Science & Nature Books

Book SynopsisA WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF 2022: POLITICSBi: The Hidden Culture, History and Science of Bisexuality explores all that we know about the world's largest sexual minority. It is a personal journey that starts with Dr Julia Shaw's own openly bisexual identity, and celebrates the resilience and beautiful diversity of the bi community. From the hunt for a bi gene, to the relationship between bisexuality and consensual non-monogamy, to asylum seekers who need to prove their bisexuality in a court of law, there is more to explore than most have ever realised.Trade ReviewWell-researched, cogent and compelling . . . Shaw is always an engaging guide to the landscape, on everything from the hunt for a bi gene to the sexual habits of giraffes and rams. [She] has achieved what she set out to do: delivered a book that does justice to the important history of bisexuality, bringing the colourful world of bisexual scholarship "out of the shadows" * * Independent * *A tour of the science, culture and history of bisexuality that ranges from the vehemently political to the charmingly weird. Shaw celebrates bisexual bonobos, debunks myths about gay giraffes and contends that "starfish should be the mascots for queerness" . . . The book opens up conversations that might just lead to more visibility, understanding and empathy for all people, however they define themselves. If those conversations could become the latest big thing, we'd all benefit * * Guardian * *A lively rollercoaster ride through all things bisexual. Full of fascinating facts, up-to-date stats, pop culture references and thoughtful analysis, the book covers everything from bi animals to political scandals, from exclusions in queer spaces to threesomes. Julia writes eloquently and engagingly, sharing moments from her own journey along the way. A must-have for every queer bookcase -- MEG-JOHN BARKER * * author of Queer: A Graphic History * *It's fabulous, brilliantly done, and so important. Julia Shaw has written the Bi bible. The hidden history and public face of millions of people. Fun, moving and skilful all at once -- PROFESSOR ANDREW REYNOLDS, founder of Queer Politics at Princeton UniversityEndlessly illuminating, challenging and compelling. Bi is a vivid and vital read -- MUSA OKWONGA, author and co-host of the Stadio PodcastJulia Shaw's book is an incredible resource for anyone wishing to learn more about bisexuality. Whether you're a beginner or expert, this book is certain to teach you something new. Shaw takes her readers on a tour through bisexual history, studies, and data in diverse fields and areas, all presented in an informative and accessible style. This is a fascinating read -- SHIRI EISNER, author of Bi: Notes for a Bisexual RevolutionBisexual erasure - the tendency for the identities and existence of bi people to be overlooked or misunderstood in popular culture and academic discourse - remains an issue, despite the strides made in the acceptance of LGBTQ people in recent decades. This lively book aims to put that right, exploring the changing ways in which bisexuality has been understood, and figures who deserve to be better known * * BBC History Magazine * *Praise for Making Evil: Julia Shaw has crafted a brilliant panorama that elucidates humanity's dark side in her masterpiece, Making Evil -- PHILIP ZIMBARDO, author of The Lucifer EffectWarmly, chattily written . . . Shaw draws knowledgeably on psychological and neuroscientific research * * Guardian * *Most of it is unsettling . . . It's also rational, intelligent and necessary * * Herald * *

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Book SynopsisThe RSPB's Book of the SeasonThe distinctive white-tailed sea eagle was driven to extinction in Britain more than 200 years ago, but this immense predator is making a return to our skies, thanks to Roy Dennis, an ornithologist, conservationist and arguably the driving force behind the UK's reintroduction agenda.Roy was instrumental in returning the Osprey, red kite and golden eagle to the British Isles, but the road to reintroduction isn't an easy one. In what will surely be the seminal book on British reintroductions, Roy details the painstaking process of returning the Goldeneye to Scotland, one duckling at a time, the die-hard determination needed to make a dazzling success of the red kite reintroduction and the leap of faith we will all need to make to accept sharing our forests and skies with large carnivores again. He also illustrates all that we have to gain by restoring our ecosystems to balance.Filled with a lifetime's worth of stories from the front lines of conservation, Reintroduction offers an eye-opening insight into the complexities of reintroducing extinct animals to Britain. It's also an intimate portrait of these apex predators and a reminder of why we need them.Trade Review‘Dennis is the most significant conservationist you’ve probably never heard of, and possessed of a radicalism that would startle the most outspoken young environmentalist … Dennis’s vision of how to halt the extinction crisis and restore lost habitats and species in Britain deserves attention because it is rooted in 60 years of pioneering conservation action … Like Dennis, the book is modest, deeply informative and profoundly hopeful, in that it shows a new generation how to bring back lost species’ Patrick Barkham, Guardian ‘Now 81, Dennis is possibly the UK’s most senior and influential conservationist you may never have heard of … Restoring the Wild covers Dennis’s career, which he built on the profound knowledge of ecology and species interaction. It is a book based on his diaries of 60 years, which reveal the sheer number of reports, town hall lectures, licences, risk assessments, acronyms, obstacles and setbacks before the excitement comes … exhilarating’ Kathleen Jamie, New Statesman ‘If you want to find out how to help wildlife survive, thrive, and expand their own horizons, Roy Dennis is the very man: according to the RSPB, no-one else has done more for nature conservation in Scotland in the last 100 years. Informed by sixty years of fieldwork, his new book is a comprehensive guide to how well – or poorly – we are placed to rewild our skies, woods and waterways’ David Robinson, Books from Scotland ‘Roy’s passion and love of wildlife is visible in every crevice of the book … a tantalising and inspiring read’ The Scottish Field ‘A wonderful book, steeped in knowledge and experience of nature and of the more practical ends of nature conservation … No one else could write this book from personal experience – it’s a treat … A joy to read, and gives plenty of information but also food for thought.’ Mark Avery ‘A leading figure in UK reintroductions, Roy explains the process and necessity of bringing back our extinct apex predators’ Nature’s Home

