas for further reading. Including theories from Herodotus to Malinowski and Durkeim to de Waal, it covers all the major strands of anthropology that are studied today.Subjects covered include: • Fieldwork and Ethnography • Biological Anthropology • Language and Cognition • Gifting and Economic Systems • Exchange and Consumption • Globalisation and TransnationalismABOUT THE SERIES: Get the knowledge of a degree for the price of a book in Arcturus Publishing''s A Degree in a Book series. Featuring flow charts, infographics, handy timelines, feature spreads and margin annotations, these landscape-format guides are perfect for anyone wishing to master seemingly complex subject with ease and enjoyment.

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Book SynopsisThe last of the five naked-eye planets discovered in ancient times, Mercury has long been an elusive, enigmatic world. As seen from the Earth, it never emerges far from the Sun, and astronomers in the telescopic era found it challenging to work out such basic data as its rotation period, the inclination of its axis, and whether or not it possessed an atmosphere. In this up-to-date and beautifully illustrated volume, William Sheehan brings our understanding of the planet into clear focus. He deftly traces the history from the earliest observations right up to the most recent explorations using radar and spacecraft. The planet has been surveyed in great detail, revealing vast volcanic plains, water-ice deposits in craters near the poles, and a remarkable core having the highest iron content of any body of the Solar System. A fascinating world in its own right, Mercury also holds important clues for scientists attempting to better understand the origin and evolution of the Earth.

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Book SynopsisWritten by an active researcher in the field, Galaxy: Mapping the Cosmos tells the rich scientific story of galaxy evolution and observation – discoveries of `spiral nebulae’, the nature of galaxies and the current `World Model’. Astronomer James Geach takes us on a tour of what is currently known and unknown, discussing why the ancient science of astronomy continues to fascinate humanity. Appealing to all readers interested in astronomy and cosmology, and featuring 108 superb colour photographs, Galaxy explores the enigma of our cosmic habitat, chronicling how our home in the Universe came to be.Trade Review'Book of the Month . . . an enthralling, detailed and beautiful look at one of the most challenging and exciting areas of modern astronomy, and a great addition to any enthusiast’s library.'-Sky At Night Magazine; '[Galaxy] contains dozens of stunning images of galaxies and nebulas, showing the beauty that lurks among the gas and dust of these complex systems . . . an excellent guide to a world many of us never get to see, both on and off this planet.'-Focus Magazine; 'Gorgeous color photos, coupled with clear and engaging explanations of the science behind them, make this book a winner on every level.'-Publishers Weekly; 'James Geach is actively researching on one of the most exciting frontiers of todays science: extragalactic astronomy. His book conveys his personal enthusiasm, and offers a clear and highly readable survey of the fields progress and prospects.'-Professor Martin Rees FRS, Astronomer Royal, Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge

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Book SynopsisAs major actors in the unfolding drama of climate change, glaciers feature prominently in Earth’s past and its future. Wherever on the planet we live, glaciers affect each of us directly. They control the atmospheric and ocean circulations that drive the weather; they supply drinking and irrigation water to millions of people; and they protect us from catastrophic sea-level rise. The very existence of glaciers affects our view of the planet and of ourselves, but it is less than 200 years since we realised that ice ages come and go, and that glaciers once covered much more of the planet’s surface than they do now. An inspiration to artists, a challenge for engineers, glaciers mean different things to different people. Crossing the boundaries between art, environment, science, nature and culture, this book uniquely considers glaciers from a myriad perspectives, revealing their complexity, majesty and importance, but also their fragility.

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Book SynopsisWeaving together stories of science and sociology, The Selfish Ape offers a refreshing response to common fantasies about the ascent of humanity. Rather than imagining modern humans as a species with godlike powers, or Homo deus, Nicholas P. Money recasts us as Homo narcissus, paragons of self-absorption. This exhilarating story takes in an immense sweep of modern biology, leading readers from earth's unexceptional location in the cosmos, to the story of our microbial origins, and the workings of the human body. It explores human genetics, reproduction, brain function and ageing, creating an enlightened view of humans as a brilliantly inventive, yet self-destructive animal. This is a book about human biology, the intertwined characteristics of human greatness and failure, and the way that we have plundered the biosphere. Written in a highly accessible style, it is a perfect read for those interested in science, human history, sociology and the environment.Trade Review'I learned much from Nicholas Money’s book. But more importantly I love his vivid, prose-poetic imagery. Reading him is pure literary pleasure. He knows what to say and, more importantly, he knows how to say it.'-Professor Richard Dawkins FRS, Author of The Selfish Gene and Outgrowing God. 'This entrancing and sobering collection of thoughts is a worthy successor to The Amoeba in the Room, which opened our eyes to so much.'-Robin Hanbury-Tenison, explorer

