Science & Nature Books

Book SynopsisMegumi is an all-star athlete, but she's a failure when it comes to physics class. And she can't concentrate on her tennis matches when she's worried about the questions she missed on the big test! Luckily for her, she befriends Ryota, a patient physics geek who uses real-world examples to help her understand classical mechanics and improve her tennis game in the process! In The Manga Guide to Physics, you'll follow alongside Megumi as she learns about the physics of everyday objects like roller skates, slingshots, braking cars, and tennis serves. In no time, you'll master tough concepts like momentum and impulse, parabolic motion, and the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. You'll also learn how to: Apply Newton's three laws of motion to real-life problems Determine how objects will move after a collision Draw vector diagrams and simplify complex problems using trigonometry Calculate how an object's kinetic energy changes as its potential energy increases If you'rTrade Review"I found the cartoon approach of this book so compelling and its story so endearing that I recommend that every teacher of introductory physics, in both high school and college, consider using it."—American Journal of Physics"This is a perfect introduction to four key physics concepts–law of action and reaction, force and motion, momentum, and energy–especially for fans of anime and manga."<—School Library Journal"Overall, we found the books absolutely amazing for teaching complex ideas and theories to people of nearly any age."<—Physics TodayTable of ContentsPrefacePrologue: Does Physics Bother You?1: Law of Action and Reaction2: Force and Motion3: Momentum4: EnergyEpilogueAppendix: Making Sense of UnitsIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisTree ferns in the landscape command the attention of both devoted gardeners and casual passersby. Their stately form resembles that of the palm tree and evokes a feeling of the quintessentially exotic. This volume is the source for information on the living tree ferns. It surveys families, genera, and species, including those suitable for the home garden. It offers up-to-date taxonomy and detailed descriptions as well as in-depth coverage of everything from tree fern use to conservation. In recognition of the horticultural importance of tree ferns, the authors provide extensive cultivation information, including propagation, and diseases and pests. This book is only available through print on demand. All interior art is black and white.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisProvides a bank of approximately 200 original (not from past papers) questions with answers and covers units A2 1, A2 2 and A2 3. Useful for homework, setting as classwork or for pupil exam practice. Includes questions on practical techniques and data analysis. The detailed answers include an indication of the process used to obtain the solution. Has been subject to a detailed quality assurance process by an independent Physics expert. Contents Unit 4 (A2 1): Deformation of Solids, Thermal Physics, Circular Motion, Oscillations and Atomic and Nuclear Physics – 4.1 Deformation of Solids 4.2 Thermal Physics 4.3 Uniform Circular Motion 4.4 Simple Harmonic Motion 4.5 The Nucleus 4.6 Nuclear Decay 4.7 Nuclear Energy 4.8 Nuclear Fission and Fusion Unit 5 (A2 2): Fields and their Applications – 5.1& 5.2 Force Fields and Gravitational Fields 5.3 Electric Fields 5.4 Capacitors 5.5 Magnetic Fields 5.6 Deflection of Charged Particles in Electric and Magnetic Fields 5.7 & 5.8 Particle Accelerators and Fundamental Particles Unit 6 (A2 3): Practical Techniques and Data Analysis – Table of Contents4.1 Deformation of Solids 4.2 Thermal Physics 4.3 Uniform Circular Motion 4.4 Simple Harmonic Motion 4.5 The Nucleus 4.6 Nuclear Decay 4.7 Nuclear Energy 4.8 Nuclear Fission and Fusion 5.1 Force Fields 5.2 Gravitational Fields 5.3 Electric Fields 5.4 Capacitors 5.5 Magnetic Fields 5.6 Deflection of Charged Particles in Electric and Magnetic Fields 5.7 Particle Accelerators 5.8 Fundamental Particles Practical Techniques & Data Analysis

