Popular science Books

Book SynopsisDigital SLR cameras have made it easier than ever before to photograph the night sky. Whether you''re a beginner, nature photographer, or serious astronomer, this is the definitive handbook to capturing the heavens. Starting with simple projects for beginners such as cameras on tripods, it then moves onto more advanced projects including telescope photography and methods of astronomical research. With 80% revised and updated material, this new edition covers nightscapes, eclipses, using cameras with sky trackers and telescopes, and tools for identifying celestial objects and investigating them scientifically. Image processing is discussed in detail, with worked examples from three popular software packages - Nebulosity, Maxlm DL, and PixInsight. Rather than taking a recipe-book approach, Covington explains how your equipment works as well as offering advice on many practical considerations, such as choice of set-up and the testing of lenses, making this a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in astrophotography.Trade Review'Overall, the coverage is impressive, with an initial discussion of basic concepts.' Storm Dunlop, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Part I. DSLRs for Astrophotography: 1. Welcome to DSLR astrophotography; 2. Digital image technology; 3. DSLR operation; 4. Five simple projects; Part II. Equipment and Techniques: 5. Deep-sky image acquisition; 6. Coupling cameras to telescopes; 7. Camera lenses; 8. Tracking the stars; 9. Precision tracking and guiding; 10. Power and camera control in the field; Part III. Image Processing: 11. Deep-sky image processing; 12. Workflow with specific software; 13. More image processing techniques; 14. Sun, moon, eclipses, and planets; Part IV. Advanced Topics: 15. Sensor performance; 16. Testing sensors; 17. Spectral response and filter modification; 18. Tools for astronomical research; Part V. Appendices; A. Digital processing of film images; B. Exposure tables; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe column, 20 Things You Didn't Know About is a feature of the "Discover Magazine". This book is based on this column. It is drawn from a wide variety of scientific fields, including: space disasters, garbage, sleep, meteors, death, ancient weapons, rats, aliens, bees, sperm banks, internet, birth, sex in space, weather, duct tape and germs.

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Book SynopsisHigh Price is the harrowing and inspiring memoir of neuroscientist Carl Hart, a leading researcher in the field of drug addiction, who grew up in one of Miami’s toughest neighborhoods and, determined to make a difference as an adult, tirelessly applies his scientific training to help save real lives.WINNER OF THE PEN/E. O. WILSON LITERARY SCIENCE WRITING AWARD Young Carl didn''t see the value of school, studying just enough to keep him on the basketball team. Today, he is a cutting-edge neuroscientist—Columbia University’s first tenured African American professor in the sciences—whose landmark, controversial research is redefining our understanding of addiction.In this provocative and eye-opening memoir, Dr. Carl Hart recalls his journey of self-discovery, how he escaped a life of crime and drugs and avoided becoming one of the crack addicts he now studies. Interweaving past and present, Hart goes be

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Book SynopsisNature has published news about the history of life ever since its first issue in 1869. This work brings together 19 review articles written for Nature over the past decade. Topics include major extinction events, homeotic genes and body plans and the origin and evolution of the primates.

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Book SynopsisThis text explores energy's role in nature, how and where it originates, what it does, and what becomes of it. Using a wide range of scientific disciplines, Pielou looks at the myriad of ways in which energy and its transfers affect the earth and its inhabitants.

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Book SynopsisTakes us deep into the sea to introduce an astonishing cast of fascinating and bizarre creatures that make the salty depths their home. This title educates us with the wealth of life in the sea-and reminding us of the need to protect it.Trade Review"The ocean is endlessly fascinating and mysterious. With her easy and engaging writing, Ellen Prager conveys a deeply delightful introduction to all kinds of ocean creatures and their links to society. A great book for beginners and one even experts can learn from and enjoy, this is possibly the best general book ever written on creatures of the deep." -Carl Safina, author of The View From Lazy Point "Prager... uses breezy, accessible prose to evoke the beauty and magic of the underwater world." -Wall Street Journal"

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Book SynopsisAn account of the concepts and intellectual structure of classical thermodynamics that reveals the subject's simplicity and coherence.Students of physics, chemistry, and engineering are taught classical thermodynamics through its methods—a “problems first” approach that neglects the subject's concepts and intellectual structure. In Thermodynamic Weirdness, Don Lemons fills this gap, offering a nonmathematical account of the ideas of classical thermodynamics in all its non-Newtonian “weirdness.” By emphasizing the ideas and their relationship to one another, Lemons reveals the simplicity and coherence of classical thermodynamics. Lemons presents concepts in an order that is both chronological and logical, mapping the rise and fall of ideas in such a way that the ideas that were abandoned illuminate the ideas that took their place. Selections from primary sources, including writings by Daniel Fahrenheit, Antoine Lavoisier, James Joule

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Book SynopsisA revised and expanded edition of Quammen's first book of nonfiction, including the best of his recent work.