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Book SynopsisMars is a small world with a big reputation. This mysterious planet - with volcanoes that dwarf Mount Everest, a canyon system that would stretch fully across the USA and curious landscapes that may support life - has fascinated us for centuries. In the most up-to-date account available of the elusive `Red Planet', Stephen James O'Meara follows our longstanding love affair with this bewildering world, from the musings of humanity's first stargazers, to the imaginings of science-fiction writers and film-makers, to the latest images and discoveries from orbiting spacecraft and robotic rovers. The book also reviews plans for piloted missions to Mars, and what it will take for those missions to succeed.Trade Review"Presenting the red planet in both fact as well as the many fictions in which it has been featured, and including some of the most up-to-date discoveries from the information collected by the Curiosity rover, this forthcoming book should be of interest to both dedicated astronomers as well as the simply martially curious alike."-- "Well-Read Naturalist"Table of Contents1 Communion with Mars 2 The `Miniature of Our Earth' 3 Romancing Mars 4 The First Emissaries to Mars 5 Lifting the Curse at Mars 6 Scouting Out Humanity's Next Home 7 Mars: Our Home Away from Home? 8 The Lilliputian Moons of Mars 9 Observing Mars Appendix I: Mars Oppositions, 2020-35 Appendix II: Mars Fact Sheet Appendix III: Mars Missions References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisFor at least half a million years, people have been doing some very strange things with fossils. Long before a few 17th-century minds started to decipher their true, organic nature, fossils had been eaten, dropped in goblets of wine, buried with the dead, adorned on bodies and even used to try and cause harm. What triggered such curious behaviour was the belief, passed down from prehistoric to Medieval times, that some fossils could cure illness, protect against being poisoned, ease the passage into the afterlife, ward off evil spirits and even kill those who were just plain annoying. But above all, to our early prehistoric ancestors living hundreds of thousands of years ago, fossils were the very stuff of artistic inspiration. Drawing on archaeology, mythology and folklore, Kenneth McNamara takes you on a journey through prehistory with these strange and curious stones, and explores humankind's unending quest for the meaning of fossils.Trade Review"McNamara opens window after window on the use and interpretation of fossils by different cultures from Ireland to Australia over the millennia and up to the present. Through the strange medieval mythologies of dragons' teeth, stone swallows, toadstones, thunderstones, snakestones, and devil's toenails, an even more ancient tradition is uncovered."--Douglas Palmer, author of A History of Earth in 100 Groundbreaking Discoveries