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Book SynopsisFrom an award-winning medic and scientist, the game-changing case that genetic females have greater resilience, immunity, endurance and more, compared with males'A powerful antidote to the myth of a weaker sex' Gina Rippon, author of The Gendered BrainFrom birth, genetic females are better at fighting viruses, infections and cancer. They do better at surviving epidemics and famines. They live longer, and even see the world in a wider variety of colours. These are the facts; they are simply stronger than men at every stage of life. Why? And why are we taught the opposite?Drawing on his wide-ranging experience and cutting-edge research as a medic, geneticist and specialist in rare diseases, Dr Sharon Moalem set out to understand why women are consistently more likely than men to thrive. The answer, he reveals, lies in our genetics: the female's double XX chromosomes offer a powerful survival advantage. Moalem explains why genetic females outperform males when it comes to immunity, resi

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Book SynopsisKNOW SOMEONE WHO LOVES CATS? THEN READ ON FOR THE PERFECT GIFT . . .This book should not be left in the company of dog-lovers' Spectator---- DO YOU EVER THINK YOUR CAT IS TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING? Cat lovers know all too well how mysterious their feline friends can be. Descended from shy, solitary North African wild cats, domestic cats set up home with devoted owners across the world. But how did those wildcats of old creep into our homes and our hearts, convincing us to keep them warm, fed, and pampered? Quite simply, they learned to talk to us.Each chapter dives into a different form of communication, including:- Vocalisation- Tail signals- Scents- Rubbing Renowned cat behaviour scientist Dr. Sarah Brown reveals the previously unexplored secrets of cat communication, translating every meow and every blank stare. Her book will be perfect for any cat lover who wants to learn more about their companion. ---- PRAISE FOR THE HIDDEN LANGUAGE OF CATS Sarah Brown knows cats. A fascinating blend of real-life stories and science informed by her deep expertise, this book will both entertain and inform any cat-lover' John Bradshaw, New York Times bestselling author of The Trainable Cat and Cat SenseEvery cat lover wishes they could understand what their cat is thinking: This book will help you do just that! Highly-entertaining and evidence-based guide to how cats communicate and how to have a better relationship with the cat in your life'' Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD, Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist and coauthor of Total Cat Mojo ''Reading Dr Brown''s book has only strengthened my love of and fascination with cats!'' Olivia Petter, Independent

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Book SynopsisExam Board: AQALevel: A-levelSubject: PhysicsFirst Teaching: September 2015First Exam: June 2016Ensure your students get to grips with the core practicals and develop the skills needed to succeed with an in-depth assessment-driven approach that builds and reinforces understanding; clear summaries of practical work with sample questions and answers help to improve exam technique in order to achieve higher grades.Written by experienced teachers Graham George and Kevin Lawrence, this Student Guide for practical Physics- Help students easily identify what they need to know with a concise summary of required practical work examined in the A-level specifications.- Consolidate understanding of practical work, methodology, mathematical and other skills out of the laboratory with exam tips and knowledge check questions, with answers in the back of the book.- Provide plenty of opportunities for students to impro