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Book SynopsisAn intimate look at the people behind some of the great discoveries of our time.

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Book SynopsisOne of our greatest scientific minds reflects on the role of science in the twenty-first century.Trade Review"Martin Rees provides sage advice on why and about what scientists should communicate with the rest of society, and what they might expect in return. He also offers a wonderful sampling of what we now know, don’t know, and likely won’t know from scientific study—now and in the future." -- Alan Leshner, chief executive officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science"We finesse our relationship to a dangerous and glorious world through science. As no one else can, Martin Rees finesses our relationship to science." -- Stewart Brand, founder of the Whole Earth Catalog and author of Whole Earth Discipline"[A] pithy explanation of the role of science in the global economy." -- The Times"An absorbing summation of the state of science today." -- BBC Focus

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining, eye-opening guide to what math and physics can reveal about sports.Trade Review"...Barrow’s writing is accessible and entertaining, just the thing for mathematically minded sports fans." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisIn this optimistic and inspiring book, Peter Whybrow, the prize-winning author of American Mania, returns to offer a prescription for genuine human progress.Trade Review"Though The Well-Tuned Brain is packed with powerful recent research, its punch comes from the philosophical meditation at its core. Peter Whybrow ponders how living our best lives can make the best world. This book is a courageous manifesto about human frailty that delineates the care with which we need to treat ourselves and those around us. We ignore its message at terrible personal and social cost." -- Andrew Solomon, National Book Award–winning author of The Noonday Demon and Far from the Tree"As we face the biggest problems civilizations have ever confronted—climate change above all—it’s crucial that we understand why our brains are being hijacked in the wrong direction. Peter Whybrow’s book does exactly that, making it possible for us to summon the grace and will necessary to do the right thing." -- Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet"In The Well-Tuned Brain Peter Whybrow combines gripping big themes with an abundance of fascinating stories. The big themes revolve around the collision between our ancient human habits, our human brains often operating on autopilot, and the seductive material success of our modern market economy. You’ll find this book as rich and as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable." -- Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel and The World Until Yesterday

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Book SynopsisA lively exploration of the surprising role that electricity plays in our bodies.Trade Review"This is a wonderful book. Frances Ashcroft has a rare gift for making difficult subjects accessible and fascinating." -- Bill Bryson, author of At Home: A Short History of Private Life

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Book SynopsisAn unforgettable tour of the strange and wonderful universes that modern physics posits might-just might-be out there.

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Book SynopsisDNA evidence not only solves crimes—in Sean Carroll's hands it will now end the Evolution Wars.Trade Review"I recommend [The Making of the Fittest] to everybody who wants to understand more [about evolution], because it is written in such simple yet detailed language.... Quite a pleasure to read." -- Ira Flatow - NPR "Science Friday""The rare scientist with an easygoing writing style." -- Dan Vergano - USA Today"The best refutation of intelligent design." -- SEED"An adept and wide-ranging writer." -- Steve Olson - Washington Post"A fast-paced look how DNA demonstrates the evolutionary process.... Carroll offers some provocative and convincing evidence." -- Publishers Weekly"With fervor and clarity, Carroll amasses a glut of facts to refute the twisted logic of the anti-Darwinist camp." -- Josie Glausiusz - Discover

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Book Synopsis“There can be few better guides to the bewildering array of potential universes, and none so readable or entertaining.”—Manjit Kumar, The IndependentTrade Review"Starred Review. A narrative laced with humor and poetry . . . mind-expanding." -- Booklist"A solid overview of the evolution of cosmology, with illuminating coverage of the current state of the art." -- Kirkus Reviews"As it turns out, exercising the brain cells in thinking about such matters is great fun, and The Book of Universes is an excellent place to start such an exploration." -- New Statesman"Entertaining and accessible." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book Synopsis“Does an excellent job of using evolutionary biology to discuss the origins of religion, music, art, and . . . morality.”—Publishers Weekly, starred reviewTrade Review"Starred review. Readers of diverse perspectives will recognize [Pagel’s] timely wisdom." -- Booklist"Gorgeously written, elegantly argued, Pagel demonstrates that genes are only a small part of the human success story; minds and culture are the larger part. A compelling read that allows us to appreciate everything around us with fresh eyes." -- David Eagleman, author of Tales of the Afterlives and Incognito"An intriguing combination of information...with an optimistic prediction of a future global society in which inventiveness and cooperation prevail." -- Kirkus Reviews"Starred review. Pagel does an excellent job of using evolutionary biology to discuss the origins of religion, music, and art, and the reason why, cross-culturally, we generally share a sense of morality." -- Publishers Weekly"This richly rewarding work of science explains the evolutionary significance of living in a collaborative culture. Human evolution may be the hottest area in popular science writing, ahead even of books about cosmology and the brain. Within this crowded field, Mark Pagel’s Wired for Culture stands out for both its sweeping erudition and its accessibility to the non-specialist reader." -- Clive Clarkson - Financial Times