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Book SynopsisThirty years ago the only planets we knew were the ones orbiting our own sun; we now know of thousands of other worlds orbiting distant stars. In this book astronomer Niall Deacon journeys to twenty of these globes: from giant, blisteringly hot planets orbiting close to their parent stars to frozen planets that float through space alone, and from dead stars shredding asteroids to worlds made of diamond and even planets that may be similar to the Earth. Deacon also takes in the latest exoplanet discoveries, and explains how astronomers have come to learn so much about these strange and distant worlds. Twenty Worlds tells a sweeping story, of real planets around other stars, and appeals to the wide audience for popular science and astronomy.Trade Review"This is the perfect book to introduce exoplanet science. . . . But Twenty Worlds is not really for those who want to find out more about any one of the planets covered. Rather it reveals what each of them represents to the field in general. Its real value is in the analogies that Deacon uses to clarify difficult and complex exoplanetary scientific methods to the reader. Nowhere will you find a more descriptive book to understand the processes used to learn about the existence of these worlds. Five stars." * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *"With thousands of exoplanets currently known, it must be a daunting task to choose twenty of them to highlight. Yet, that is exactly what Deacon sets out to do. The book, rather than presenting a cornucopia of bizarre exoplanets (and there are many of them out there), uses a curated sample of twenty exoplanets to tell a story about how these systems are detected, studied and what they can tell us about the birth, evolution and even death of planets, as well as their interaction with their host stars. The sheer diversity of the exoplanets detected poses a fascinating challenge to planet-formation theorists and exoplanet observers alike." * Nature Astronomy *“This is an attractive, well-produced book providing much information about new and exciting discoveries being achieved by good old-fashioned astronomical methods, albeit highly sophisticated. It is refreshingly free from the dilemmas existing in other areas of cosmology—wave/particle duality, string theory, multiverses, et cetera—and I recommend it as well worth reading by any interested layman (who doesn’t feel too strongly about Pluto).” * Observatory Magazine *"This is a truly entertaining and informative book, but the reason I’m giving it the full five stars has as much to do with the refreshing novelty of the author’s style as anything else. There’s novelty in the subject-matter too—the wide variety of recently discovered exoplanets orbiting other stars. . . . He’s a professional astronomer too, though you wouldn’t guess that from his writing style, which is as straightforward and lucid as science writing gets." * PopularScience.co.uk *"Twenty Worlds describes planets beyond our solar system. Though long imagined in science fiction novels and films, these 'exoplanets' have only been discovered since the 1990s. Author Deacon, an expert on this topic affiliated at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, writes in a conversational manner that is far different from the stiff exposition of a science textbook. Yet he conveys as much about how astronomers deduce the physical and chemical properties of exoplanets as he does about the planets themselves. While thousands of exoplanets are now known, Deacon's text comprises only twenty short chapters, each devoted to a single planet, or to a solar system of planets orbiting around their own sun. These are not necessarily the most interesting or unusual planets, but each one is exploited to introduce one method or another by which researchers have deduced the nature of objects of its type, such as their size, mass, and orbit, or whether they are rocky, gaseous, atmosphere-bearing, aqueous, possibly habitable, or even perhaps composed of diamond. The reader who sets out to enjoy a popular account may end up with a serious understanding . . . of these alien worlds. Recommended." * Choice *"With Deacon's book we not only see that there are a multitude of worlds out there, but the variety and conditions in which they were born are as strange as we could hope to imagine. They all have individual characteristics, some similar to our own family, others bizarrely different. His choice of worlds, I feel, has been carefully done, to show the known variety in the family of discovered planets. . . . Deacon's style of writing is easy to follow and keeps the reader interested throughout. . . . The book was very enjoyable to read and the 200 pages kept the reader wanting more, I genuinely felt I was both entertained and informed." * Physics Education *"A wonderfully enjoyable tour of twenty diverse worlds that orbit distant stars. Deacon uses simple ideas from science to show us how each world has its own personality—its own story. Twenty Worlds is an accessible introduction to some of the most exciting discoveries in astronomy." -- Michael E. Summers, professor of planetary sciences and astronomy, George Mason University

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Book SynopsisWhile concerns about climate change have focused negative attention on the coal industry in recent years, as descendants of the industrial revolution we have all benefitted from the mining of the black seam. Coal has influenced significantly the course of human history and our social and natural environments. This book takes readers on a journey through the extraordinary artistic responses to coal, from its role in the works of writers such as Zola, Lawrence, and Orwell, to the way it inspired the work of painters including Turner, Monet and Van Gogh and the place of coal in film, song and folklore as well as the surprising allure of coal tourism. This strikingly illustrated book provides an engaging and informative insight into the myriad ways coal has affected our lives.Trade Review“This entertaining and informative study of coal's place in history ranges from its use in medieval domestic hearths through its underpinning of the British Empire to its role in the politics of climate change. Highlighting too coal's representation in art and literature, Crane's account is highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand and challenge the legacies of the Anthropocene.” -- Alan Lester, professor of historical geography, University of Sussex"Crane’s fascinating history of the material that drove the engines of the Industrial Revolution has done both the coal industry and the climate movement a huge favor. . . . Lucidly written, minutely detailed, Coal is a highly readable and deeply knowledgeable history of the stuff that made the world we live in." -- Mark Williams, emeritus professor of English, Victoria University of Wellington

