Science & Nature Books

Book SynopsisFocuses a razor light on the plight of one of our most iconic birds. Inspirational!' Tim BirkheadCurlews are Britain's largest wading bird, known for their evocative calls which embody wild places; they provoke a range of emotions that many have expressed in poetry, art and music.A bird stands alone on the edge of a mudflat. Its silhouette is unmistakable. A plump body sits atop stilty legs. The long neck arcs into a small head, which tapers further into a long curved bill. The smooth, convex outlines of this curlew are alluring. They touch some ancestral liking we all have for shapes that are round and smooth.Over the last 20 years numbers in the UK have halved; the Eurasian Curlew is one of our most endangered birds. With a quarter of the world population breeding in the UK and Ireland, this is nothing short of a disaster. The curlew is showing all the signs of being the next Great Auk.In Curlew Moon, Mary Colwell takes us on a 500-mile journey on foot from the west coast of Ireland Trade Review‘Focuses a razor light on the plight of one of our most iconic birds. Inspirational!’ Tim Birkhead ‘Curlew Moon is a book with an urgent and important message’ Times Literary Supplement ‘Well-crafted and thoughtful … meticulously researched and charmingly illustrated’ Country Life ‘Readable, highly informed and heartfelt … Colwell has lovely poetic insights’ Mark Cocker, Spectator ‘An odyssey for an age of extinction’ Guardian ‘A fascinating blend of Curlews, agricultural history, culture and poetry – written beautifully’ Graham Appleton, Wadertales blog

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Book SynopsisMel Cash BA, LCSP (Assoc) has been a massage therapist since 1985, and has become one of the world's leading authorities on the subject through his books. He is the principal tutor of the London School of Sports Massage, and has lectured in anatomy and physiology at the University of Westminster.

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Book SynopsisAn intelligently provocative book about Darwin's other' theory discusses the curious ways in which sexual attraction has influenced the evolution of the human mind.Many aspects of the human mind remain mysterious. While Darwinian natural selection can explain the evolution of most life on earth, it has never seemed fully adequate to explain the aspects of our minds that seem most uniquely and profoundly human - art, morality, consciousness, creativity and language. Yet these aspects of human nature need not remain evolutionary mysteries. Until fairly recently most biologists have ignored or rejected Darwin''s claims for the other great force of evolution - sexual selection through mate choice, which favours traits simply because they prove attractive to the opposite sex. But over recent years biologists have taken up Darwin''s insights into how the reproduction of the sexiest is as much a focus of evolution as the survival of the fittest.WitTrade ReviewIntriguing... The discussion of the mind as a mechanism of attracting mates is fascinating * Washington Post Book World *A refined, an intellectually ingenious, and a very civilised discussion of the possible importance of sexual selection for mental evolution -- John Constable, Cambridge University * Psychology, Evolution, and Gender *Entertaining and wide-ranging * Nerve *Flies in the face of evolutionary orthodoxy - proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and others - which suggests that cultures evolve on their own, separate from the evolution of the human mind * Observer *Thoughtful, witty and vividly written -- Richard Dawkins

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Book Synopsis''Compulsively readable...Green threatens to do for string theory what Stephen Hawking did for holes'' New York TimesIn this international bestseller, Columbia University professor Brian Greene provides, in layman's terms, a comprehensive demystification of string theory. Greene, one of the world''s leading string theorists, peels away layers of the unknown, through introducing concepts from quantum mechanics to general relativity, to reveal a universe that consists of eleven dimensions. Accessible and enlightening, Greene''s inimitable blend of expert scientific insight and literary ingenuity makes The Elegant Universe an exhilarating read that brings us closer to understanding how our magnificent universe works. Utterly absorbing...a brilliant achievement. An accessible, equationless account of strings' Sunday TelegraphTrade ReviewDevelops one fresh new insight after another... In the great tradition of physicists writing for the masses, The Elegant Universe sets a standard that will be hard to beat * New York Times Book Review *Utterly absorbing...a brilliant achievement. An accessible, equationless account of strings, explaining why they are generating so much excitement among their devotees. Greene's achievement is to make us feel at home in the chillingly abstract world of strings and to convince us that we must take it seriously * Sunday Telegraph *As rewarding as it gets... A thrilling ride through a lovely landscape... A compelling human saga * Los Angeles Times Book Review *Compulsively readable...Green threatens to do for string theory what Stephen Hawking did for holes * New York *[A] tour-de-force of science writing...peels away layers of detail and reveals the stunning essence of cutting-edge physics -- Shing-Tung Yau, Harvard University; Fields Medalist, winner of the National Medal of Science

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Book SynopsisSpanning the globe and several centuries, this is the story of the quest to decipher the master-code that makes and defines humans, that governs our form and function. It is also an intimate history of the author's own family and its recurring pattern of mental illness, reminding us that genetics is vitally relevant to everyday lives.Trade ReviewWith a marriage of architectural precision and luscious narrative, an eye for both the paradoxical detail and the unsettling irony, and a genius for locating the emotional truths buried in chemical abstractions, Mukherjee leaves you feeling as though you’ve just aced a college course for which you’d been afraid to register — and enjoyed every minute of it -- Andrew Solomon * Washington Post *[Siddhartha Mukherjee] is the perfect person to guide us through the past, present, and future of genome science… It is up to all of us—not just scientists, government officials, and people fortunate enough to lead foundations—to think hard about these new technologies and how they should and should not be used. Reading The Gene will get you the point where you can actively engage in that debate. -- Bill Gates * Gatesnotes *The Gene is prodigious, sweeping, and ultimately transcendent. If you’re interested in what it means to be human, today and in the tomorrows to come, you must read this book. -- Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All the Light We Cannot SeeDramatic and precise... [A] thrilling and comprehensive account of what seems certain to be the most radical, controversial and, to borrow from the subtitle, intimate science of our time... He is a natural storyteller... A page-turner... Read this book and steel yourself for what comes next. -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *The story […] has been told, piecemeal, in different ways, but never before with the scope and grandeur that Siddhartha Mukherjee brings to his new history, The Gene. He fully justifies the claim that it is “one of the most powerful and dangerous ideas in the history of science.” … Definitive -- James Gleick * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisFrom the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Guns, Germs and SteelMore than 98 % of human genes are shared with two species of chimpanzee. The ''third'' chimpanzee is man. Jared Diamond surveys our life-cycle, culture, sexuality and destructive urges both towards ourselves and the planet to explore the ways in which we are uniquely human yet still influenced by our animal origins.Trade ReviewEloquent and knowledgeable account of the tiny genetic difference between humans and chimps * Independent *Some biologists are just scientists; but some truly are thinkers. Jared Diamond is one of the latter. Whatever he applies himself to, his contribution is original and worthwhile -- Colin TudgeA fascinating portrait with more than enough uncomfortable facts to stop any dinner-party conversation in its tracks - an important book * Financial Times *Confirms Diamond as an impressive scholar and popularizer-an enjoyable, stimulating and audacious book * Nature *