Read more less

Book SynopsisSwearing, it turns out, is an incredibly useful part of our linguistic repertoire. Not only has some form of swearing existed since the earliest humans began to communicate, but it has been shown to reduce physical pain, help stroke victims recover their language, and encourage people to work together as a team. Swearing Is Good For You is a spirited and hilarious defence of our most cherished dirty words, backed by historical case studies and cutting-edge research. From chimpanzees creating their own curse words to a man who lost half his brain in a mining accident experiencing a new-found compulsion to swear, Dr Emma Byrne outlines the fascinating science behind swearing: how it affects us both physically and emotionally, and how it is more natural and beneficial than we are led to believe.Trade ReviewA good book about bad language by a trash-talking woman? Sign me up! Swearing Is Good for You makes science feel downright celebratory. -- Mary Norris, bestselling author of Between You & MeAn impressive catalogue of research showing how effing and blinding helps us deal with pain, bond with others, is associated with intelligence and makes us more inclined to trust each other... a glorious uplifting read. -- Lucy Kellaway * Financial Times *Swearing has been the subject of considerable scientific analysis, it turns out, which Byrne's book deftly reviews...Swearing is stinky cheese and malbec in a world of clean eating. -- India Knight * The Sunday Times *A chatty, humorously informative narrative that rummages through the science of bad language, grabbing at sociology, psychology, neuroscience and anthropology. -- Hephzibah Anderson * The Mail on Sunday *This excellent book backs up my long-held theory that people who swear are generally less uptight or anxious than those who don't...I think the most joyous bit about this book is learning that swearing is a powerful and acceptable weapon in a woman's armoury, a strong signal that we don't have to adhere to old-fashioned, traditional views of what is "ladylike", a phrase I often hear when swearing is discussed in mixed-gender debates. -- Lorraine Candy * The Sunday Times Style *Byrne is a science writer with a PhD in robotics and a gleefully robust attitude to language... Swearing Is Good For You is a lively defence of its subject. -- James McConnachie * The Sunday Times *Entertaining and informative ... reminds you of the mysterious pleasure of using words that are not meant to be said. -- Andrew Anthony * Observer *A lively examination of a neglected subject. * The Week *The next time someone tells you off for swearing, give them a copy of this book. Byrne explains all the ways in which swearing is good for us, from pain relief to team bonding, and reveals what cursing chimpanzees can tell us about the origin of dirty words. * BBC Science Focus *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA heartfelt hymn to the sea and an unforgettable introduction to one of the most gifted nature writers of the new generation The seas cover over two thirds of our planet and yet most of us live our lives on land, creatures of a different element, at once fascinated and terrified by the beauty and power of these great bodies of water. There are some, though, who go to sea, who get to know its many moods -- the tranquil and mirror-like, the raging and ripple-swept -- and who bring back with them their stories of wonder and warning. Hannah Stowe is one such sea-goer and one such storyteller. Drawing on her expertise as a marine biologist and sailor, and her experiences in the North Sea, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean, Move Like Water is an exploration of the human relationship with the sea, the powerful impression it has made on our culture, and the terrible damage we have inflicted upon its ecosystems. In shimmering, fluid prose, Stowe introduces us to five keystone marine creatures - the sperm whale, the humpback whale, the orca, the albatross and the firecrow - encouraging us to fall in love with the seas as she has, to appreciate their majesty and their vulnerability.Trade ReviewElegant, enthralling... There are plenty of books about the sea, but few, if any, have the lyrical, almost visceral intensity of this one... Stowe's shimmering prose - and her exquisite line drawings - make us feel the majesty of the sea and its creatures. It also reveals their terrifying vulnerability * Daily Mail *Above all a sensuous book, more felt than described, more described than explained, more painted than penned: part memoir, part journal and - with each chapter named for a creature the author encountered either in real life or in dreams - part natural mystery tour * New York Times Book Review *A haunting evocation of [the sea's] power and beauty, and an exploration of its wildlife... [Stowe's] prose is beautiful, conjuring the storybook setting of her upbringing, the salt spray of the sea and the wonder of travelling alongside whales and sea birds while also imparting scientific knowledge * Western Mail *A briny love story... Stowe wistfully explores the mysteries of water as she navigates the sometimes turbulent, often rousing flow of her life * Booklist *Stirring... Fascinating... Unforgettable... Stowe immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the ocean in her spellbinding debut -- Starred review * Publishers Weekly *Exquisite in its intelligence and boundless in the fetch of its wave -- Jay GriffithsThe shelves are awash with sea books. But Stowe is different. She doesn't just watch and describe the sea; she's part of it. It surges inside her and crashes out onto the page. The book's drenched with salt water. It fizzes, clicks, booms and screams. Tremendous -- Charles Foster, author of Cry of the Wild and A Little Brown SeaInspiring... Hannah Stowe recounts her lifelong love affair with the sea and illuminates the complexities of our relationship with ocean ecosystems... An urgent call to address the damage we're doing to the oceans, and a siren song to the beauty and power of the sea -- Lulah Ellender, author of GroundingLet Hannah's captivating prose transport you on a journey across the waves, feeling the wind and salt on your skin, and always watching out for the tantalising glimpse of a whale. You will be enthralled by her personal story, invigorated by her energy and determination, and persuaded to think deeply about the ocean, its living treasures and the human troubles they face -- Dr Helen Scales, author of The Brilliant Abyss and Scientists in the Wild: GalápagosThis is [Stowe's] personal, poetic and heartfelt story, sharing the lessons the sea has taught her * BBC Wildlife magazine *A gem of a book - a must-read for anyone interested in the sea or marine life, and highly recommended for those who enjoy top-notch memoirs. Stowe's exquisite prose makes this a book to be savored * Bookbrowse *This is Stowe's love letter to the sea -- Best Nonfiction Book of September * Book Riot *Beautifully evocative, Stowe's memoir captures the emotional and physical pull of open waters in a visceral and compelling way. A book that can be read on many levels- memoir, a natural history guide, a call to care-with it's strength in the intersection of all. If you love oceans, women explorers and artists, or just a book to challenge your mind and soul, this one is for you * Southern Bookseller *Not only do readers get to spend time sailing the North Sea, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean in this memoir, but they are led by the rhythmic prose of a deeply invested and poetic marine biologist. Great for people who love marine animals too! -- Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2023 * Independent Book Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFungi are not like us - they are entirely, magically, something else. Welcome to the astonishing secret world of fungi. Aliya Whiteley has always been in love with fungi - from a childhood taking blurry photographs of strange fungal eruptions on Exmoor to a career as a writer inspired by their surreal and alien beauty. This love for fungi is a love for life, from single-cell spores to the largest living organism on the planet; a story stretching from Aliya's lawn into orbit and back again via every continent. Despite their familiar presence, there's still much to learn about the eruption, growth and decay of their interconnected world. From fields, feasts and fairy rings to death caps, puffballs and ambrosia beetles, this is an intoxicating personal journey into the life of extraordinary organism, one that we have barely begun to understand.

Read more less

Book Synopsis‘Witty, bracingly honest, deeply humane and piercingly insightful’ PATRICK STOKES, AUTHOR OF DIGITAL SOULS Technology affects every interaction, shapes our identities and constantly hijacks our attention. So how can we reclaim our power and feel less helpless at every stage of our lives? In a world full of algorithms, addictive apps and data-driven adverts, it often feels as if the digital environment is determining our behaviour. We trace our steps, track our kids and share our lives online, without really knowing whether this technology is serving our best interests – or those of the people we love. We speak as though technology is a powerful, unstoppable force and we are the victims. ‘What is this technology doing to us?’ we ask. But are we as helpless as we assume? In Reboot, leading psychotherapist and cyberpsychologist Elaine Kasket offers a novel approach to understanding technology’s role at every stage of our lives. Journeying from digital gestation to the digital afterlife, through infancy, adolescence and adulthood, Kasket connects the dots between our technology usage and the challenges it poses to our identity and development, and to our relationships and privacy. Via discussions of ‘sharenting’, surveillance and social media, Kasket reveals how we consistently underestimate our power to shape our relationships with and through technology. She invites us to question the auto-pilot approach that many of us adopt and instead move forward in a more deliberate, mindful and empowered way. Come away curious about why you use technology the way you do, clear about how those choices are really working out and with the tools to reclaim your life in a tech-obsessed world.Trade Review‘A critical reminder that, at every stage of life, we get to choose our relationship with technology – and our choices shape our humanity. Kasket’s book is a roadmap filled with generous possibilities.’ LUKE BURGIS, AUTHOR OF WANTING ‘Digital technologies aren’t just transforming every area of life. They’re transforming us, and this book, examining the psychological, social and technological intersections of this transformation, couldn’t be more timely.’ CATHERINE MAYER, AUTHOR OF GOOD GRIEF ‘Witty, bracingly honest, deeply humane and piercingly insightful’ PATRICK STOKES, AUTHOR OF DIGITAL SOULS ‘Reboot is an incredibly well researched and entertaining book. Kasket has the ability to illustrate complex research areas through engaging, human stories that often reach all the way into your heart. As a recent parent, this book really made me reevaluate the way I use technology around my family. I do research on the impact of digital technology for a living. Even so, this is undoubtedly one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read this year.’ CARL ÖHMAN, AUTHOR OF THE AFTERLIFE OF DATA