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Book SynopsisThis book is a vision of biology set within the entire timescale of the universe. It is about the timing of life, from microsecond movements to evolutionary changes over millions of years. Human consciousness is riveted to seconds, but a split-second time delay in perception means that we are unaware of anything until it has already happened. We live in the very recent past. Over longer timescales, this book examines the lifespans of the oldest organisms, prospects for human life extension, the evolution of whales and turtles, and the explosive beginning of life 4 billion years ago. With its poetry, social commentary and humour, this book will appeal to everyone interested in the natural world.Trade ReviewAfter reading Nicholas P. Money’s deeply fascinating book, I realised I was looking at the world around me in a completely different way. It takes the reader on a journey that starts with a fraction of a second and ends with a billion years, in a book about the passage of time that is different from any other I have ever read.-Torbjørn Ekelund, author of 'In Praise of Paths: Walking Through Time and Nature' (2020)Table of ContentsPreface 1 BALLISTICS - Fractions of Seconds 2 BEATS - Seconds 3 BATS - Minutes and Hours 4 BLOSSOMS - Days, Weeks and Months 5 BROODS - Years 6 BEARS - Decades 7 BOWHEADS - Centuries 8 BRISTLECONES - Millennia 9 BASILOSAURS - Millions of years 10 BEGINNINGS - Billions of Years References Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThe space race was perhaps the greatest technological contest of the 20th century. It was a thrilling era of innovation, discovery and exploration, as astronauts and cosmonauts were launched on space missions of increasing length, complexity and danger. The Greatest Adventure traces the events of this extraordinary period, describing the initial string of Soviet achievements: the first satellite in orbit; the first animal, man and woman in space; the first spacewalk; as well as the ultimate US victory in the race to land on the moon. The book then takes the reader on a journey through the following decades of space exploration to the present time, detailing the many successes, tragedies, risks and rewards of space exploration.Trade Review‘A fresh, crisp, and insightful chronicle. Burgess wings the reader through humankind’s initial, sometimes faltering, journeys into outer space; and our first footprints on another world. But these were just the start. Strap in! From these beginnings mankind personally touches the Kosmos in its Greatest Adventure.’ – Charles D. Walker, engineer, corporate executive, and first commercial industry astronaut on Space Shuttle missions STS-41D, STS-51D, and STS-61B

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the sea and its meanings from ancient myths to contemporary geopolitics, from Atlantis to the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Richard Hamblyn traces a cultural and geographical journey from estuary to abyss, beginning with the topographies of the shoreline and ending with the likely futures of our maritime environments. Along the way, the sea becomes a site of work and endurance, of story and song, of language, leisure and longing. By considering the sea as both a physical and a cultural presence, this book shines new light upon it, and its indelible place in the human imagination.Trade Review“A whirlwind tour of the world’s seas and oceans . . . from oceanography and marine biology to the specialist language of seafarers to the sea as it is represented in art, music, film, and literature, to a dire warning of the sea’s vulnerability to anthropogenic global warming, overfishing, and the eternal life of plastics tossed unthinkingly into the sea. . . . What makes The Sea rare is Hamblyn’s intellectual agility, his capacity to write freshly (and with extraordinary economy) about everything he touches on. He holds my interest and admiration throughout this gorgeously illustrated book.” -- Jonathan Raban, author of "Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings" and editor of "The Oxford Book of the Sea"