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Book SynopsisAbout our authors THEODORE L. BROWN received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1956. Since then, he has been a member of the faculty of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he is now Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus. He served as Vice Chancellor for Research, and Dean of The Graduate College, from 1980 to 1986, and as Founding Director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology from 1987 to 1993. Professor Brown has been an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellow and has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship. In 1972 he was awarded the American Chemical Society Award for Research in Inorganic Chemistry and received the American Chemical Society Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry in 1993. He has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Chemical Table of Contents1. Introduction: Matter, Energy, and Measurement 2. Atoms, Molecules, and Ions 3. Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry 4. Reactions in Aqueous Solution 5. Thermochemistry 6. Electronic Structure of Atoms 7. Periodic Properties of the Elements 8. Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding 9. Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories 10. Gases 11. Liquids and Intermolecular Forces 12. Solids and Modern Materials 13. Properties of Solutions 14. Chemical Kinetics 15. Chemical Equilibrium 16. Acid—Base Equilibria 17. Additional Aspects of Aqueous Equilibria 18. Chemistry of the Environment 19. Chemical Thermodynamics 20. Electrochemistry 21. Nuclear Chemistry 22. Chemistry of the Nonmetals 23. Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry 24. The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry Appendices Mathematical Operations Properties of Water Thermodynamic Quantities for Selected Substances at 298.15 K (25ο C) Aqueous Equilibrium Constants Standard Reduction Potentials at 25ο C Answers to Selected Exercises Answers to Give It Some Thought Answers to Go Figure Answer to Selected Practice Exercises Glossary Photo and Art Credits

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1966, THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE has held its own as a clear and authoritative introduction to the world of biochemistry. This fourth edition has been fully updated and revised to include the latest developments in DNA and protein synthesis, cell regulation, and their social and medical implications.

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Book Synopsis''A passionate defence of the enduring power of human nature ... both life-affirming and deeply satisfying'' Daily TelegraphRecently many people have assumed that we are blank slates shaped by our environment. But this denies the heart of our being: human nature. Violence is not just a product of society; male and female minds are different; the genes we give our children shape them more than our parenting practices. To acknowledge our innate abilities, Pinker shows, is not to condone inequality, but to understand the very foundations of humanity.''Brilliant ... enjoyable, informative, clear, humane'' New Scientist''If you think the nature-nurture debate has been resolved, you are wrong ... this book is required reading'' Literary Review''An original and vital contribution to science and also a rattling good read'' Matt Ridley, Sunday Telegraph ''Startling ... This is a breath of air for a topic that has been politicized for too long'' EconomistTrade ReviewA passionate defence of the enduring power of human nature ... both life-affirming and deeply satisfying -- Tim Lott * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *Brilliant ... enjoyable, informative, clear, humane * New Scientist *If you think the nature-nurture debate has been resolved, you are wrong ... this book is required reading * Literary Review *An original and vital contribution to science and also a rattling good read -- Matt Ridley * Sunday Telegraph *Table of ContentsThe blank slate, the noble savage and the ghost in the machine: the official theory; silly putty; the last wall to fall; culture vultures; the slate's last stand. Fear and loathing: political scientists; the Holy Trinity. Human nature with a human face: the fear of inequality; the fear of imperfectability; the fear of determinism; the fear of nihilism. Know thyself: in touch with reality; out of our depths; the many roots of our suffering; the sanctimonious animal. Hot buttons: politics; violence; gender; children; the arts. The voice of the species. Appendix: Donald E. Brown's list of human universals.

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Book SynopsisA dazzling, passionate polemic against anti-science movements of all kindsCover note: Each copy of the new edition of Unweaving the Rainbow features a unique wavelength pattern. No two covers are exactly alike.Keats accused Newton of destroying the poetry of the rainbow by explaining the origin of its colours. In this illuminating and provocative book, Richard Dawkins argues that Keats could not have been more mistaken, and shows how an understanding of science enhances our wonder of the world. He argues that mysteries do not lose their poetry because they are solved: the solution is often more beautiful than the puzzle, uncovering even deeper mysteries. Dawkins takes up the most important and compelling topics in modern science, from astronomy and genetics to language and virtual reality, combining them in a landmark statement on the human appetite for wonder.Cover note: Each copy of the new edition of Unweaving the Rainbow feaTrade ReviewA brilliant assertion of the wonder and excitement of real, tough, grown-up science -- A. S. Byatt, 'Books of the Year' * Daily Telegraph *The way Dawkins writes about science is not just a brain-tonic. It is more like an extended stay on a brain health-farm ... You come out feeling lean, tuned and enormously more intelligent -- John Carey * Sunday Times *Beautifully written and full of interesting, original ideas. Essential reading * The Times *For Dawkins there is more poetry, not less, in the rainbow because of Newton ... he weaves rainbows of wonder from other provinces of science and then unleashes his fury on those who accuse scientists like him of being unimaginative * Sunday Times *Brilliantly entertaining and stimulating * Observer *

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Book SynopsisThe International Bestseller by ''The Galileo of number crunchers'' (Independent)Every time we choose a route to work, decide whether to go on a second date, or set aside money for a rainy day, we are making a prediction about the future. Yet from the financial crisis to ecological disasters, we routinely fail to foresee hugely significant events, often at great cost to society. The rise of ''big data'' has the potential to help us predict the future, yet much of it is misleading, useless or distracting.In The Signal and the Noise, the New York Times political forecaster Nate Silver, who accurately predicted the results of every state in the 2012 US election, reveals how we can all develop better foresight in an uncertain world. From the stock market to the poker table, from earthquakes to the economy, he takes us on an enthralling insider''s tour of the high-stakes world of forecasting, showing how we can all learn to detect the true signals amid a noise of data. ''Remarkable and rewarding'' Matthew D''Ancona, Sunday Telegraph''A lucid explanation of how to think probabilistically'' GuardianTrade ReviewOutstanding... I was hooked -- Tim Harford * Financial Times *One of the more momentous books of the decade * The New York Times Book Review *A lucid explanation of how to think probabilistically * Guardian *The inhabitants of Westminster are speed-reading The Signal and the Noise... They will find the book remarkable and rewarding * Sunday Telegraph *Is there anything now that Nate Silver could tell us that we wouldn't believe? * Jonathan Freedland *Fascinating... our age's Brunel -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *A surprisingly accessible peek into the world of mathematical probability -- Daily TelegraphThe Galileo of number crunchers * Independent *A 34-year old Delphic Oracle * Daily Beast *