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Book Synopsis“A charming, thoughtful book, one that makes a powerful case for smiles as ‘social acts with consequences.’ ”—Boston Sunday GlobeTrade Review"Yale psychology professor Marianne LaFrance draws on the latest research—in fields from biology to anthropology to computer science—in an effort to shed some light on the happy face." -- O, The Oprah Magazine"LaFrance’s extensive research, clear and sometimes humorous writing, and interdisciplinary approach make this a very fine book for anyone who smiles (or doesn’t)." -- Publishers Weekly"LaFrance shows that there is much more to a pair of upturned lips than meets the eye." -- Scientific American"A masterly example of social sciences at its best—a look at how researchers do their work, what questions they ask, how answers lead to new questions, and why all of this matters in our everyday lives. . . . LaFrance’s true subject is not simply the smile but its uniquely human double purpose: to convey our feelings—and disguise them." -- Wall Street Journal

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining, eye-opening guide to what math and physics can reveal about sports.Trade Review"“[A] fast-paced, lighthearted book that revels in the brainier side of brawn." -- Fangfei Shen - Discover"Barrow delivers the math and science goods for every sports fan who’s ever wondered how to ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ or what the best positions are to reduce air resistance while sky-diving…Accessible and entertaining, just the thing for mathematically minded sports fans." -- Publishers Weekly"An illuminating mix for sports fans and math buffs looking to hone their skills." -- Kirkus Reviews"Readers will marvel at how much mathematics can illuminate athletes’ most amazing feats. . . . Sports fans and nerds will fight over this book!" -- Bryce Christensen - Booklist

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Book Synopsis"This is a wonderful book. Frances Ashcroft has a rare gift for making difficult subjects accessible and fascinating." —Bill Bryson, author of The Body: A Guide for OccupantsTrade Review"A gem that sparkles." -- William Bynum - Wall Street Journal"Ashcroft celebrates 'the body electric.'…Fascinating." -- Nature"An extraordinary fusion of culture and cutting-edge science." -- Nick Smith - Engineering and Technology"The more incredible the process, the more elegant Ashcroft's explanation…Ashcroft's book carries the eponymous spark of life." -- Telegraph"The human body is a symphony of complicated chemical and electrical signals. Let Ashcroft’s book serve as your program guide." -- Tony Miksanek - Booklist (starred review)

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Book SynopsisIn this optimistic and inspiring book, Peter Whybrow, the prize-winning author of American Mania, returns to offer a prescription for genuine human progress.Trade Review"Though The Well-Tuned Brain is packed with powerful recent research, its punch comes from the philosophical meditation at its core. Peter Whybrow ponders how living our best lives can make the best world. This book is a courageous manifesto about human frailty that delineates the care with which we need to treat ourselves and those around us. We ignore its message at terrible personal and social cost." -- Andrew Solomon, National Book Award–winning author of The Noonday Demon and Far from the Tree"As we face the biggest problems civilizations have ever confronted—climate change above all—it’s crucial that we understand why our brains are being hijacked in the wrong direction. Peter Whybrow’s book does exactly that, making it possible for us to summon the grace and will necessary to do the right thing." -- Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet"Combines gripping big themes with an abundance of fascinating stories. The big themes revolve around the collision between our ancient human habits, our human brains often operating on autopilot, and the seductive material success of our modern market economy. You’ll find this book as rich and as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable." -- Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel and The World Until Yesterday