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Book SynopsisMushrooms are loved, despised, feared and misunderstood. They have been a familiar part of nature throughout human history and occupy a special place in our consciousness. Now in paperback, Mushrooms introduces the mythology and science of the spectacular array of fungi that produce mushrooms, the history of our interactions with these curious and beautiful organisms, and the ways that humans use mushrooms as food, medicine and recreational drugs. Mushrooms release so many spores into the atmosphere that they may affect local weather conditions and promote rainfall. Poisonous mushrooms were described by classical writers and edible species were important in Roman cuisine. Mushrooms became the objects of scientific study in the seventeenth century. Pioneers of mushroom science have included paragons of eccentricity, and their remarkable stories are celebrated in this book.Trade Review"A fascinating tour around the weird world of mushrooms and of the people who study them. As a botanist I learned a lot about the natural world from the different perspective of these familiar yet obscure organisms."-- "Roland Ennos, University of Hull" "A well written, authoritative, and beautifully illustrated account of mushroom life and lore, leavened with humor. An ideal introduction to the most beautiful members of nature's least understood kingdom."-- "Richard Fortey FRS, author of Life: An Unauthorised Biography" "An excellent introductory textbook for a budding mycologist, or an attractive gift for a mushroom enthusiast. The book is superbly and colorfully illustrated, with many useful diagrams spread over sixteen chapters including mushroom superstition, evolution, ecology, poisons, and conservation."-- "Oxveg News" "I found it an easy read and devoured it in a single day. This will make a great present for the general naturalist as well as a diverting read for a long flight for the mycologist--especially at such a reasonable price for a hardback book today!"-- "IMA Fungus (Journal of the International Mycological Association)" "Money tells a riveting tale, based in fact, fiction, folkloric, and science to present a delightful introduction to a . . . very little understood aspect of Mother Nature."-- "Blue Wolf Reviews" "This book is simply amazing! It's a great read, and absolutely bursting--like an over-ripe puff-ball--with a marvelous mix of mushroom information."--Nigel Chaffey, Bath Spa University "Botany One" "Addressed to nature enthusiasts, Mushrooms is a perfect introduction to the kingdom of fungi. Each of the sixteen chapters is dedicated to a theme, ranging from Mushroom Science to Mushroom Superstition. Did you know that there is an Einstein of mycology? His name is A.H. Reginald Buller and his Researches on Fungi is considered the bible of mycology. Or that the largest organism in the world is a tangled web of hyphae that radiates for over 10 square km through a conifer forest in Oregon? Mushrooms addresses these questions and many more. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this little gem and recommend it to anyone interested in the world of mushrooms."-- "Economic Botany" "In Mushrooms, one gets an introduction into this fascinating world of fungi and a few highlights of the personalities of those who study them. The text is well organized for readers with little or no biology background, and it is also well written. . . . Overall, it is a how-to guide for the beginner studying mushrooms, and presents basic information on the biology and construction of fungi. This is enhanced by good illustrations using both modern photographs and also those derived from classic works. . . . Recommended."-- "Choice" "Money has done it again! Mushrooms is a masterful overview of mycology, written with clarity, wit, and affection. There simply is no better review of the subject out there. Mycophiles and gardeners--really, anyone who seeks to understand nature in a deeper way--will appreciate this excellent book. I know I do."-- "Eugenia Bone, author of Mycophilia: Revelations From the Weird World of Mushrooms" "Queer things, these mushrooms. The people who study them--mycologists--can be pretty interesting too. One used to walk to work wearing horse blinkers to preserve his eyes for his experiments on bioluminescent mushrooms. Another tested the edibility of every mushroom in his book, One Thousand American Fungi. 'As paragons of eccentricity, these individuals are peerless, ' writes Money, a US professor of botany, who has produced a fascinating read."-- "Organic Gardener (Australia)" "With his characteristically smart and sassy wit, Money guides us through the science of fungi but also tackles cultural themes less often explored by mycologists, including the contentious terrains of psychedelic fungi, their simmering histories of superstition, and the dubious undercurrents of the medicinal mushroom industry. Money delights in debunking fungal myths and misunderstandings. . . . Informative, entertaining, and at times provocative, Mushrooms combines science, cultural histories, and personal anecdotes in an inviting introduction for the novice venturing into fungal realms."--Alison Pouliot "Australian Garden History"

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Book SynopsisScience museums have paradoxes at their core. They must be accessible and fun while representing increasingly complex science. They must be both historic and contemporary. Their exhibits attract millions, but most of their objects remain in deep storage, seldom seen. This book delves into these conflicts, revealing the secret lives of science curators; where science objects come from and who uses them; and, ultimately, what science museums are for. With an insider’s eye, Samuel J.M.M. Alberti exposes the idiosyncratic past and intriguing current practice of these institutions, and sets out a map for their future.