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringSymbiosis, the sustained and intimate associations between unrelated life forms, is now recognized as a ubiquitous phenomenon, one that has shaped evolution since the origin of life and that continues to affect all species. This overview of symbiosis starts with a quick history of relevant early discoveries and researchers, and considers why symbiosis was so long neglected as a respectable topic of biological research and why it was a controversial topic. Today, symbiosis is widely appreciated as being everywhere in nature and as a pervasive influence on ecological communities. One chapter explores the fundamental drivers that lead to symbiotic associations, using examples ranging from sap-feeding insects to marine flatworms to coniferous forests to illustrate the nature of services exchanged between symbiotic partners. Another considers the evolutionary stability of symbiotic partnerships, which can quickly decay in the face of symbiotic cheating.Certain symbioses that have had an outsized impact on life on Earth, and on Earth itself, are given particular attention. A full chapter is devoted to the most consequential of all symbioses: the origin of the complex (eukaryotic) cell, and the origin of chloroplasts and green plants. Other triumphs of symbiosis described include the root-fungus associations that enabled plants to colonize land 450 million years ago, gut microbial communities that empower animals to utilize a wide range of foods including plant fiber wood and sap, and coral-algal symbioses that resulted in the rise of coral reefs.Analyses of genomic DNA have been important in symbiosis research, and this Very Short Introduction describes these molecular approaches, explaining how they sparked discovery of previously unknown symbionts, including those in our own bodies. Molecular data also have enabled us to understand the roles of symbionts within hosts, and the ages of symbiont-host associations, which range from hundreds of millions of years to very recent.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

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Book SynopsisIn Why We Teach Science (and Why We Should), former high school teacher and historian of science education John L. Rudolph examines the reasons we've long given for teaching science and assesses how they hold up to what we know about what students really learn.Trade ReviewScience education isn't just for producing future scientists. It's for producing science literate citizens. The benefits of science literacy, long accepted in US education, are now being questioned and even attacked. In Why We Teach Science, Rudolph examines how well science education has served this purpose and finds it lacking. He argues for a new approach to teaching science, one that meets the needs of a science literate society. * Gale M. Sinatra, University of Southern California. Co-Author of Science Denial: Why It Happens And What to Do About It *In Why We Teach Science and Why We Should, John Rudolph provocatively interrogates the discrepancy between the professed aims of American science education and the way in which it is actually conducted, ending with a compelling plea to reorient science education to serve science and society effectively. * Glenn Branch, deputy director, National Center for Science Education *This book is an essential read for anybody with any interest in what goes on in science education in our schools. Drawing from a lifetime of scholarship, he shows how we got to where we are today, and then, how that is failing the overwhelming majority of our children. He offers a new innovative vision of how to do justice to science and to young people. * Jonathan Osborne, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University *Science has been seen as both the cause and the solution to every American dilemma for the past sixty years. In Why We Teach Science, John L. Rudolph pushes beyond the clichés of those debates to offer a unique, clear-eyed prescription for the kind of science education we really need. * Adam Laats, author of Fundamentalist U and Creationism USA *In Why We Teach Science, John Rudolph reflects on Americans' distressing lack of understanding of how science creates reliable knowledge, so starkly revealed by the pandemic. Building on the wisdom of visionaries like Carl Sagan and James Rutherford, he argues convincingly for a new type of science education that focuses on having students learn "where science sits as a knowledge-producing institution in society and the value scientific expertise offers". Beautifully written, Rudolph correctly challenges our long-standing focus on teaching science facts. Badly needed are thousands of college professors to lead the way by addressing this urgent call. * Bruce Alberts, Chancellor's Leadership Chair in Biochemistry and Biophysics for Science and Education, University of California, San Francisco *What goals should science education aim for? And are today's schools achieving those goals? Why We Teach Science provides a lucid and comprehensive framework for thinking about these questions, outlining a practical philosophy for science education while also persuasively arguing that some goals are more worth achieving than others. * Andrew Shtulman, Professor of Psychology, Occidental College, author of scienceblind *A timely book by one of the country's best and most interesting thinkers about the history and current practice of science. * Ethan Hutt, University of North Carolina *There is a great deal to admire in this book and the desired audience is not restricted to academics or educators. There is potential for this work to stir conversation and perhaps shape policy. Rudolph gives voice to countless grumbling conversations science education professors have. * John Settlage, University of Connecticut *The topic is timely; the pandemic and climate change have increased attention to science education, and Rudolph writes thoughtfully. * Andy Zucker, Concord Consortium (retired) *In a thoroughly researched yet accessible style, Rudolph provides an overview of the evolution of the why and how of formal science education from the late 1800s to the present. * Choice *Why we Teach Science (and Why we Should)should be read by every science educator and teacher. The more we come to realize that change is needed, the more likely it is for this change to happen. John Rudolph is to be commended for writing a book that is a call for change. * Kostas Kampourakis, Progress in Science Education *Table of ContentsIntroduction What We Say 1: The Reasons We Teach Science What We Do 2: The Science Education We Have 3: Should We Be Training More Scientists? The Numbers Say No 4: The Failure of Scientific Literacy 5: How Well Does the Science Education We Have Actually Work? 6: Science Education for Better Thinking and the Limits of

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Book SynopsisWe live in a world teeming with parasites. Many animal behaviors, including social interactions, mating displays, and decisions about where to move, nest, and forage are shaped by interactions with parasites. The same is true for humans, where our attraction to mates, hygienic behaviors, food choices, and decisions about when and where to gather in groups often depend on current and perceived infection risk. In turn, behaviors like social distancing and self-medication can alter the trajectories of parasite transmission and evolution, as vividly illustrated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The myriad connections between animal behavior and parasitism have been the subject of growing research interest since the 1970s and 80s, when fundamental theories linking the two fields of study emerged. Since then, a combination of conceptual and technological advances, and increased integration of ideas across disciplines, have helped to uncover fascinating new connections between animal behaviorTrade ReviewGiven the myriad effects parasites exert on various facets of host biology and behavior, this scholarly, well-researched text will appeal to a broad range of biologists with widely varying interests. * Choice *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA Better Ape will transform evolutionary approaches to human morality and to human cultural evolution. With elegant, often stirring prose, and rigorous, scientifically-informed arguments, Kumar and Campbell not only illuminate the origins of human morality but also show how morality has driven human evolution. * Allen Buchanan, Laureate Professor of Philosophy, The University of Arizona *Kumar and Campbell weave a tale of the past, present, and future of moral psychology by unifying some of the most compelling theories from philosophy, biology, psychology, comparative cognition, and anthropology. The story is masterfully told, and reading the book is like reading the end of a Sherlock Holmes story, when we learn how all the clues fit together. But this book isn't just for people who already have the pieces of the puzzle. Kumar and Campbell offer clear and concise descriptions of leading theories in human evolution and moral psychology, giving just enough background to allow anyone to come along for the ride. Their argument that Darwinism richly explains morality is an important contribution to the ongoing debates. * Kristin Andrews, Professor of Philosophy and Research Chair in Animal Minds, York University *In this beautifully written book, Kumar and Campbell argue that evolution explains the emergence of morality, and, more strikingly, that human morality has subsequently played a key role in shaping our biological nature. A Better Ape manages that rare feat of making an important, novel contribution while also being a joy to read * Shaun Nichols, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Cognitive Science, Cornell University *Written in a clear, accessible style, this book presents a compelling synthesis of the best ideas in contemporary evolutionary theory and moral philosophy. A brilliant example of how philosophical reflection on topics of perennial concern can be enriched through deep engagement with the human sciences. * Joseph Heath, Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto *Kumar (Boston Univ.) and Campbell (Dalhousie Univ.) are both scholars of philosophy and science (cognitive science and environmentalism, respectively) and in this excellent book, they explore the evolution of human morality as a biocultural adaptation and the resulting rise of collective living and human intelligence...this study is an important addition to the literature on human morality and intelligence. * Choice *This is an exceptionally well-written book, the prose is crisp, clean, and elegant-and it draws on a wealth of research in evolutionary biology and psychology. * R. Paul Thompson, Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of ContentsPreface: Origins Introduction: Morality I. MORAL APES 1: Altruism 2: Emotions II. MORAL MINDS 3: Norms 4: Pluralism 5: Reasoning III. MORAL CULTURES 6: Tribes 7: Societies IV. MORAL PROGRESS 8: Progress 9: Inclusivity 10: Equality Coda: Survival Acknowledgments Notes References