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER FROM THE WINNER OF THE 2021 PULITZER PRIZE Your body is teeming with tens of trillions of microbes. It's an entire world, a colony full of life. In other words, you contain multitudes. They sculpt our organs, protect us from diseases, guide our behaviour, and bombard us with their genes. They also hold the key to understanding all life on earth. In I Contain Multitudes, Ed Yong opens our eyes and invites us to marvel at ourselves and other animals in a new light, less as individuals and more as thriving ecosystems. You'll never think about your mind, body or preferences in the same way again. 'Super-interesting... He just keeps imparting one surprising, fascinating insight after the next. I Contain Multitudes is science journalism at its best' Bill GatesSHORTLISTED FOR THE WELLCOME BOOK PRIZE 2017 SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE 2017Trade ReviewSuper-interesting... He just keeps imparting one surprising, fascinating insight after the next. I Contain Multitudes is science journalism at its best -- Bill Gates[A] marvellous, thrilling and richly annotated book… I call it marvellous: everything about the microbial world is to be marvelled at. And it is a page-turner in a very old-fashioned sense. All life is here, and death too, and sex and violence, including deviations of which you had never dreamed ... We have an inner life, in every sense, and are the richer for it: richer still for this witty and compelling book. -- Tim Radford * Guardian *Beyond fascinating. An amazing book. It'll change the way you think about the world. It'll change who you think you are. -- Helen Macdonald, author of H is for HawkMomentous ... an essential read -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *I Contain Multitudes makes the importance of popularising science…sparklingly clear... From his vibrant introduction to his witty endnotes, Yong’s expertise and narration hold no less wonder than a sacred text. -- Kate Womersley * Spectator *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe only scientist to ever appear on the British twenty pound note, Michael Faraday is one of the most recognisable names in the history of science.Faraday's forte was electricity, a revolutionary force in nineteenth-century society. The electric telegraph had made mass-communication possible and inventors looked forward to the day when electricity would control all aspects of life. By the end of the century, this dream was well on its way to being realised. But what was Faraday's role in all this? How did his science come to have such an impact on the lives of the Victorians (and ultimately on us)?Iwan Morus tells the story of Faraday's upbringing in London and his apprenticeship at the Royal Institution under the supervision of the flamboyant chemist, Sir Humphry Davy, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant scientific culture and an empire near the peak of its power.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Terrific and enthralling' New Scientist'An authoritative account of Apollo 11 and the end of the space race, shedding light on the true drama behind the mission.' ObserverFifty years ago, in July 1969, Apollo 11 became the first manned mission to land on the Moon, and Neil Armstrong the first man to step on to its surface. He and his crewmates, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, were the latest men to risk their lives in this extraordinary scientific, engineering and human venture that would come to define the era.In Apollo 11: The Inside Story, David Whitehouse reveals the true drama behind the mission, putting it in the context of the wider space race and telling the story in the words of those who took part - based around exclusive interviews with the key players.This enthralling book takes us from the early rocket pioneers to the shock America received from the Soviets' launch of the first satellite, Sputnik; from the race to put the first person into space to the iconic Apollo 11 landing and beyond, to the agonising drama of the Apollo 13 disaster and the eventual winding-up of the Apollo program.Here is the story as told by the crew of Apollo 11 and the many others who shared in their monumental endeavour. Astronauts, engineers, politicians, NASA officials, Soviet rivals - all tell their own story of a great moment of human achievement.Trade ReviewTerrific and enthralling -- New ScientistAn authoritative account of Apollo 11 and the end of the space race, shedding light on the true drama behind the mission. -- The ObserverFascinating * The Herald *'Fast-paced and tremendously readable ... What makes this book really stand out from other Apollo based books is the inclusion of long quotes from interviews with astronauts such as John Glenn (the first American to orbit Earth), Eugene Cernan (the last man to walk on the Moon) and, of course, Neil Armstrong himself.' ***** Book of the Month * BBC Sky at Night magazine *[T]he book is at its most successful when Whitehouse gets out of the way of its protagonists, letting the astronauts and cosmonauts offer their own verbatim accounts of their often perilous - and occasionally fatal - missions. The real strength of this book is its tribute to the human qualities of these men -and they are all men, with the exception of the brief but gripping story of one female cosmonaut - who were willing to sacrifice so much. * The Irish News *In the most authoritative book ever written about Apollo, David Whitehouse reveals the true drama behind the mission, telling the story in the words of those who took part based around exclusive interviews with the key players ... [An] enthralling book * All About Space *David Whitehouse's masterly narration of what he calls 'the inside story' is profoundly gratifying. -- The SpectatorWhitehouse has a reporter's gift for uncomplicated storytelling -- Financial TimesOne of the best books ever written about the lunar landing ... absolutely brilliant -- Engineering and Technology Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisTime travel is a familiar theme of science fiction, but is it really possible?Surprisingly, time travel is not forbidden by the laws of physics - and John Gribbin argues that if it is not impossible then it must be possible.Gribbin brilliantly illustrates the possibilities of time travel by comparing familiar themes from science fiction with their real-world scientific counterparts, including Einstein's theories of relativity, black holes, quantum physics, and the multiverse, illuminated by examples from the fictional tales of Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven, Carl Sagan and others.The result is an entertaining guide to some deep mysteries of the Universe which may leave you wondering whether time actually passes at all, and if it does, whether we are moving forwards or backwards. A must-read for science fiction fans and anyone intrigued by deep science.Trade ReviewThe yarn of time ravels into a rich tapestry of both science and speculation, under John Gribbin's deft hand. * David Brin, Hugo Award-winning science fiction writer, author of The Postman, the book that inspired the Kevin Costner movie *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Gribbin casts a wide net and displays his breadth of knowledge in packing a lot into each chapter . . . a brief read, but one that may inspire readers to dig deeper.' Giles Sparrow, BBC Sky at Night MagazineA mind-warping excursion into the wildly improbable truths of science.Echoing Sherlock Holmes' famous dictum, John Gribbin tells us: 'Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever is left, however improbable, is certainly possible, in the light of present scientific knowledge.' With that in mind, in his sequel to the hugely popular Six Impossible Things and Seven Pillars of Science, Gribbin turns his attention to some of the mind-bendingly improbable truths of science. For example:We know that the Universe had a beginning, and when it was - and also that the expansion of the Universe is speeding up. We can detect ripples in space that are one ten-thousandth the width of a proton, made by colliding black holes billions of light years from Earth.And, most importantly from our perspective, all complex life on Earth today is descended from a single cell - but without the stabilising influence of the Moon, life forms like us could never have evolved.Trade Review'We loved this book ... deeply thought provoking and a book that we want to share with as many people as possible.' * Irish Tech News *A fascinating journey into the world of scientific oddities and improbabilities. * Lily Pagano, Reaction *'Gribbin casts a wide net and displays his breadth of knowledge in packing a lot into each chapter . . . a brief read, but one that may inspire readers to dig deeper.' -- Giles Sparrow * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *[Gribbin] deftly joins the dots to reveal a bigger picture that is even more awe-inspiring than the sum of its parts. * Physics World *