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Book SynopsisSay 'algae' and most people think of pond scum. What they don't know is that without algae, none of us would exist.; There are as many algae on earth as stars in the universe, and they have been essential to life on our planet for aeons. Algae created our oxygen-rich atmosphere, abundant oceans and coral reefs. Crude oil is made of dead algae, and algae are the ancestors of all plants.; Today, seaweed production is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with algae hard at work to make your sushi, beer, paint, toothpaste, shampoo and so much more. Delving into science and history, in this revelatory book Ruth Kassinger takes readers on an around-the-world, behind-the-scenes, and into-the-kitchen tour. We'll meet the algae innovators working towards a sustainable future: from seaweed farmers in South Korea, to scientists using it to clean the dead zones in our waterways, to the entrepreneurs fighting to bring algae fuel and plastics to market.; Bloom will overturn everything you thought you knew about algae and the immense power that they hold. This could be the future of our rapidly changing world.Trade Review“Truly mind expanding ... science writing at its most engaging and rewarding” -- Tonto Williams, Electronic Scrapbook; "Algae are among the earth's oldest life-forms, pervasive in everything from pond scum to crude oil. Kassinger explains their history and biology, and makes a persuasive case for their future importance." —New York Times Book Review; “Gives a distinct view into these underappreciated organisms and demonstrates our intertwined history with algae. Hopefully, it will help readers see algae in a different light." — Science Magazine; "Fascinating and relevant...As Kassinger finds unique nuggets within algae's backstory and possible future, she unravels amazing, microscopic details of this vital resource...Where it gets really interesting is her detailed explanation of the large role algae played in the complicated, multistep process of human evolution, supplementing our ancestors’ diets with iodine and the omega-3 oil DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), both essential ingredients for developing larger brains. And it has continued to serve as a nutritious food source for many cultures ever since...Kassinger has penned a wondrous story of this multifaceted, often misunderstood microorganism whose existence is vital to our own." —BookPage, starred review; "We often look for big solutions, but the reality is that the smallest things often offer hope. This globetrotting book showcases the 'algae innovators' (the phrase of the month) exploring what we can learn from these often-ignored plants." —EcoWatch; "Deep and enlightening...Readers will learn more about algae than they ever imagined (and relish every minute of it). Comparisons to Mary Roach and Susan Orlean are well-deserved, and Kassinger’s erudite and wide-ranging approach should entice readers with a wide range of interests, from food to fashion, bioengineering, marine biology, farming, and general fascination with the wonders of nature. Gardeners will welcome Kassinger's latest, and everyone else will feel lucky to discover this winsome writer." —Booklist, starred review; "A fun and fascinating deep dive into the natural history, current uses, and vast potential of algae...Accessible and enthralling...Kassinger delivers the powerful and optimistic message that slime just may be our savior...Thorough but not dense, informative but never boring—a delight from start to finish." —Kirkus, starred review; "In chirpy prose chock-full of homespun metaphors...Kassinger turns an obscure subject into delightful reading...Even readers who never expected to enjoy a book about slime will find this an informative and charming primer to 'the world’s most powerful engines.'" —Publishers Weekly; "Compelling ... there is something for everyone, from committed phycologists to people who hitherto (but hopefully no longer) regarded algae as an inconvenience or worse. Blanket weed may never seem the same again" -- Nature; "With brio and great wisdom, Ruth Kassinger demonstrates how the apparently humble and often disregarded algae ("pond scum") are actually amongst the major engines of life on our planet. Bloom is a classic of our environmental crisis, alongside books such as Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction." - Peter Forbes, author of The Gecko's Foot; "A book full of delights and surprises . . . This is a beautiful evocation of the many ways that our past and future are entangled in their emerald strands" - David George Haskell, author of Pulitzer Prize-finalist The Forest Unseen; "Ruth Kassinger is a witty and affable guide throughout this globetrotting celebration of an overlooked life form" - Thor Hanson, author of Buzz, The Triumph of Seeds and Feathers; 'Engaging and deeply informative' - Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural HistoryTable of ContentsContents; Introduction ix; Section I: In the Beginning; 1. Pond Life 3; 2. Something New Under the Sun 13; 3. Algae Get; Complicated 21; 4. Land Ho, Going Once 27; 5. Land Ho, Going Twice 37; 6. Looking for Lichens 43; Section II: Glorious Food; 1. Brain Food 55; 2. Seaweed Salvation 69; 3. On a Grand Scale 79; 4. Welshmen's Delight 89; 5. A Way of Life 99; 6. Flash! 113; 7. Spirulina 123; Section III: Practical Matters; 1. Feeding Plants and Animals 131; 2. In the Thick of It 147; 3. Land Ho, Going Thrice 159; 4. Seaweed Stuff 169; 5. Algae Oil 185; 6. The Algae's Not for Burning 203; 7. Ethanol 215; 8. The Future of Algae Fuel 229; Section IV: Algae and the Changing Climate; 1. Gadzoox 243; 2. Saving the Reefs? 255; 3. A Plague Upon Us 273; 4. Clean-up 283; 5. Making Monsters 295 6. Geoengineering 303; Epilogue 315; Acknowledgements 323; Appendix: Recipes 325; Selected and Annotated Bibliography 341; Index 371