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Book SynopsisGenetics: Genes, Genomes, and Evolution presents fundamental principles of genetics and molecular biology from an evolutionary perspective, as informed by genome analysis. Using what has been learned from analyses of bacterial and eukaryotic genomes as its basis, the book unites evolution, genomics, and genetics in one narrative approach.Trade ReviewThis is the book youve been looking for! A refreshing, new take on your classic genetics textbook. Its integrated approach successfully weaves basic and advanced topics, and leads students through the latest advances in the field. * André Antunes, Edge Hill University *A very well written book, which is easy to read and which includes many interesting examples, figures and videos. It ties different fields of genetics and molecular biology into a coherent entity using an evolutionary perspective. * Anneli Hoikkala, University of Jyvaskylä *An authoritative introductory genetics text which embeds all key concepts within their logical evolutionary framework. * Mike Jackson, Newcastle University *There are many textbooks on genetics that take a purely molecular biology approach. It is good to have an evolutionary perspective on genetic knowledge. * Jan Hoole, Keele University *I think that this book could be superior (to other textbooks) in linking the theory with the current knowledge of the genomic architectures of bacteria and eukaryotes and the state-of-the-art analytical approaches and technologies to address evolutionary questions. * Paolo Franchini, University of Konstanz *Genetics text books can be rather dry. This one shows the relevance of genetics, molecular biology and evolution to modern life and also the impact of previous events (wonderfully explained) on humans today. * Judith Lock, University of Southampton *A great textbook, easy to read (almost conversational writing style), excellent combination of text and colour figures. I would definitely recommend it. It is fresh and up to date, and the big advantage of this book is that it combines various disciplines at the undergraduate level, making for a strong cohesion in teaching. * Casper J. Breuker, Oxford Brookes University *Meneely et al. use considerably teaching skills to capture the attnetion of students with a modest background in chemistry and biology. I particularly admire their attention to the three themes of their textbook. New topics incorporate what was learned in earlier chapters and students benefit in the review it provides and the integration of new knowledge it promotes. This is a volume that I hope will go through many editions. * Elof Axel Carlson in The Quarterly Review of Biology, Volume 93 *Table of Contents1: Darwin's Finches: Evolution, Genomes, and Genes 2: The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology 3: Genome Structure, Organization, and Variation 4: Descent with Modification: DNA Replication and Mutation 5: The Inheritance of Single Gene Traits 6: The Cellular Basis for Mendelian Genetics 7: X-linked Genes and Sex Chromosomes 8: The Inheritance of Multiple Genes 9: The Locations of Genes on Chromosomes: Linkage and Genetic Maps 10: Human Genetic Mapping, Genome Wide Association Studies, and Complex Traits 11: Exchange and Evolution 12: Transcription: Reading and Expressing Genes 13: Translation: From Nucleic Acids to Amino Acids 14: Networks of Gene Regulation 15: Genetic Analysis of Cellular Processes 16: The Genetics of Populations 17: Metagenomes: Genome Analysis of Communities