Read more less

Book SynopsisACCOMPANIES THE LANDMARK SERIES NARRATED BY DAVID ATTENBOROUGHFind a world of wonder beyond the ice. 'Looking down at our planet from space it may come as a surprise how much of it is blanketed in snow and ice. These vast frozen wildernesses cover more than a fifth of the earth ... From the highest peaks to snow-bound deserts to alien worlds deep beneath the ice, they are home to an astonishing array of animals found nowhere else on earth.'David Attenborough, from the series.Frozen Planet II celebrates the surprisingly diverse worlds of ice - a world that is disappearing before our very eyes. Previously undiscovered stories, from chameleons giving birth on the frosty slopes of Mount Kenya to endangered Amur leopards in the Russian forest and killer whales hunting Weddell seals on ice floes in the Antarctic, shed new light on the beauty and the peril of the world's most fragile ecosystems. Behind-the-scenes insights explore the unique challenges of filming in these frozen worlds, where camera crew and wildlife alike brave the extreme conditions.With over 250 stunning full-colour photographs, Frozen Planet II reveals the wonders of the fastest-changing part of our planet, as we may never see them again.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTaking an amusing and digestible look at the usually dry world of probability and statistics, this is the ultimate guide to how you can incorporate them into everyday life, from one of the world's most sought-after experts in game theory.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLove is one of the most complex and confusing emotions in the human experience. It consumes so much of our lives and yet we don’t truly understand it – what it is on a biological, chemical and evolutionary level. This book takes you on a fascinating journey to explore the science of love, looking closely at the interplay between genes, hormones, emotions and relationships. Discover everything you need to know about why you are attracted to certain people, the brain’s role in your emotions, how to pick “the one” and how to preserve that love over time. Learn how to have better, healthier and more loving relationships by understanding the inner workings of love in your body.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom teaching you how to spot the major and minor constellations, to revealing the fascinating starlore from around the world, this stunningly illustrated hardback will bring star-gazing vividly to life.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWild Weather is a fun, easy-to-read guide to understanding the wonders of weather – from why it rains to cloud formations, from extreme weather events to the benefits of sunlight.Wild Weather is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the science of weather events and how they happen, but also the myth and folklore associated with weather patterns.Chapters include: sunshine and rainbows, wind, rain, thunder and lightning, snow and ice. The book also includes a cloud spotting guide and is packed with exercises on how to make the most of even the rainiest of days.This perfect gift for weather enthusiast everywhere and those who want to reconnect with the weather and embrace what is happening on the other side of the window.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe periodic table from the Royal Society of Chemistry has been updated for 2017, and now includes the four new elements, completing the seventh period. Our periodic table poster is two-sided. On one side, a bold colour-coded version, emphasising readability and clarity; on the other, a Visual Elements version, with fascinating element artwork by Murray Robertson. A collaborative project between the artist and the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Visual Elements periodic table aims to produce a vibrant representation of the elements, not simply by rendering images of their physical appearance but also by investigating the manner in which they affect our daily lives in largely unseen and often unexpected ways. Printed in full colour, the wallchart measures A0. Information for each element includes the name, chemical symbol, atomic number, and relative atomic mass. The groups are readily identifiable by colour. We’ve designed the wallchart to be readable, visually engaging, and an excellent addition to any classroom, laboratory, or office. Price shown does not include VAT. A larger 2A0 version is also available and can be found at http://www.rsc.org/shop/books/2017/9781788011921.asp