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Book SynopsisThe most distant planets in our solar system, Uranus and Neptune were unknown by the ancients – Uranus was discovered in the 1780s and Neptune only in the 1840s. Our discovery and observation of both planets has been hampered by their sheer distance from Earth: there has only been one close encounter, Voyager 2 in the late 1980s. The Voyager mission revealed many enticing details about the planets and their moons, but also left many more questions unanswered. This book is an informative and accessible introduction to Uranus, Neptune and their moons. It takes the reader on a journey from discovery to the most recent observations made from space- and ground-based telescopes, and will appeal to amateur and professional astronomers alike.

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Book SynopsisNow available in paperback, this beautifully illustrated volume ranges across the entire history of Jupiter studies, from the naked-eye observations of the Babylonians and the Greeks, through the telescopic discoveries of Galileo and T.E.R. Phillips, to the explosion of information received from space probes. It brings our understanding of Jupiter right up to date and includes preliminary findings from the Juno space probe, while also providing valuable practical information for those who wish to make their own observations of the planet. Introducing planetary science in an accessible and engaging way, Jupiter will appeal to those who wish to have a better understanding of this magnificent planet and its unique place in the solar system.Trade Review'The scope of this book is very wide-ranging, including chapters on ancient observations of Jupiter, the origin and structure of the planet, features in its atmosphere, its satellites and the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impacts. It also features results from spacecraft – including some initial results from the current Juno mission . . . well written and easy to follow. It is also well illustrated, with numerous colour and blackand-white illustrations. There are a number of spacecraft images, plus amateur images and drawings . . . I enjoyed reading the book and it provides a good overview of the Jovian system for a general reader.' – Journal of the British Astronomical Association; 'In this superbly researched and illustrated guide to the giant planet, the authors have trawled through centuries of humanity's archives for documentation of Jupiter, looking for engaging ways to explain what astronomers know about the planet, and how they found out . . . the illustrations are exceptional, reproducing one archive gem after another . . . reading this comprehensive primer on Jupiter – and on planetary astronomy itself – is as enlightening as it is thoroughly enjoyable.' – BBC Sky at Night Magazine; 'The gas giant planet Jupiter, with its red spot and ever-changing meteorology, has fascinated human curiosity since as far back as records exist thousands of years ago. William Sheehan and Thomas Hockey add to the Kosmos series of books exploring our Solar System and beyond by looking not only at the historical and cultural context of Jupiter’s continued significance but also by exploring its parts, from its atmosphere and weather patterns, to its rings and moons. They present the knowledge accumulated from the earliest observations by Galileo to the Juno mission’s latest discoveries' – Nature Astronomy; 'a glossy coffee-table title, packed with more than 100 images and illustrations. The opening chapters do a good job in tackling the birth of the solar system and all the Jovian planets; describing how they formed; before delving into Jupiter itself, layer by layer, from atmosphere to core . . . Sheehan and Hockey’s language is clear . . . the book is well-paced . . . a useful and practical planetary-science primer', – Physics World; 'For more about the largest planet in our solar system, check out the beautiful hardcover book Jupiter by William Sheehan and Thomas Hockey, from the Kosmos series. We handpick reading recommendations we think you may like' – Curiosity.com; 'This book is especially strong on a survey of amateur observations of Jupiter, and for that reason alone it is a useful addition to the literature.', Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage

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Book SynopsisSimulating the Cosmos is a behind-the-scenes look into one of the hottest and fastest-moving areas of astrophysics today: simulations of cosmology and galaxy formation, which illustrate how everything we see in the universe arose out of the primordial soup of the Big Bang. Leading cosmologist Romeel Davé guides you through the trials and tribulations of what it takes to put the universe into a computer, the amazing new insights revealed by cosmological simulations, and the many mysteries yet to be solved. This rollicking and extraordinary journey is a rare glimpse into science in action, showing how cosmologists are using the laws of physics and supercomputers to uncover the secrets of why the universe looks the way it does."