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Book SynopsisPhysics, the fundamental science of matter and energy, encompasses all levels of nature from the subatomic to the cosmic, and underlies much of the technology around us. Understanding the physics of our universe is an essential aspect of humanity''s quest to understand our environment and our place within it. Doing physics enables us to explore the interaction between environment and human society, and can help us to work towards the future sustainability of the planet.This Very Short Introduction provides an overview of how this pervasive science came to be and how it works: who funds it, how physicists are trained and how they think, and how physics supports the technology we all use. Sidney Perkowitz presents the theories and outcomes of pure and applied physics from ideas of the Greek natural philosophers to modern quantum mechanics, cosmology, digital electronics and energy production. Considering its most consequential experiments, including recent results in elementary particles, gravitational waves and materials science, he also discusses outside the lab, the effects of physics on society, culture, and humanity''s vision of its place in the universe. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewFrom quarks to kitchen refrigerators, Sidney Perkowitz leads us on an illuminating romp through physics. In clear language, he shows us how the simple curiosity of people about how the world works has led us to understandings that can be sharedof what's inside the earth to black holes light years away. Its physics! * Professor Roald Hoffmann, Nobel Prize laureate for Chemistry *Table of Contents1: It all began with the Greeks 2: What physics covers and what it doesn't 3: How physics works 4: Physics applied and extended 5: A force in society 6: Future physics: unanswered questions Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisThe story of Isaac Newton's decades in London - as ambitious cosmopolitan gentleman, President of London's Royal Society, Master of the Mint, and investor in the slave trade.Trade ReviewAnyone interested in a detailed account of the later part of Newton's life, focusing on its social, political, and moral dimensions, will find this an especially illuminating book. * J W Dauben *Fara's story is full of colour... she is not just writing about Newton, she is painting a portrait of the age in which he lived, worked, schmoozed and manoeuvred... she also writes with an elegance and a wit you don't generally associate with history books. * Marcus Berkmann, Daily Mail *Science is always part of society, as Fara entertainingly shows. * BBC History Magazine *... fresh, fascinating study of his [Newton's] London career. * Andrew Robinson, Nature *... a highly unorthodox and groundbreaking book... revealing and beautifully written... * Vitali Vitaliev, E&T Magazine *Fara is a pleasingly lively historical guide... the sheer energy of the book shines through, giving readers a messier and more thornily human Newton than the cartoon renditions to which he's so often reduced. * Steve Donoghue, Christian Science Monitor *... impressively broad and multifaceted, making for an interesting, penetrating slice of history, personal and generally. * M A Orthofer, Complete Review *The rich historical background provided... is to be welcomed... this is an excellent account of Newton in London. * Brad Baxter, British Numismatic Journal *Table of ContentsList of illustrations Introduction Prologue Act I: The Theatre: Isaac Newton moves to the Metropolis 1: Living in Style 2: The Tower of London 3: Family Trees 4: The Rise and Rise of John Conduitt Act II: The Audience: Isaac Newton In London society 5: Fortune Hunters 6: The Royal Society 7: Hanover-upon-Thames Act III: The Play: Isaac Newton and English Imperialism 8: Making Money 9: Knowledge and Power 10: Going Global Epilogue Notes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed such fervent investigations of the natural world that the period has been called the ''Scientific Revolution.'' New ideas and discoveries not only redefined what human beings believed, knew, and could do, but also forced them to redefine themselves with respect to the strange new worlds revealed by ships and scalpels, telescopes and microscopes, experimentation and contemplation. Driven by religious devotion, by practical need, by the promise of fame and profit, or by the simple desire to know, a broad range of thinkers and workers explored and reconceptualized the world around them. Explanatory systems were made, discarded, and remade by some of the best-known names in the entire history of science - Copernicus, Galileo, Newton - and by many others less recognized but no less important. In this Very Short Introduction Lawrence M. Principe explores the exciting developments in the sciences of the stars (astronomy, astrology, and cosmoloTable of ContentsIntroduction: science and natural philosophy ; 1. New worlds and old worlds ; 2. The connected world ; 3. The superlunar world ; 4. The sublunar world ; 5. The microcosm and the living world ; 6. The artificial world ; 7. Building a world of science ; Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe hunt for the Higgs particle has involved the biggest, most expensive experiment ever. So exactly what is this particle? Why does it matter so much? What does it tell us about the Universe? Did the discovery announced on 4 July 2012 finish the search? And was finding it really worth all the effort?The short answer is yes. The Higgs field is proposed as the way in which particles gain mass - a fundamental property of matter. It''s the strongest indicator yet that the Standard Model of physics really does reflect the basic building blocks of our Universe. Little wonder the hunt and discovery of this new particle produced such intense media interest.Here, Jim Baggott explains the science behind the discovery, looking at how the concept of a Higgs field was invented, how the vast experiment was carried out, and its implications on our understanding of all mass in the Universe.Trade ReviewA thorough and readable explanation of the lengthy hunt for the Higgs boson and why its discovery last year is so important. * New Scientist *Higgs helps put Higgs' contribution in context ... It's a book I imagine the reticent Higgs would approve of. * Jessica Griggs, New Scientist *a tendency towards brevity and clarity make for a handy guide to the long hunt for an elusive quarry. * Nature *Higgs is an impressive volume, clarifying details, making the concepts that have been in dispute for years finally lucid ... Higgs drills deep under your skin, constantly ferreting out new vistas, easily escaping our eyes. Baggott brings these-and more-together to form a solid concept of the God Particle effort-read it. * San Francisco Book Review *Table of ContentsPREFACE; PROLOGUE: FORM AND SUBSTANCE; 1. INVENTION; 2. DISCOVERY; EPILOGUE: THE CONSTRUCTION OF MASS; ENDNOTES; GLOSSARY; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX

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Book SynopsisNutrition is a topic of wide interest and importance. In spite of growing understanding of the underlying biochemistry, and health campaigns such as ''five-a-day'', increasing obesity and reported food allergies and eating disorders, as well as the widely advertised ''supposed'' benefits of food supplements mean that a clear explanation of the basic principles of a healthy diet are vital. In this Very Short Introduction, David Bender explains the basic elements of food, the balance between energy intake and exercise, the problems of over- and under-nutrition, and raises the question of safety of nutritional supplements. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Why eat? ; 2. Energy nutrition ; 3. Protein nutrition ; 4. Over-nutrition - problems of overweight and obesity ; 5. Diet and health ; 6. Under-nutrition ; 7. Vitamins and minerals ; 8. Functional foods, superfoods, and supplements ; Glossary

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Book SynopsisTranslation of Forgerons et alchimistes.

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Book SynopsisDreamscapes of Modernity offers the first book-length treatment of sociotechnical imaginaries, a concept originated by Sheila Jasanoff and developed in close collaboration with Sang-Hyun Kim to describe how visions of scientific and technological progress carry with them implicit ideas about public purposes, collective futures, and the common good. The book presents a mix of case studies-including nuclear power in Austria, Chinese rice biotechnology, Korean stem cell research, the Indonesian Internet, US bioethics, global health, and more-to illustrate how the concept of sociotechnical imaginaries can lead to more sophisticated understandings of the national and transnational politics of science and technology. A theoretical introduction sets the stage for the contributors' wide-ranging analyses, and a conclusion gathers and synthesizes their collective findings. The book marks a major theoretical advance for a concept that has been rapidly taken up across the social sciences and promi

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Book SynopsisNew to Penguin Classics, the astonishing story of the Copernican Revolution, told through the words of the ground-breaking scientists who brought it aboutIn the late fifteenth century, it was believed that the earth stood motionless at the centre of a small, ordered cosmos. Just over two centuries later, everything had changed. Not only was the sun the centre of creation, but the entire practice of science had been revolutionised. This is the story of that astonishing transformation, told through the words of the astronomers and mathematicians at its heart. Bringing together excerpts from the works and letters of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Descartes, Newton and others for the first time, The Dawn of Modern Cosmology is the definitive record of one of the great turning points in human history.Edited with Translations, Notes and an Introduction by Aviva Rothman

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Book SynopsisAll you need to explore science is a kitchen, this book - and a dash of curiosityThe Kitchen Science Cookbook is a beautifully crafted book with a unique twist: each recipe is a science experiment that you can do at home, using the everyday ingredients you''ll find in your kitchen.No need to be a science expert -- these easy-to-follow recipes make mind-blowing science experiments fun for everyone. From sticky ice and raising raisins to balloon science and scrumptious slime, nanotechnologist and educator Michelle Dickinson shows that we can all be scientists, no matter how young or old. With recipes tested by hundreds of enthusiastic families around the world, The Kitchen Science Cookbook is the perfect gift for all ages.Trade ReviewFull of hands-on scientific learning experiences, where little ones can play, experiment, create, discover, explore, test and ultimately have a lot of fun. . . Dr Michelle Dickinson has an inspiring ability to make science accessible to all and this beautiful book easily brings science into the home where all you need is a kitchen, a recipe and a dash of curiosity * Natural Parent magazine *If bad weather keeps you indoors during the school holidays, this book could help pass a few hours or a few days * Cuisine *There is so much to love about this book. It's beautifully laid out and illustrated. . . Every child will be able to see themselves in it * The Sapling *Dickinson is a scientist on a mission, promoting the idea that science doesn't just happen in a classroom or laboratory but can be found everywhere and is for everyone * New Zealand Herald *Who knew you could make a candle out of an almond and a banana, or release your inner Rodin using milk to build sculptures? Turns out there are a load of interesting science experiments you can do using food or other kitchen staples, and this book is packed full of them. * Science Focus *Edible slime, jelly worms, 'unicorn noodles': what better way to entertain children than by making a mess in the name of science? * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis''Argues persuasively . . . nothing less than eye-opening'' Financial TimesCan we really restore the earth's atmosphere within our lifetime?Whether through sustainable technologies such as fossil-free steel production, hydrogen-powered ships and electric motorbikes, or natural solutions like rewilding peatlands, people all over the world are finding new ways to travel, feed themselves and drive industry while safeguarding a liveable planet for future generations.Drawing on decades of research and a vast network of experts, Rob Jackson, Chair of the Global Carbon Project, introduces some of the brilliant innovators behind the boldest solutions to climate change including an Eritrean agricultural scientist, a Swedish CEO and a Brazilian hydrologist.Now we have more tools to combat climate change than ever before, Into the Clear Blue Sky traces a clear path to a better future for us all one that will see us cutting emissions