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisHumans are the dominant species on the planet. But how did we get here? Human Origins takes the reader on a fascinating 7-million-year journey from our earliest primordial ape-like roots through to the present day.For almost a hundred years, scientists have been trying to decipher the secrets of humanity’s evolution. At first, they relied on rare pieces of ancient skulls and bone fragments. But every year, they make new discoveries, uncover new fossils and develop new techniques to tease apart the story of our evolution. So far, from skeletons to teeth, humanity has found more than 6,000 hominin individuals. These individuals span several species, all of which tell the tale of human evolution: how our brains changed over time, what we ate, how we lived. Including the latest scientific findings, Human Origins will also look at some of the biggest questions that remain: What makes humans unique? Where did the Neanderthals go? And are humans still evolving?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book begins by introducing the basic concepts of impedance to non-specialist readers, who may have only an elementary knowledge of physics and mathematics. Mathematical concepts are explained clearly at appropriate points in a series of Theory Notes. Subsequent chapters cover RCL (resistor, capacitor, inductor) circuits before developing the key ideas behind the application of impedance spectroscopy to electrochemical systems. Circuit elements used to model electron transfer, double-layer charging and diffusion are described in detail, along with Kramers-Kronig testing of experimental data. The book explains how potentiostats and frequency-response analyzers work and evaluates a wealth of experimental data obtained either during the annual Bath impedance courses or in the laboratories of the author and his colleagues.Topics covered include not only conventional electrochemical systems, such as the rotating disc electrode and ultramicroelectrodes, but also unconventional solar cells and the application of frequency-resolved techniques in spectroelectrochemistry. Finally, the last two chapters introduce techniques based on modulation of light intensity rather than voltage or current. The book concludes with worked answers to the problems set out in earlier chapters.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith our world torn by climate change, deforestation, land degradation, hunger, malnutrition, poverty, loss of wildlife habitat, zoonotic pandemics, illegal migration and social injustice, this book seeks to find a practical and pragmatic way forwards. Based on the author's extensive experience of tropical agriculture and forestry around the world, as well as his combination of practical and academic agricultural qualifications, the second edition of Living with the Trees of Life presents a unique and positive perspective on resolving these big global issues. It aims to identify principles, strategies, techniques, and skills to find a path through the maze of options for sustainable living in the tropics and subtropics. The book specifically draws heavily on a single case study which involved working to resolve the failure of tropical and subtropical agriculture to feed, sustain and support the needs of rural communities. To address the 'big picture' facing society, the work identif

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis beautifully-illustrated gift book reveals the hidden meanings of over 50 popular flowers. Did you know that the type of flowers you give can speak volumes? The Secret Language of Flowers is a fascinating insight into the Victorian tradition of using flowers to convey secret messages in a society where feelings often had to be suppressed. Samantha Gray reveals how over 50 blooms acquired their meanings in folklore and how they became the language of courtship, love, friendship, beauty and more – discover how lily of the valley symbolises the return of happiness, how bluebells stand for constancy and everlasting love, and how daffodils represent high regard and chivalry. With stunning illustrations by artist Sarah Perkins that capture all of the beauty of flowers, this is an exceptionally lovely and fascinating gift book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis next instalment in the bestselling Welcome to the Museum collection in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, is about the incredible life of trees.Trees are some of nature's most majestic and beguiling life forms. Arboretum is a beautifully illustrated celebration of trees from around the world, and sheds light on the vital role they play in every part of human life. From trees associated with ancient mythology, to the rarest and most unusual specimens, wander the arboretum and meet mighty oaks and towering redwoods. Learn just how ancient trees like the ginko and monkey puzzler are, and trace the complexities of the wood wide web.This latest addition to the Welcome to the Museum series will appeal to any budding botanist or tree lover.Trade ReviewA spectacular book. -- Nicolette Jones

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Strap in and enjoy the ride!' JOHN GRIBBIN'A window seat on a flight to our galaxy's sites of outstanding beauty' MARCUS CHOWN, AUTHOR OF THE ONE THING YOU NEED TO KNOW'His best yet!' HENRY GEE, WINNER OF THE 2022 ROYAL SOCIETY TRIVEDI SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE'Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime' PHILIP BALL, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK OF MINDS AND BEYOND WEIRDTake a voyage into space to explore the wonders of the galaxy and beyond. With award-winning science writer Brian Clegg as your deep space guide, step on board the starship Endurance and marvel at the fascinating sights of deepest, darkest space. Although our vessel is fictional, the phenomena you will visit, from the vast nebulae that are birthplaces of stars to stellar explosions in vast supernovas, creating the elements necessary for life - or from the planets of other solar systems to the unbelievably supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way - all reflect the best picture current science has to offer. Accompanying Inte

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is the material basis of the thoughts that occur inside our heads?Where do imaginative, creative, or spiritual thoughts come from - can these really be the product of nerve impulses in the brain? And is the human mind radically different from that of other species, or is our uniqueness more superficial than real? In this book, Oxford biologist John Parrington proposes a radical new theory of human consciousness, arguing that a qualitative leap in consciousness occurred during human evolution as language and the use of tools transformed our brains. Rejecting outdated views of the brain as a hard-wired circuit diagram, he draws on the latest insights from neuroscience to show that meaning is created within our heads through a dynamic interaction of oscillating brain waves. This new model of consciousness not only provides a material basis of our innermost thoughts but also explains why the mind can sometimes go wrong, causing deep mental distress.Trade ReviewAn interesting and thought-provoking exploration of consciousness * Popular Science *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe environmental crisis will not be solved by battery technology. We are looking for answers in the wrong places.Life began with the hydrogenation of CO2, and this is the process we must return to in order to heal the planet. Ground-breaking ongoing research into bacterial processes means our knowledge of bacterial processes is ever-expanding, and we can harness this new knowledge to develop a parallel carbon economy using engineered bacteria for fuel, food, and materials. This would enable rewilding on a vast scale, with the small land footprint of bacterial technologies solving the current conflict in land use between farming and fuel and materials production.In this fascinating and illuminating book, Peter Forbes shines a light on this crucial technology and offers a tantalising glimpse at what is possible. To solve the big problems, sometimes you have to think small.