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Book SynopsisBy turns creative and destructive, wind spreads seeds, fills sails and disperses the energy of the sun. Worshipped since antiquity, wind has moulded planets, decided the outcome of innumerable battles and shaped the evolution of humans and animals – yet it remains intangible and unpredictable. In this book Louise M. Pryke explores the science behind wind, as well as how it has been imagined and portrayed in myth, religion, art and literature since ancient times. Its formative effect on the Earth’s environment is reflected in its prominent role in myths and religions of antiquity. In the modern day, wind has inspired ground-breaking scientific innovations, and appeared in artistic works as diverse as the art of Van Gogh, the poetry of Keats and the blockbuster film Twister.

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Book SynopsisFrom small beach pebbles to huge megaliths, stones have been revered, collected, enhanced, sculpted or engraved for practical and artistic purposes throughout the ages. They have been used to delineate boundaries and to build homes and shelters, and utilized for cooking, games and competitions. This surprising and fascinating compendium of stone facts, myths and stories reveals the impact and importance of stones in our history and culture. Cally Oldershaw introduces the science in an accessible way and covers the aesthetic appeal of stones, their practical uses and metaphysical properties. With an eclectic mix of examples from the Stone Age to the present, Stones engagingly excavates the story of this essential matter.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Geology and the Science of Stones Chapter 1: Stone Tools, Weapons, Implements and Building Stones Chapter 2: Testimony in Stone Chapter 3: Stones and the Creative Mind Chapter 4: Medicinal, Health and Healing Stones Chapter 5: Collectors, Collections and Collecting Stones Appendix: Starting Your Collection References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisA fascinating and comprehensive guide to the sun – our home star – which remains the greatest mystery in the solar system, and why understanding it is pivotal to our future existence here on Earth.In 1869, a great mystery was born. As astronomers observed a total solar eclipse, for the first time they saw the faint glow of the solar corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere. Measurements of a previously unknown wavelength that made up this solar light sparked hot debate among scientists, but it was another sixty years before they discovered that this wavelength was in fact iron being burned at a staggering 3 million degrees Celsius. With the sun’s surface only 6,000 degrees, this shouldn’t be possible. What we now knew about the sun appeared to defy the laws of physics – and nature.But as well as being shrouded in intriguing mystery, the unpredictable nature of the sun’s corona poses a serious threat to our life here on earth – the destructive potential of solar storms, caused by solar material travelling out into space at around 1 million miles an hour, is huge. Remaining beyond our reach until now, a new generation of ambitious solar missions are currently travelling closer to the sun than any previous spacecraft in history. As we enter this unprecedented era of heliophysics, there has never been a better time to get to grips with the workings of our home star.Trade ReviewA highly readable and topical account of the life and times of our neighbourhood nuclear furnace, on which all life on Earth depends – the sun. Colin Stuart pulls together an amazing amount of physics in an enjoyable narrative which conveys information painlessly. I read it at a sitting, and look forward to a more leisurely second look. * John Gribbin *Surprisingly, considering its fundamental importance to life on Earth, the sun has been the Cinderella of astronomical popular science. In this fascinating and in-depth exploration of our friendly neighbourhood star, Colin Stuart makes sure that Cinderella gets to the ball. * Brian Clegg *A thrilling story of not only the sun’s inner workings and how it affects the Earth, but how we’ve come to understand the raw power of our local star. Beautifully written – Colin Stuart explains these mind-expanding details with crystal clarity. * Lewis Dartnell *An exceptionally clear and comprehensive account of how science has unpicked the manifold secrets of the sun. * Dr Paul Parsons, author of 30-Second Theories *A deep-dive into what we currently know about the workings of our sun, and some of the big questions that remain unanswered. Indispensable for solar enthusiasts. * Melanie Windridge, author of Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights *A compelling portrait of the Sun * Nature Magazine *

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Book SynopsisSince ancient times, we have tried to make sense of our universe by observing objects far beyond our abilities to see or touch – from the smallest atom to the farthest star.This book covers, in chronological order, all the key discoveries and remarkable minds in each scientific field, including Aristotle’s geocentric model of the cosmos, Darwin’s theory of evolution, Newton’s theory of gravity and Einstein’s theory of relativity. Also included are fascinating anecdotes about the lives of influential scientists: learn how Ptolemy fixed his results to match his theories; Freud used cocaine to expand his mind; and Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, was banned from using university computers after being caught hacking.Revealing how human curiosity knows no bounds, and how the field of science has evolved over the last 2,500 years, this book breaks everything down into easily digestible sections to give a broad overview of the fascinating history of science.