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Book SynopsisRHS Genealogy for Gardeners is part of the bestselling series that includes RHS Latin for Gardeners and RHS Botany for Gardeners. This informative, easy-to-understand and beautifully designed reference book explores plant families and the plant family tree in unparalleled detail.From roses (Rosaceae) to rhubarb (Polygonaceae) and carrots (Apiaceae) to camellias (Theaceae), RHS Genealogy for Gardeners unlocks a wealth of practical information, helping you to identify, select and cultivate plants from over 70 families most familiar to gardeners. Along with details about the size, range, origin and appearance of each family, feature boxes highlight interesting facts and provide useful growing tips. Whether you are a gardener, horticultural student, budding botanist or plant enthusiast, RHS Genealogy for Gardeners will help you understand and appreciate the extraordinary diversity and unrivalled splendour of the plant kingdom.

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Book SynopsisWITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY BILL GATESIn this warm, insightful portrait of the Winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1965, we see the wisdom, humour and curiosity of Richard Feynman through a series of conversations with his friend Ralph Leighton.Winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1965, Richard Feynman was one of the world's greatest theoretical physicists, but he was also a man who fell, often jumped, into adventure. An artist, safecracker, practical joker and storyteller, Feynman's life was a series of combustible combinations made possible by his unique mixture of high intelligence, unquenchable curiosity and eternal scepticism.Over a period of years, Feynman's conversations with his friend Ralph Leighton were first taped and then set down as they appear here, little changed from their spoken form, giving a wise, funny, passionate and totally honest self-portrait of one of the greatest men of our age.