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Book SynopsisLynne Boddy is professor of fungal ecology at Cardiff University. She has authored two academic books and a children's book for DK. In 2019, she was awarded an MBE for Services to Mycology and science outreach, and in 2021, she won the Arboricultural Association Award. Lynne has appeared on BBC's Deep Down and Dirty: the Science of Soil, and other TV shows. Ali Ashby is a fungal biologist and director of a life sciences consultancy company in Cambridge. She is a former Royal Society University Research Fellow. Ali is a member of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), the British Mycological Society (BMS) and coordinated the national BMS UK Fungus Day in 2013.

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Book SynopsisA renowned doctor, scientist, television presenter, and writer, Professor Robert Winston has contributed to numerous DK books. These include Home Lab (2016), which won the RNS Young People's Book Prize, and the award-winning DK book Utterly Amazing Human Body (2015).

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Guns, Germs and Steel, Jared Diamond''s Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive is a visionary study of the mysterious downfall of past civilizations.Now in a revised edition with a new afterword, Jared Diamond''s Collapse uncovers the secret behind why some societies flourish, while others founder - and what this means for our future.What happened to the people who made the forlorn long-abandoned statues of Easter Island?What happened to the architects of the crumbling Maya pyramids?Will we go the same way, our skyscrapers one day standing derelict and overgrown like the temples at Angkor Wat?Bringing together new evidence from a startling range of sources and piecing together the myriad influences, from climate to culture, that make societies self-destruct, Jared Diamond''s Collapse also shows how - unlike our ancestors - we can benefit from our knowledge of the past and learn to be sur

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about your own hands?Throughout history , civilisations have been defined by the work of human hands: inventing tools, writing records, operating machinery, typing, texting, swiping. But beneath this known history is another, secret story: our hands are not the obedient servants that they seem to be. Through conscious and unconscious gesture, they reveal our deepest psychology, our weaknesses and obsessions, our personal history and our social conditioning. Why do zombies walk with their hands outstretched? How does a new-born baby ''talk'' with his hands? What is the connection between prayer beads, snuff boxes and cell phones? And most importantly, can we unlock the mystery of our hands in order to truly know ourselves?The key to understanding everything around you - and everything within you - is staring you in the face. Take a journey through fascinating anecdotes and brilliant psychoanalytic research, through a Trade ReviewPublisher's description. Why do we play with our fingers when nervous? Why do zombies walk with their hands out? What connects prayer beads with iPhones? Journey down the psychoanalytic rabbit hole to discover the strange and fascinating secrets of what our hands really say about us... * Penguin *A breezy cultural history of fidgeting * Times Literary Supplement *Leader is a psychoanalyst with a sideline in smart, elegant books that explain ourselves to ourselves without using the jargon of clinical literature * Guardian *An intriguing meditation on how vital our hands are to our understanding of ourselves and our world * The Times *

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

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Book Synopsis Perfect for stargazers and armchair astronomers of all ages, CONSTELLATIONS is a beautifully illustrated, fascinatingguide to all 88 constellations, including an illustrated star map for each. In CONSTELLATIONS, award-winning astronomy writer Govert Schilling takes us on an unprecedented visual tour of all 88 constellations in our night sky. Much more than just a stargazer''s guide, CONSTELLATIONS is complete history of astronomy as told by Schilling through the lens of each constellation. The book is organized alphabetically by constellation. Profiles of each constellation include basic information such as size, visibility, and number of stars, as well as information on the discovery and naming of the constellation and associated lore. Beyond details about the constellation itself is information about every astronomical event that took place or discovery made in the vicinity o

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Book SynopsisâœIn this masterful book, Julian Hughes makes a convincing case that many acts in clinical and care practice are ethical matters. Hughes takes us gently through a jungle of philosophical ideas and explores a series of ethical issues in dementia care, such as diagnosis, covert medication and end of life care. His humanity shines through as he favours a values-based approach to care, and concludes by declaring (in the spirit of Tom Kitwood) that the person must be placed first in order to do what is right and good for people living with dementia. A must-have volume for practitioners, social scientists and enlightened general readers.âTom Dening, Professor of Dementia Research, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UKâœThis book is totally brilliant. The outstanding author Dr. Julian Hughes must now be considered the foremost ethicist of his generation when it comes to caring for individuals with dementia â This is now the book that everyone who carTable of ContentsPart 1. Theory and Everyday Life 1. Introduction: In anticipation – so what?2. The “problem” of ethics3. Ethical theories: Viva las virtudes!4. Ethical approaches5. Practical approaches: casuistry and values-based practice6. An idea: patterns of practicePart 2. Notions of Note7. Stigma and resources8. From autonomy to relational autonomy9. From paternalism to solicitude10. Dignity11. Capacity and consent12. Best interests13. Personhood and citizenshipPart 3. Ethical research and principles14. Dementia and ethics research15. The Nuffield Council’s report16. Research ethics, biomarkers and geneticsPart 4. Dilemmas in Practice17. Diagnosis18. Maintaining independence19. Technology20. Abuse21. Accepting care22. Behaviour23. Forced care24. Medication25. Sexuality and intimacy26. Truth-telling27. Hospital admission28. Food and drink29. Antibiotics and infections30. Ethics in the time of a pandemic31. Resuscitation32. Death and dyingPart 5. Conclusion33. Putting it all together – patterns of practice34. So what?