Read more less

Book SynopsisUncover the language of our universe - numbers - in this wide-ranging whistle-stop tour of the history and majesty of mathematics.Our world simply wouldn't function if we didn't have numbers. But where do they come from? Why do we cut cake the wrong way? How can there be different sizes of infinity?All these questions and more are answered in this engaging romp through the history of numbers by acclaimed science writer, Colin Stuart. From the mathematicians who have (and haven't) shouted 'Eureka!' to the theories that affect and inform our everyday lives; Numbers shows us that maths was never boring - we were just being taught it in the wrong way.Consisting of ten bite-sized essays, there's no better guide to this fundamental science.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERIn this book, that combines cutting edge science with real world applications, Chopra and Kafatos redefine our nature of reality and what is possible.Here they ask 9 questions: What Came Before the Big Bang? Why Does the Universe Fit Together So Perfectly? Where Did Time Come From? What Is the Universe Made Of? Is There Design in the Universe?Is the Quantum World Linked to Everyday Life?Do We Live in a Conscious Universe?How Did Life First Begin? Does the brain create the mind?You Are The Universe offers answers that open up new possibilities for all of us to lead more fruitful, peaceful and successful lives.Trade ReviewWorth reading because here’s a medical doctor working hard to marry up Eastern mysticism with Western pragmatism * Jeanette Winterson *The rock star of the new spirituality * Guardian *I highly recommend this for those who are curiously alive * FRED ALAN WOLF, author of The Spiritual Universe *It addresses all the most important questions we can ask ourselves and of science * Ervin Laszlo, author of What is Reality: The New Map of Cosmos *A riveting and absolutely fascinating adventure that will blow your mind wide open! * Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFew things are as fundamental to human happiness as sex, and few writers are as entertaining about the subject as Mary Roach.Can a woman think herself to orgasm?Is your penis three inches longer than you think?Why doesn't Viagra help women - or, for that matter, pandas?Does orgasm boost fertility? Or cure hiccups?The study of sexual physiology - what happens, and why, and how to make it happen better - has been taking place behind closed doors for hundreds of years. In this fascinating and funny book, Mary Roach steps inside laboratories, brothels, pig farms, sex-toy R&D labs - even Alfred Kinsey's attic - to tell us everything we wanted to know about sex, and more we'd never even thought to ask.Trade ReviewIn this terrifically witty, hugely engaging study of the way we love, Mary Roach does meet some real oddballs, and on almost every page she tells you something to make you gasp aloud or snort with laughter -- Toby Clements * * Telegraph * *Roach certainly gets full marks for unflinching commitment to the job in hand . . . Bonk contains everything you ever wanted to know about the science of sex but were too afraid to ask. -- PD Smith * * Saturday Guardian Review * *Roach puts her quick wit to good service in this entertaining romp through sex research. Her unshockability is contagious, and ultimately reassuring. -- Gail Vines * * Independent * *When Mary Roach is seized by a subject, there is no stopping her: she is full-on, hands-on, and her lab coat is unbuttoned. -- Iain Finlayson * * The Times * *A bold, tenacious and insatiable reporter, Roach . . . could make an earthworm evisceration riveting and a hemispherectomy seem downright jolly. * * Scotsman * *Eye-opening . . . compelling stuff. -- Tom Boncza Tomaszewski * * Independent On Sunday * *Bonkers, but brilliant. * * Easy Living * *The pithiest, wittiest writer on the subject since Woody Allen * * Saga * *Hair-raising in parts, hilarious in others. -- Katie Law * * Evening Standard * *Roach marries enthusiasm and curiosity with unflagging humour while she intrepidly braves the "lurching tango of acadame and popular culture", rising to a passionate and playful, if not wholly penetrating, climax. -- Anita Sethi * * Independent on Sunday * *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Times and Financial Times Book of the Year'Enticing' Sunday Times 'Engaging' Financial Times 'Essential' Reid Hoffman___As technology accelerates, the human mind struggles to keep up - and our companies, workplaces and democracies get left behind. This is the exponential gap.Now, a leading technologist explores how this exponential gap is rewiring our world - and reveals how we should respond.___'The sheer might of technology giants is one of the great challenges of our time . . . Azeem Azhar's excellent book Exponential offers some solutions' Amol Rajan, BBC News'Azhar has a knack for interrogating and inverting conventional thinking . . . A convincing case that something extraordinary is taking place in business and society' Economist'Deft and clear-eyed . . . Perhaps Azhar's most valuable insight is that conservatively managing the individual risks posed by new technologies will not suffice' Financial Times'Speaks powerfully about how we need to shape technology to put it back in the service of society' Guardian'Valuable and timely . . . A diligent and comprehensive definition of a new phase in human affairs' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewValuable and timely . . . The importance of the book lies in its diligent and comprehensive definition of a new phase in human affairs . . . An enticing and necessary read. * Sunday Times *As a primer on our latest multi-dimensional technological revolution and how it is rewriting the rules of society, economics and politics, this book is hard to beat. -- Books of the Year * Financial Times *The exponentially growing mismatch between the tools available to democracies and the sheer might of technology giants is one of the great challenges of our time . . . Azeem Azhar's excellent book Exponential offers some solutions. -- Amol Rajan * BBC News *As high-tech innovation accelerates in ways that deliver huge benefits to society but also create unique challenges, Azeem Azhar delivers a comprehensive but lively take on the key issues informing what he calls the Exponential Age. It's an essential addition to the ongoing discourse about where these remarkable new technologies can take us, and where we should be aiming to go. Highly recommended! -- Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and author of BLITZSCALINGWhile many talk about the rate of innovation, too few talk about its direction. Azeem's new book helps bring that directionality to the surface through a dynamic understanding of the connections between economic, social and technological forces. Read this book if you are interested in how we can design a more inclusive and sustainable system with a re-direction of technological change at its centre. -- Mariana Mazzucato, UCL professor and author of THE VALUE OF EVERYTHING and MISSION ECONOMYA sweeping, engaging, nuanced, and ultimately conflicted look at how recent innovations in computing and other emerging technologies have radically transformed human existence, with consequences that we can hardly fathom . . . A deft and clear-eyed treatment of complex issues such as globalisation and the future of automation . . . Perhaps