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Book SynopsisA Next Big Idea Club Must-Read Nonfiction Book of Winter 2020 and a Real Simple Best Book of 2020 (So Far) A revelatory investigation of friendship, with profound implications for our understanding of what humans and animals alike need to thrive across a lifetime.Trade Review"Accessible and enlightening...By highlighting the importance of human connection, Denworth has crafted a worthy call to action." -- Barbara King - Washington Post"[Denworth] has a solid command of the complex material before her and a seemingly effortless ability to make it not just digestible but engaging... [She] sticks to the science, calmly telling us the truth no matter what we need to hear. What else are friends for?" -- Daniel Akst - Wall Street Journal"The power of friendship—in many ways the most essential of our relationships—has long been underestimated. It's an absolute pleasure to see Lydia Denworth do it justice in this lovely, insightful, and important book." -- Deborah Blum, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Poison Squad"Friendship was once mocked as a naive notion, irrelevant in our species and nonexistent in others. In her lively, personable style, Lydia Denworth reviews what we know about the benefits of close relationships and their long evolutionary history" -- Frans de Waal, author of Mama’s Last Hug"The science of friendship has grown remarkably rich in recent years, with scientists studying everything from the chemicals that create bonds in our brains to the friendships animals make for years on end. There's a deep evolutionary story to friendship now, and Lydia Denworth tells it in clear, lyrical prose." -- Carl Zimmer, author of She Has Her Mother's Laugh"Critical and convincing... Denworth’s work achieves the best of science writing by making complicated concepts clear. She uses intelligent observation, empathy, and curiosity to offer a friendship manifesto that will absolutely affect readers' own personal approaches to friendship." -- Booklist (starred review)"In addition to examining the scientific underpinnings of friendship, Denworth capably demonstrates how loneliness...is truly a health- and life-threatening condition, and there are things to be done to avoid it. Convincing evidence that evolution endowed us with a need for friends, support, comfort, stimulation, and, ultimately, happiness." -- Kirkus Reviews"Denworth draws several striking conclusions...[Friendship] provide[s] an effective introduction to its subject." -- Publishers Weekly"A sweeping, precise, and engaging narrative about our primordial capacity for friendship. If you care about what really matters in life, read this fantastic natural history of human friendship." -- Nicholas A. Christakis, author of Blueprint: The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society"I can think of no better rebuke to today’s success-obsessed brand of parenting than Denworth’s clarion call for friendship. Her convincing narration of the science shows that for our kids to live happily ever after, and successfully too, we must let them spend many more afternoons with friends." -- Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult

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Book SynopsisFrom the host of the History channel’s Brad Meltzer’s Decoded: the laws of the universe like you’ve never experienced them before. This approachable book explains the world of physics with clarity, humor, and a dash of adventure. Physics for Rock Stars is not a weighty treatise on science, but a personal tour of physics from a quirky friend.Anyone who’s ever wondered why nature abhors a vacuum, what causes magnetic attraction, or how to jump off a moving train or do a perfect stage dive will find answers and a few laughs too. No equations, numbers, or tricky concepts—just an inspiring and comical romp through the basics of physics and the beauty of the organized universe.

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Book SynopsisProfessor Luke O’Neill, one of the leading voices of authority during the Covid 19 Pandemic, grapples with life’s biggest questions and tells us what science has to say about them. From gender to pandemics, a fascinating and thought-provoking addition to current popular debates.

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

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Book SynopsisIn 1884, Edwin A. Abbott published a brilliant novel about mathematics and philosophy that charmed and fascinated all of England. As both a witty satire of Victorian society and a means by which to explore the fourth dimension, Flatland remains a tour de force. Now, British mathematician and accomplished science writer Ian Stewart has written a fascinating, modern sequel to Abbott''s book. Through larger-than-life characters and an inspired story line, Flatterland explores our present understanding of the shape and origins of the universe, the nature of space, time, and matter, as well as modern geometries and their applications. The journey begins when our heroine, Victoria Line, comes upon her great-great-grandfather A. Square''s diary, hidden in the attic. The writings help her to contact the Space Hopper, who becomes her guide and mentor through eleven dimensions. Along the way, we meet SchrÃger''s Cat, The Charming Construction Entity, The Mandelblot (who lives in Fractalia), and Moobius the one-sided cow. In the tradition of Alice in Wonder-land and The Phantom Toll Booth, this magnificent investigation into the nature of reality is destined to become a modern classic.

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Book SynopsisThis engaging book provides teachers and parents with easy, fun-filled, and memorable experiments, revealing truths about God and his creation.