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Book SynopsisRichard Feynman was the most brilliant and influential physicist of our time. Architect of quantum theories, enfant terrible of the atomic bomb project, caustic inquisitor on the space shuttle commission, ebulent bongo-player and storyteller - Feynman played a bewildering assortment of roles in the science of the post-war era.A brilliant interweaving of Richard Feynman''s colourful life and a detailed and accessible account of his theories and experiments.Trade Reviewthe book is a moving, beautifully written literate and perceptive account of Feynman's life. NATURE I came away from Genius feeling that I knew a lot more about Feynman and his play in 20th century science. SUNDAY TIMES Gleick's narrative, consistently measured and elegant is a formidable work of scientific biography. NEW STATESMEN thoughtful and fascinating. THE LITERARY REVIEW

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Book SynopsisSucceed in your biology course with this updated Sixth Edition of BIOLOGY TODAY AND TOMORROW WITHOUT PHYSIOLOGY. Packed with real-world applications, the book offers chunked content in a clear, straightforward writing style, beautiful art and a variety of in-text learning tools. The accompanying MindTap for Biology includes multimedia instruction, assessments, videos, personalized study tools and more. With this easy-to-read, engaging text, you'll learn about biology from the perspective of issues relevant to your daily life.Table of Contents1. Invitation to Biology. Unit I: How Cells Work. 2. Molecules of Life. 3. Cell Structure. 4. Energy and Metabolism. 5. Photosynthesis. 6. Releasing Chemical Energy. Unit II: Genetics. 7. DNA Structure and Function. 8. Gene Expression and Control. 9. How Cells Reproduce. 10. Patterns of Inheritance. 11. Biotechnology. Unit III: Evolution and Diversity. 12. Evidence of Evolution. 13. Processes of Evolution. 14. Prokaryotes, Protists, and Viruses. 15. Plants and Fungi. 16. Animal Evolution. Unit IV: Ecology. 17. Population Ecology. 18. Communities and Ecosystems. 19. The Biosphere and Human Effects.

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Book SynopsisEnvironmental endocrine disruptors have been at the heart of discussions about chemicals and their effects on fertility, but the focus has been on organic compounds and the role of metals has been largely overlooked - until now. Taking an organ-system-based approach, Metals, Fertility, and Reproductive Toxicity examines the effects of metals found in the everyday environment on fertility rates in humans and animal populations.This volume summarizes and evaluates the literature in the area of metal effects on fertility and reproduction in humans, laboratory animals, and wildlife. International experts have contributed chapters that explore how the ovary, testes, uterine system, and neuroendocrine system, among others, respond to metal exposure. Reviewing both current knowledge and cutting edge data, the chapters focus on either a particular metal or a particular population.A massive amount of data on this subject has been generated, summarized, and reviewed over the yTable of ContentsIntroduction. Reproductive Toxicity of Mercury, Cadmium, and Arsenic. Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Organotin Compounds. Adverse Effects of Aluminum, Uranium, and Vanadium on Reproduction and Intrauterine Development in Mammals. Intrauterine and Reproductive Toxicity of Nutritionally Essential Metals. Lead Exposure and Its Effects on the Reproductive System. Impact of Metals on Ovarian Function. Epidemiological and Occupational Studies of Metals in Male Reproductive Toxicity. Use of Metal Reproductive Toxicity Data in Selecting Ecological Toxicity Values for Small Mammals Inhabiting Hazardous Waste Sites. Index.

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Book SynopsisFeynman''s Tips on Physics is a delightful collection of Richard P. Feynman''s insights and an essential companion to his legendary Feynman Lectures on Physics With characteristic flair, insight, and humor, Feynman discusses topics physics students often struggle with and offers valuable tips on addressing them. Included here are three lectures on problem-solving and a lecture on inertial guidance omitted from The Feynman Lectures on Physics. An enlightening memoir by Matthew Sands and oral history interviews with Feynman and his Caltech colleagues provide firsthand accounts of the origins of Feynman''s landmark lecture series. Also included are incisive and illuminating exercises originally developed to supplement The Feynman Lectures on Physics, by Robert B. Leighton and Rochus E. Vogt.Feynman''s Tips on Physics was co-authored by Michael A. Gottlieb and Ralph Leighton to provide students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike an opTrade Review"Always worthwhile to return to the feet of the master." --Bill Gates, Wired

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Book SynopsisTake a trip to outer space with this weird and wonderful guide to our universe, the perfect gift for both young and old Vargic''s beautifully innovative designs will help to explain all of the bizarre and fascinating aspects of the cosmos; from the history of the universe to what makes up our solar system and even how human life fits into the wider picture. Be taken on an unforgettable journey through space with chapters on . . . Exploring the Cosmos The Night Sky Maps of the Inner Solar System Timeline of the Universe Cosmologies throughout History Journey Into Outer Space Scale of the UniverseThis is a book that celebrates the scale and spectacle of the universe on every page, and one which you''ll treasure forever._______ ''5***** In more than one hundred pages filled with facts and illustrations he takes the reader on a journey through the history of the cosmos'' BBC Sky at Night ''Packs in so much of our astronomical knowledge, so many tidbits about the history of astronomy and space exploration that I felt wonderfully enriched by it all. It is visually striking and beautifully illustrated'' Dr. Alfredo CarpinetiTrade Review5 ***** In more than one hundred pages filled with facts and illustrations he takes the reader on a journey through the history of the cosmos * BBC Sky at Night *Packs in so much of our astronomical knowledge, so many tidbits about the history of astronomy and space exploration that I felt wonderfully enriched by it all. The book managed to surprise me in so many different ways. It is visually striking and beautifully illustrated * Dr. Alfredo Carpineti, writer for @IFLScience *Praise for Vargic's Miscellany of Curious Maps * - *Beautiful * Independent *It's a cliché to say an artist can change the way you look at the world - but Martin Vargic truly has. * www.nypost.com *This is a must read * www.visualnews.com *Bitingly satirical * www.slate.com *A phenomenal collection * www.independent.co.uk *Amazing * Daily Mail *Gorgeous * www.pastemagazine.com *Martin Vargic's maps of the world look like they belong on parchment, hung on walls of estates that no one can really afford . . . but there's more to the world than piles of dirt and great swathes of sea water . . . his cartography creates an indirect commentary on how cultural proximities are every bit as relevant in the digital age as geographical ones. * www.bostonglobe.com *Weird and wonderful * www.mirror.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Evolution of Charles Darwin:Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews (Nonfiction)“Fascinating . . . A beautifully told coming-of-age story focused on Darwin’s psychological transmutation from a diffident specimen collector expecting to become a country parson to a novice scientist climbing the career ladder in London’s private and prestigious clubs and societies . . . Offer[s] new and exciting ideas that will likely beat out the competition.”—Robert M. Thorson, Wall Street Journal “[Preston’s] books are always entertaining . . . This book fits that mould; it’s an adventure story . . . The author has chosen the perfect topic. It’s nearly impossible to write a dull book about Darwin . . . The real attraction of this book lies in the way it turns the development of evolutionary theory into a personal story.”—Gerald DeGroot, Times (UK) “[A] meticulously researched compelling narrative . . . Diana Preston’s vibrant reconstruction of Darwin’s extraordinary journey, world-changing work and the consequences he experienced makes it all accessible and new in her telling.”—Janet Somerville, Toronto Star“An exciting biography of the immortal naturalist’s legendary journey . . . It was well into the 20th century before essentially all scientists agreed that Darwin was on the right track. Since then, biographies have poured off the presses, but readers cannot go wrong with this expert account. An irresistible scientific biography and adventure story with a happy ending.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“While much has been written about Darwin’s revolutionary scientific achievements on this journey, historian Preston sheds light on the voyage itself, its captain and crew, and the Native populations they encountered.”—Booklist (starred review)“A brisk and accessible account of how Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection . . . A rewarding look at the development of an earth-shattering idea.”—Publishers Weekly“Darwin was only 22 when he boarded the HMS Beagle in 1830 under the command of Robert FitzRoy as a ‘gentleman naturalist,’ unaware his name would one day grace an award honouring humans who remove themselves from the gene pool through misadventure. Drawing on the naturalist’s diaries, Preston’s biography reveals a man who, in his chauvinism and blind patriotism, was typical of his time—but in his liberal- and abolition-mindedness, atypical as well.”—Globe and MailPraise for Eight Days at Yalta:“A colorful chronicle of high-stakes negotiations and a study in human frailties, missteps, and ideological blunders.”—Washington Post“Ms. Preston’s conference narrative abjures authorial hindsight judgments, placing the spotlight instead on the characters’ natural blind spots and biases. She also devotes a full third of the book to the summit’s historical context and personalities, the latter of which are nicely developed.”—Wall Street Journal“A highly readable, highly detailed account of the historic meetings and often difficult and contentious negotiations between Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and their staffs, and a vivid description of the once ornate Tsarist palaces and their much deteriorated wartime condition that served as the setting for meetings, dinners, and private talks.”—New York Journal of Books“Lively and nuanced . . . Shrewd on the main personalities . . . Preston goes beyond the horse-trading of three old men, with vivid scene-setting of the tsarist palaces where the conference took place.”—Times (UK)“In this well-written and absorbing book, Diana Preston provides a chronological narrative of these crucial eight days.”—Airmail“On the Yalta conference’s 75th anniversary, this insightful history recounts its enormous, if teeth-gnashing, accomplishments . . . Impressively researched . . . An expert account of an unedifying milestone at the dawn of the Cold War.”—Kirkus Reviews“[A] spirited, behind-the-scenes account of the February 1945 Yalta Conference. Preston mixes foreign policy critique . . . with vibrant descriptions of backstage activities . . . Colorful personalities, piquant details, and a diverse array of perspectives make this a satisfying introduction to the subject.”—Publishers WeeklyPraise for Diana Preston:“A treasure map of a book.”—San Diego Union-Tribune, on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“A superbly rendered popular history.”—Booklist (starred review), on A Pirate of Exquisite Mind“Unforgettable . . . The definitive account of the Lusitania.”—Philadelphia Inquirer, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“As majestic as its subject . . . Extraordinarily readable.”—Chicago Sun-Times, on Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy“An engaging narrative . . . Rich in detail and texture.”—San Diego Union Tribune, on Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima“Ultimately this book is about survival, and the author engagingly recounts the nearly impossible task of trying to establish a penal colony with few supplies and poor agricultural conditions. Preston shines in her description of the true nature of Captain Bligh . . . A wonderful look into the beginnings of Australia and the remarkable strength of the survivors of these dangerous voyages.”—Kirkus Reviews, on Paradise in Chains