Azhar's most valuable insight is that conservatively managing the individual risks posed by new technologies will not suffice. * Financial Times *Azeem Azhar is one of the best-regarded thought leaders in the industry. But more importantly, he has a broad understanding of the exponential ways technology can be used to solve our biggest problems, shape our society, and bridge cultural divides. -- Daniel Ek, founder and CEO of SpotifyAzeem Azhar is a globally recognised voice on technology and its impact. He has written a fascinating and important book, required reading for anyone seeking to understand the new economy and the massive global corporations that seek to dominate that economy. -- Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive, Royal Society of ArtsAzhar is unapologetically bullish about the power of technology . . . He speaks powerfully about how we need to shape technology to put it back in the service of society. * Guardian *Brilliant. -- Anil Seth, author of BEING YOUEvery generation fears technology is changing frighteningly fast. Usually it is hyperbole, the fear of the unknown. But today technological shifts are posing challenges to our security, our democracies, our way of life, our sanity. Azeem Azhar's brilliant book demystifies these exponentially fast changes and - importantly - shows how the chronic volatility can be harnessed for good. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how to reclaim a good society from the snapping jaws of looming chaos. -- Robert PestonWe are living through a period of unprecedented technological change . . . Exponential offers a new framework for understanding the impact of technology on the economy, politics and the future. * Forbes *A powerful argument . . . Azhar's writing is informative and accessible, and his prescient ideas are only going to become more important. -- Hannah Fry, BBC Radio 4 presenter and author of HELLO WORLDA details-rich journey from the discovery of the first transistor in 1947 to the arrival of TikTok. * Reuters *Azhar has a knack for interrogating and inverting conventional thinking . . . A convincing case that something extraordinary is taking place in business and society. * Economist *A celebration of the world-changing impact of computing technologies . . . Azhar meticulously and smartly makes his case. * MIT Technology Review *Excellent. * Forbes *A tremendous new book which has far-reaching implications. -- Ian Goldin, Founding Director, University of Oxford Martin SchoolAs a primer on our latest multi-dimensional technological revolution and how it is rewriting the rules of society, economics and politics, this book is hard to beat. -- Books of the Year * Financial Times *How tech companies conquered the world and how their thirst for endless growth shapes the way they operate . . . Heralds an eventful, if rather alarming, new phase in human history. -- Books of the Year * The Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSean Carroll explores how evolution has shaped nature's wondrous complexity and diversity, from insects to octopuses, from mice to men.We not only share nearly 99% of our genes with chimps, we also have some 35% in common with daffodils. Throughout much of the animal and even plant kingdoms, almost the same ancient genes code for almost the same proteins. And further, to everyone's astonishment, the genes involved in making the complex eyes of fruitflies are close matches to those involved in making the very different eyes of octopuses and people. So what leads to the nature's 'endless forms most beautiful'? The key to this mystery is being unravelled by 'Evo Devo' or the new science of evolutionary development biology. By looking at how a single-celled egg gives rise to a complex, multi-billion celled animal, Evo Devo is illuminating exactly how new species - butterflies and zebras, trilobites and dinosaurs, apes and humans - are made and evolved. The key, it turns out, is all about location and timing... For anyone who has ever pondered 'where did I come from', Endless Forms Most Beautiful explores our history, both the journey we have all made from egg to adult, and the long trek from the origin of life to the very recent origin of our species.Trade Review'Sean B. Carroll is the ideal author to lead the curious on this intellectual adventure - he is the acknowledged leader of the field' Lewis Wolpert. * Lewis Wolpert *'Impressively skilful first book' Independent. * Independent *'A first-rate introduction to Evo Devo' Nature. * Nature *'Carroll... writes in a lively style, peppering the book with endlessly fascinating examples' Scientific American. * Scientific American *'Provides an essential glimpse into both the creation of life and the excitement of scientific discovery' Sunday Telegraph. * Sunday Telegraph *'Makes Evo Devo accessible to a wider readership ... Carroll does it splendidly' Guardian. * Guardian *Table of ContentsPreface: Revolution No.3. Introduction: Butterflies, Zebras, and Embryos. The Making of Animals: Animal Architecture - Modern Forms, Ancient Designs; Monsters, Mutants, and Master Genes; From E.coli to Elephants; Making Babies - 25,000 Genes, Some Assembly Required; The Dark Matter of the Genome - Operating Instructions for the Tool Kit. Fossils, Genes, and the Making of Animal Diversity: The Big Bang of Animal Evolution; Little Bangs - Wings and Other Revolutionary Inventions; How the Butterfly Got Its Spots; Paint It Black; A Beautiful Mind - The Making of Homo sapiens; Endless Forms Most Beautiful. Sources and Further Reading. Acknowledgements. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe beauty and fascination of birds is unrivalled. Every day of the year, immerse yourself in their world with an entry from A Bird of Day, where Dominic Couzens offers an insight into everything from the humble Robin to Emperor Penguins, who are in the midst of Arctic storms protecting their young on 1 July. Or discover the fate of the Passenger Pigeon which became extinct through overhunting on 1 September 2014. If you ever visit the Himalayan uplands, go in late November when you can see a flock of the cobalt blue Grandala birds, which is one of the wonders of the natural world. The author is a world expert on birds and particularly bird behaviour and he reveals endless fascinating stories of birds from all over the globe to give a rich tapestry of avian life with stunning photography, illustration and arresting art. All of bird life is covered, from nesting, migration, and courting to birdsong and curious bird behaviour. From the promiscuous Fairywren of Australia, who gives petals to his mistresses, to the singing instructions of the female Northern Cardinal in North America, this is a delightful dip-in-and-out book for any nature lover.Trade Review'Couzens has created a nuanced book that offers many windows, roads, nooks and crannies to enhance our own personal journey with birds.' -- Birdwatch'This is an attractive book to look at and an interesting one to read. It would make a very good Christmas present for just about anyone who is interested in birds, whatever their level of knowledge.' -- Mark Avery'An ideal reference book for fledgling ornithologists.' -- Mary Skipworth * The Field *'For dipping into – and learning a lot when you do' -- Stephen Moss * Mark Avery Blog *'Perfect for dipping into, beautifully written, and great to look at.' * Birdwatching, Book of the Month *