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Book Synopsiscosmologist and is ideal beach reading for anyone who loves science and watches the show-no matter which planet the beach is on.Trade ReviewDo you have to be a Doctor Who fan to read this book? No, but it helps. And if you aren't when you begin, you will probably be one by the end. -- Charlene Brusso SF Site This exploration of the long-running TV series delivers on its promise to answer the kinds of questions raised by the best of science fiction. The book takes readers on a satisfying romp through labs around the world where the show's fantastical ideas are explained and, in some cases, shown moving closer to reality. -- Erika Engelhaupt Science News 2010 Anyone who enjoys reading popular science magazines should get a kick out of The Science of Doctor Who. -- Cathy Green SFRevu 2010 It had to happen that someone would write The Science of Doctor Who, and we're all very fortunate that Paul Parsons was the one who did it... If you only read one Science of XYZ book this year, make it this one. -- Don Sakers Analog Science Fiction and Fact 2010 Parsons has written an engaging work accessible to lay audiences and interesting even to those not fanatical about the long-running BBC series... Accessible and entertaining, this is suitable for public and academic libraries and possibly also high school collections. Library Journal 2010 Parsons, a scientist and journalist, is an unabashed fan of Doctor Who and does a good job of making the convoluted plots and characters decipherable, even to non-aficionados, and of explaining the research and science, often cutting edge, that has even a change of making the plots possible... Useful as popular reading and in courses covering the science of science fiction. Choice 2010Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsThe Eleven DoctorsPart I: Doctor in the Tardis1. Who Is the Doctor?2. Time and Relative Dimension in Space, or Tardis3. Into the Vortex4. Regeneration5. One Giant Leap for DIY6. Partners in TimePart II: Aliens of London and Beyond7. Other Worlds8. Carnival of Monsters9. The Cybermen10. The Daleks11. The Slitheen12. The Autons13. The Silurians and the Sea Devils14. The Sontarans15. Martians, Go Home!16. The Krynoid17. Stupid Apes18. Exile to Earth19. The Human Empire20. Invasion EarthPart III: Robot Dogs, Psychic Paper, and Other Celestial Toys21. Scanning for Alien Tech22. Just What the Doctor Ordered23. K-9 and Company24. Psychic Paper25. Space-flight26. Space Stations and Moonbases27. Bombs, Bullets, and Death Rays28. Force Fields29. The MatrixPart IV: Mission to the Unknown30. Event One31. The Eye of Harmony and Other Black Holes32. Journeys through E-Space33. Strange Stars and Mirror Planets34. The More Things Change35. The End of TimeEpilogueList fo Episodes by DoctorFurther ReadingIndex