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Book Synopsis'A lucid, balanced and engaging tour of one of the most important phenomena of this century.' – Steven PinkerFrom the face recognition on your smartphone to the management of our global economy, you cannot live in the modern world without interacting with, or being impacted by, artificial intelligence and robots. But how did this happen? And what does it mean for our lives now and in the future? Is it helping to change our world for the better or creating new problems? 10 Short Lessons in Artificial Intelligence & Robotics examines these key questions and more in this essential guide to the twenty-first century’s most powerful technology.About the series: The Pocket Einstein series is a collection of essential pocket-sized guides for anyone looking to understand a little more about some of the most relevant science that affects us all in the twenty-first century. Broken down into ten simple lessons and written by leading experts in their field, discover the ten most important takeaways from those areas of science we should all know more about.Trade ReviewArtificial Intelligence is both a fascinating topic and a pressing issue. But much of the commentary has been not-so-intelligent, discussing this technology as an awesome or terrifying form of black magic. Peter Bentley is a true expert, and has given us a lucid, balanced and engaging tour of one of the most important phenomena of this century. -- Steven Pinker, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of How the Mind Works and Enlightenment Now.The best, clearest, and most readable short guide to this vital area. You'll find out where we are now, how we got here, and even where we might be going. -- Owen Holland, professor of cognitive robotics in the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science at the University of SussexAn inviting romp through the ongoing history of AI and robotics, as told by one its major players. Not only does Professor Bentley bring to life the many successes, failures and breath-taking reversals of the field, but he helpfully shines a light into the many corners of thought that bear upon the quest to create smart machines. His story is all the more gripping because it reveals how chasing artificial intelligence demands the very best of human intelligence: creativity, diversity of thought, and intellectual bravery. Highly recommended for those who wish to join the adventure. -- Josh Bongard, professor of evolutionary robotics at the University of Vermont, and a 2010 PECASE awardeePeter Bentley is a brilliant AI researcher ... In this book, he gives us an engaging description of the most important advances in AI and robotics that will change our lives. The easy-flowing narrative, interesting anecdotes and curiosities that pepper the book make it difficult to put it down before you have turned the last page. -- Dario Floreano, Director of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and co-author of Evolutionary Robotics: The Biology, Intelligence, and Technology of Self-Organizing Machines

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Book Synopsis'Extremely authoritative. The best book I have read on space travel since Arthur C. Clarke's classic, The Promise of Space.' Marcus ChownIn an era of rapidly developing technology and renewed ambition, the twenty-first century has ushered in an exciting new age of space flight. But what has brought us to this point in our exploration of the universe? And what does the future of space travel hold? From the amazing technology that has enabled us to look beyond the clouds to the possibilities of space tourism, 10 Short Lessons in Space Travel takes a timely look at the essential lessons learned from our voyages into outer space.About the series: The Pocket Einstein series is a collection of essential pocket-sized guides for anyone looking to understand a little more about some of the most relevant science that affects us all in the twenty-first century. Broken down into ten simple lessons and written by leading experts in their field, discover the ten most important takeaways from those areas of science we should all know more about.Trade ReviewA nice, easily digestible read to making your own giant leap into the future. -- Nicholas Booth, co-author of The Search for Life on Mars: The Greatest Scientific Detective Story of All TimeCompact, informative and entertaining – essential reading for any budding astronaut. -- Giles Sparrow, author of Hubble: Window on the UniverseSoon space travel will open itself up to paying members of the public. Parsons' guide is essential reading for would-be astronauts young and old. -- Colin Stuart, author of How to Live in Space

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Book SynopsisA unique insight into one of science’s greatest minds of the last half-century. Undoubtedly the most famous name in science and the very face of physics over the last half-century, Stephen Hawking was remarkable for many reasons. Not least because he continued to strive to achieve so much while being hindered by debilitating illness. He demonstrated categorically that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything, no matter your physical state. Of course, it helps if you happen to possess a mind such as he did. His work on black holes put him on the map, and he became globally famous for his A Brief History of Time, communicating the most difficult scientific ideas at a period when he’d lost the ability to speak.

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