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen the eminent naturalist Charles Darwin returned from South America on board the H.M.S Beagle in 1836, he brought with him the notes and evidence which would form the basis of his landmark theory of evolution of species by a process of natural selection. This theory, published as The Origin of Species in 1859, is the basis of modern biology and the concept of biodiversity. It also sparked a fierce scientific, religious and philosophical debate which still continues today.Trade ReviewThe most important book ever written * New Scientist *No other book has so transformed how we look at the natural world and mankind's origins * Sunday Telegraph *Why does Darwin's theory matter now? Because it is the basis of modern biology and much medical research; it provides a tool with which to understand the natural world; it offers a deeper, if imperfect, understanding of our behaviour, about where we came from and where we might be going * Observer *

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn James Audubon (1785-1851) was for half a century America's dominant wildlife artist. His seminal Birds of America, a collection of 435 life-size prints, is still a standard work, and the name Audubon remains synonymous with birds and bird conservation the world over. Born in Haiti, the illegitimate son of a French sea-captain, he was raised in France and sailed to America at the age of 18 where he went into business and began his study of birds. In 1819 he was briefly jailed for bankruptcy; with no other prospects, he set off on his epic quest to depict America's avifauna, with nothing but his gun, artist's materials, and a young assistant. Floating down the Mississippi, he lived a rugged hand-to-mouth existence while his devoted wife, Lucy, earned money as a tutor to wealthy plantation families. In 1826 he sailed with his partly finished collection to England. Lionized as the 'American woodsman', he hit just the right Romantic note for the era, and was an overnight success, finding printers for his book first in Edinburgh, then London. It was a classic American tale of triumph over adversity.Here are vivid 'bird biographies', his correspondence with Lucy, journal accounts of his dramatic river journeys and hunting trips with the Osage Indians, and a generous sampling of brief stories that have long been out of print, 'The Burning of the Forests' and 'Kentucky Barbecue on the Fourth of July' among them. The Audubon Reader is an unforgettable encounter with early America: with its wildlife and birds, with its people and its primordial wilderness.Trade ReviewCelebrate him for his wonderful birds; but recognise him as well as a characteristic American of the first generation - a man who literally made a name for himself. -- Richard Rhodes * Introduction by Richard Rhodes *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is the secret meaning of alchemical symbolism? Why was the Royal Art kept secret for so long? Could ancient images really turn molten lead into gold with a mere pinch of the Philosopher's Stone? Really? Alchemy is perhaps the last true magical art to survive the ravages of the modern world. In this exquisite book, top laboratory alchemist Guy Ogilvy initiates the reader into some of the key concepts and practices of this extraordinary field of study. It includes extensive appendices. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhat is a tree? Why are they so important to life on Earth? How do they eat, breathe, grow, communicate, and regenerate themselves? In this beautiful little book, internationally renowned Finnish tree boffin Professor Olavi Huikari takes us on an unforgettable journey deep into the secrets of these hugest and most majestic of life forms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe fresh waters of the British Isles are diverse, ranging from torrential hill streams to powerful rivers and wide, meandering lowland channels. Canals and drainage channels, ranging in size from ditches to the large Fenland drains of eastern England also hold fish, as do reservoirs, lakes, ponds and other still water bodies. The fish themselves are correspondingly varied. This pocket-sized book provides information about the 54 native, invasive and naturalised species found in the UK today, and includes a photograph of each to allow easy identification

Read more less

Book SynopsisField naturalists have searched across Clare Island for animal groups ranging from the microscopic to birds and mammals. Many more species have been found since the original survey a hundred years ago, due to the availability of modern methods, which greatly add to our knowledge of the biodiversity of Clare Island. The lists of species featured here include some new to the island, some new to Ireland and some new to science. This volume signals the need for further field work and taxonomic research to track biodiversity changes arising from human activity. Land and freshwater fauna is the tenth volume in the New Survey of Clare Island series, which seeks to build on the pioneering work of the first Clare Island Survey (1909–11), the most ambitious natural history project ever undertaken in Ireland and the first major biological survey of a specific area carried out in the world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA geneticist tells the stories of men, women, and children whose genes have shaped their lives in unexpected ways. It was while listening to a colleague tell the parents of a newborn girl that their daughter was going to die that a lifelong interest in genetic medicine was sparked in Dr Edwin Kirk. Warmth and gentleness tempered a direct, sure manner — this was the medicine he wanted to practise, where the most advanced science and the most deeply human meet. Twenty-five years later, Dr Kirk works both with patients and in the lab, and he spearheads a campaign that will change the way we think about having babies. His experience is without parallel, but it is his humour and insight that make all the difference. Find out why Dr Kirk found himself among hundreds of people, each with a glass of poison in front of them — and how you might perform the same experiment yourself (without the poison). Learn how the realisation that a young boy wasn’t short ended up saving the life of his mother — and how Angelina Jolie has saved the lives of many more. Sit in the room with Dr Kirk and his patients as they navigate the world of heartbreaking uncertainties, tantalising possibilities, and thorny questions of morality. In genetics, it is the particularities of an individual’s history that matter, and here, in clear and considerate writing, those individual stories are given voice.Trade Review‘This is an excellent book that explores the history, ethics, patient stories, and explanations of science in a sensitive and relatable way. It is a very readable book that does not overwhelm the reader with scientific facts. It takes a complicated topic in medicine and makes genetics accessible to a wider audience.’ -- Judges’ citation from the 2022 BMA medical book awards‘Admirable … With great precision and detail, Dr Kirk explores the unexpected ways in which our genes shape our lives … A renowned geneticist, Kirk is also a capable writer. He is humorous, modest, insightful, and humane.’ -- Kevin O’Sullivan * Irish Examiner *‘This new book sets out to share the experiences and anecdotes of a career in genetic medicine more than two-decades long, while narrating segments of the history of genetic pathology and exploring the world of genes today and to come … Kirk makes effective use of footnotes to deflate the academic style and maintain a sense of personality and fun.’ -- David Ferrell * Canberra Times *‘Both an account of the human stories at the heart of Kirk’s practice and a beginner’s guide to genetic medicine, The Genes That Make Us tells of the significant progress that has been made in genetics over the past two decades, while also signalling how far there is left to travel.’ -- Diane Stubbings * Australian Book Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Field Guide tothe Reptiles & Amphibians of Singapore is the most comprehensive up-to-date field guide to the herpetofaunain Singapore, covering caecilians, frogs, lizards, snakes and turtles. Withphotographs from the authors and other top nature photographers, each speciesis illustrated with many variants.

Read more less