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Book SynopsisRead this book and enjoy your own Aha!moment.Trade ReviewAn excellent piece of work with lots of fascinating information inside. -- Brian Clegg Popular Science 2011 Essays are fun, involving... and will appeal to both general readers and collections from high school into college grades. Midwest Book Review 2011 Grimvall's book should appeal to and amuse a wide audience, extending from professional scientists, teachres, school kids, newspaper columnists to the...average citizen. -- Philip J. Davis SIAM News 2011 A wonderful read for everyone, emphasizing how scientists and engineers tend to think about examples from daily life that are expressed by numbers... Highly recommended. Choice 2011Table of ContentsPreface1. Numbers1.1. Numerical LiteracyBabylon, Babble, and BillionPrefixesWhat Is the Point?1.2. The Power of LogarithmsOrder of MagnitudeHot Air Balloons and Renard NumbersFinding Fraud in Figures1.3. What Is Typical?The Height of an AdultSocial Competence and Personal EncountersHit by Returning Rocket1.4. EstimatesIs Anybody Out There?Sand, Sibyl, Olympic Medals, and HomeopathyCover the Earth with Paper2. Measures2.1. What Is It on a Scale?The Richter ScaleNuclear Incidents and AccidentsNatural Threats2.2. Comparing Apples and OrangesHuman Well-Being and PovertyTrack and FieldAt Scout Camp2.3. UnitsGoing Metric—Inch by InchHorsepower and ManpowerThe Loss of a Spacecraft2.4. On the RoadLeft-Hand TrafficThe Value of a LifeGasoline Here and There3. Accuracy and Significance3.1. Could You Be More Precise, Please?What Is Austria's Population?A Slim WaistMan on the Moon3.2. Significant?FlunkingA Change in OpinionError Bars3.3. Limiti ValuesWill Your iPod Make You Deaf?Lethal DoseThe Weakest Link3.4. A Fair Games?Winning by a Small MarginAccurate TimingAre All Sports Venues Equivalent?4. Extrapolations4.1. The Dangerous ExponentialThe Rule of 72A Problematic RewardSuddenly Nothing Was Left4.2. The Ubiquitous Straight LineDubious ExtrapolationsMoore's LawLow Radiation Level and Cancer4.3. ScalingBig and Small FishGulliverRoasting a Turkey4.4. Looking AheadThe Law of Diminishing ReturnsThe Sign of the Second DerivativeLynx and Hare5. Models5.1. What Are the Chances?ProofreadingLosing a LegSunday Traffic5.2. Seeking the OptimumTax Rates and the AutobahnRunning to the RescueSelecting the Best Golf Club5.3. Focus on the EssentialHow Small Can a Mouse Be?The Age of the Earth5.4. A Loud PartyOhm's Law Is Not a LawA Mad PursuitIs Coulomb's Law Exact?6. The Real World6.1. Plausible, but Not CorrectThe Unridable BicycleChurch Windows and Lead RoofsThe Bathtub Vortex6.2. You See What You Want to SeeWaves Are Rolling InGalileo Galilei's TrialSubmarines and Mink6.3. Suddenly Something HappensFishing Nets, Coffee Percolators, and the WebGoethe and the Height of TreesSupercooled Rain and Critical Mass6.4. Engineering versus ScienceSlapstickNot a Schoolbook ProblemHoisting a Sack7. Tricks of the Trade7.1. A Crash Course in Science ThinkingDinghy, Anchor, and PoolUp and Down the EscalatorThe Floating Apple7.2. Is the Formula Accurate Enough?ObesityWind Chill TemperatureThe Size of a Ship7.3. Characteristic QuantitiesHow Deep Is Deep?The Coldest Day of the YearGalileo Galilei, Basketball, and Table Tennis7.4. Impress Them!What Is Your BMI?The Aeolian HarpOne Trick and Two AreasEpilogue: Seven Principles in Scientific LiteracyNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisTakes us on a tour of millions of years of history, from Earth's primordial soup to the first forms of life, from the four conditions needed for natural selection to the evolution of modern humans.Trade Review"It is not often that the books I am asked to review go missing. After hours of searching, I found the arrant item, with the spine cracked, in my teenage son's room - an otherwise book-free zone. I can offer no higher recommendation...Every classroom should have this book." (New Scientist)"

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Book SynopsisHow the brain helps us to understand and navigate space—and why, sometimes, it doesn’t work the way it should.Trade Review"Christopher 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. For all his navigational shortcomings, Kemp is an expert guide to the most complex landscape of all: the human brain. He’s a natural storyteller, a deft explainer, and a terrific and funny writer." -- Mary Roach, author of Fuzz"Christopher Kemp’s brilliant and beguiling new book reveals that behind the curtain of the seemingly quotidian act of traversing space lies an array of intricate neuroscientific magic tricks, temporal feats of strength, hiccups, and elusive mysteries. Like the brain itself, Kemp’s wild writing quakes and sparks, uncovering the lyric lurking in the neuroscientific, the hilarious in the incantatory." -- Matthew Gavin Frank, author of Flight of the Diamond Smugglers"A dazzling—at times dizzying—exploration of brains and places, how they trouble one another and how they give one another meaning." -- Robert Moor, author of On Trails"A fascinating and sneakily amusing book. 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 Wild Ones and 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 Livewired"As both scientist and scribe, Kemp brings his gifts of curiosity and intelligence to bear on the topic of navigation and shows us that there is no shame in being lost. On the contrary, Kemp demonstrates that to be continuously and authentically in search of our place on Earth is a wondrous thing." -- M. R. O’Connor, author of Wayfinding"Finding our way is a basic necessity of life, yet it is mostly taken for granted. Kemp effectively explains just how complex and astonishing that task really is." -- Tony Miksanek - Booklist"An intense lesson in the neuroscience of getting around." -- Kirkus"This tome is no textbook. It is designed to be accessible to a large audience: Nonscientists will benefit from Kemp’s capacity to render vivid representations of the complexity of living organisms, but scientists, too, are likely to gain something from reading this book." -- Marcia Bécu and Christian F. Doeller - Science"Kemp debunks numerous myths, including the idea that females possess poorer navigational skills than males, and reflects on the difference between the navigational abilities of modern humans versus those of Neanderthals. What separates the two, he suggests, is the use of the subjunctive form, which led to humans being better at navigating. Kemp peppers in accounts of his own poor navigational abilities and colorful stories of people getting lost, which keep things moving along. The result is both enjoyable and accessible." -- Publishers Weekly

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