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Book SynopsisIn 2016 Professor Stephen Hawking delivered the BBC Reith Lectures on a subject that has fascinated him for decades - black holes. In these flagship lectures the legendary physicist argues that if we could only understand black holes and how they challenge the very nature of space and time, we could unlock the secrets of the universe.Trade ReviewMaster of the Universe... One scientist's courageous voyage to the frontiers of the Cosmos * Newsweek *He can explain the complexities of cosmological physics with an engaging combination of clarity and wit... His is a brain of extraordinary power * Observer *One of the most brilliant scientific minds since Einstein * Daily Express *To follow such a fine mind as it exposes such great problems is an exciting experience * Sunday Times *The most brilliant British scientist of his generation * New Statesman *

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Book SynopsisTake flight with the secret life of owls.Trade Review‘A charming, deeply researched book.’ —Guardian‘Fascinating, fact-filled and wonderfully readable.’ —Stephen Moss, author and naturalist'Ackerman is a warm and companionable guide, so enthusiastic about her subject that I suspect even the avian-indifferent will be charmed by her encounters with owls and the dedicated people who study them.' —New York Times‘With their largely nocturnal lifestyles, cryptic plumage and wary nature, owls can be difficult to locate, let alone study. But in recent years, discoveries about these mysterious and otherworldly birds have come thick and fast as radio trackers, infrared cameras, drones, audio lures, DNA analysis and even specially trained sniffer dogs have joined more traditional methods in unlocking their secrets. What an Owl Knows is an accessible, highly readable tour of these discoveries by Jennifer Ackerman’ —Melissa Harrison, The Times‘Ackerman’s love for these birds is totally infectious… Long may they continue to fly through the darkness.’ —Daily Mail'A must-read for all bird lovers, Ackerman’s latest engaging work contains a feast of revelations about creatures that have fascinated us throughout human history.' —Observer‘An absorbing ear-tuft-to-tail appreciation of the raptor that Mary Oliver, a poet, called a “god of plunge and blood”.’ —Economist'Important… The knowledge Ackerman marshals so skillfully comes from devoted ornithologists, and they are rightly honoured too… [What an Owl Knows] extends our circle of care… It all feels liberating, and has never been more urgent.' —New Statesman‘The author… invites us on her quest to discover why owls enthral us so much. She achieves this in a lyrical and easily digestible way… fascinating… Ackerman knows how to hold the reader's attention… We should all definitely give more of a hoot about their future.’ —Country Life‘A gripping history of these creatures in folklore and art across human history… What an Owl Knows is a treat.’ —Financial Times‘A scientific investigation rich in narrative detail. Her writing is at its most compelling when she lets her own delight and surprise at the birds slip through.’ —New Scientist'Immensely enjoyable... What an Owl Knows eloquently bridges the gap between science and popular assumption to brings us the surprising (and often endearing) facts about these legendarily mysterious birds. Forget what you know, or think you know, because the truth is stranger than fiction!' —James Aldred, author of Goshawk Summer'Absorbing and exquisitely researched. Ackerman guides the reader around the world, carefully unpacking what it means to be an owl and examining the human relationship with these oft-misunderstood birds.' —Jonathan Slaght, author of Owls of the Eastern Ice‘Lively and informative… While her [Ackerman's] straightforward style enables easy comprehension for the science-phobic, there is lyricism too… Her sense of wonder runs through the book.’ —TLS‘Ackerman explores their world from historical and scientific perspectives, combining new behavioral discoveries with personal observations from the field.’ —Washington Post‘I loved it… richly detailed, wide in scope, written with precision and clarity… I won't be able to see an owl in the same way again.’ —Stephen Rutt, author of The Seafarers: A Journey Among Birds‘A fascinating study of a captivating bird. I learnt something new on every page. Ackerman’s book is a wonderful synthesis of ethology, wonder and passion for her subject.’ —James Macdonald Lockhart, author of Wild Air

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