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational and beautifully illustrated book that tells the stories of 80 plants from around the globe.In his follow-up to the bestselling Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori takes another trip across the globe, bringing to life the science of plants by revealing how their worlds are intricately entwined with our own history, culture and folklore. From the seemingly familiar tomato and dandelion to the eerie mandrake and Spanish 'moss' of Louisiana, each of these stories is full of surprises. Some have a troubling past, while others have ignited human creativity or enabled whole civilizations to flourish. With a colourful cast of characters all brought to life by illustrator Lucille Clerc, this is a botanical journey of beauty and brilliance.'A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change' The Herald'This charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history' Kew Magazine'With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands' Daily MailTrade ReviewThis charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history * Kew magazine *Who knew that the milky sap from dandelions is similar to that of rubber trees, so much so that, in the 1930s, 260 square miles of Eastern Europe were dedicated to growing Russian dandelions successfully to produce rubber until the end of the Second World War? Or did you know that Cook pine trees tilt towards the equator? These are only two fascinating facts from a book packed with similar gems -- Tiffany Daneff * Country Life *A fun and fascinating read, combining science, culture, botany and travel writing * Flower Arranger *With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands -- Ciara Dossett * Daily Mail *A trustee of the Eden Project, his knowledge is encyclopaedic, but it is the combination of science and storytelling that makes his book stand out... With Drori's evocative prose and Lucille Clerc's exquisite illustrations, this is a book to treasure -- Juanita Coulson * The Lady *AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PLANTS by Jonathan Drori is a brilliant and - thanks to Lucille Clerc - a beautiful book. It's an excellent companion to the same author's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES. Everybody who has the slightest interest in plants - and people - and wonders why we need to conserve botanical biodiversity should read this book -- Nigel Chaffey * Botany.one *The book is lively, entertaining and educational and the author's personal comments and witty asides, often made me laugh out loud. It is a credit to his skill and dedication that every fact-filled sentence is rich in information about each chosen plant, be it ethnobotanical, economic, folklore, myth, history, religion, culinary or etymology - not a word is wasted... Lucille Clerc's astonishingly beautiful, vibrantly coloured illustrations are an absolute delight, summing up the key points about each plant perfectly - you will find humour in these too... It would make a fabulous gift, yet contains enough facts to be of benefit to students of plant sciences, it is also a must have for anyone who guides at a public garden or has an interest in the relationship between plants and people in the past, present and future -- Matthew Biggs * Gardens Illustrated *A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change * The Herald, Portfolio *With its fascinating blend of the cultural, historic and scientific, Jonathan Drori's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES led readers on a global tour telling the stories of people and plants. Now, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PLANTS (Laurence King £20) reprises the winning formula with a botanical travelogue ranging from the edible - tomato, vanilla, cacao, artichoke - to the religious - myrrh, lotus - and species such as the opium poppy or sugar cane which have dominated whole economies -- Bridget Galton * Ham & High *[Jonathan Drori] comes to this book with a lifetime of experience and a passion for talking about - and encouraging the preservation of - plants, trees, insects and birds. He brings with him a cheerfully wry sense of humour and a wonderful way of explaining to the previously ignorant the golden nuggets of fact, the "did you knows?" that make the book such fun to read -- Jenni Fraser * Jewish Chronicle *Packed with insights, this is a book to treasure * Saga magazine *Beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc, the book is crammed with great stories. It will appeal not just to gardeners, but to anyone interested in the natural world and the ingenious means by which our ancestors adapted the plants around them for food, clothing, shelter, recreation and artistry * The Herald *A terrifically opinionated guide to a selection of world plants and their place in culture. Our author travels the globe via plants, like a plantsman Phineas Fogg, from Nettle and Mistletoe here to Saffron crocus and mandrake in Southern Europe to damask rose in South Asia to vanilla in Africa. Each is illustrated with panache by Lucille Clere. It's one to browse, and a source of fun facts. Did you know that nutmeg in excess has hallucinogenic effects? Apparently Malcolm X used nutmeg in jail for a high; it was banned in prisons in the US to avoid misuse. Or that myrrh was used in Biblical times for an antiseptic mouthwash as well as for incense and that the body of Admiral Nelson was preserved in myrrh-infused brandy to bring back to England (which the crew is said to have drunk in his honour)? There's lots like this -- Melanie McDonagh * Evening Standard *Monty Don describes Around the World in 80 Plants as 'A delightful book that informs and charms in equal measure' - a brilliant way to sum up a book written by someone with deep scientific knowledge, rather than where information is simply lifted from websites. As you turn the pages, facts illuminate, titillate and inform. I kept saying to myself 'I didn't know that' and was thrilled by my new knowledge. Jonathan Drori writes with passion, gentle humour and command of the subject... anyone interested in the plant world would find it of great interest. The illustrations by Lucille Clerc completment the worlds beautifully * Flora magazine *If you read extensively on many subjects, then here's another fascinating book to add to your collection - you'll love this one. Not only is it beautifully written and superbly illustrated, but it's also informative and fun. And there's a lot to delve into, depending on your moods. Maybe you'll just want to read up on one of the 80 plants or at other times get stuck into a geographic section. Or perhaps you'll opt for the culinary tips, sometimes the medicinal uses or very often the history. In this, Jonathan Drori has written another remarkable book and distilled fascinating content into each two-page exposé... you'll both learn from and enjoy this colourful introduction to the world of wild plants. * Plant Life magazine *The stories from "the riotous and often bizarre plant world" have the power to "intertwine science with history and culture" and that's exactly what Jonathan Drori does in this world-tour cornucopia of growing things. His scientific knowledge of plants is extensive but he wears it lightly as he writes passionately about intoxicants such as absinthe and cannabis, flavourings such as the misunderstood vanilla, and the imaginative and constant search for aphrodisiacs. If you think you know about the humble potato (Drori's paragraph on our Great Famine is admirably balanced) or tomato or nettle or dandelion, you'll learn still more here, while also learning about exotica such as mandrake and carnivorous plants. The book is beautifully illustrated and a must for anyone interested in the world around them -- Brian Maye * Irish Times *It's fair to say that Jonathan Drori, who has spent his life involved with plants and is now a member of the Council of Ambassadors of WWF and The Woodland Trust, has a real place in his hear for the simple and overlooked... Drori describes plants almost lovingly, allowing space for their beauty and ingenuity. Take this particularly appealing description of the nutmeg plant: 'Girdling the shiny nut is a succulent, lacy layer, an utterly sensual blood-red aril, or seed covering, which is itself surrounded by a fleshy husk.' Such descriptions are complemented throughout by drawings of each plant from illustrator Lucille Clerc; combined, they make for a beautiful book that can easily be dipped in and out of as the fancy takes you -- Katie Burton * Geographical *Structured by continent, this book guides the reader around the world, dipping into the stories of the tiny, the towering, the parasitic and the submarine... Helping to paint the picture of not just what each plant looks like, but how it is used, where it sits in the landscape and how it interacts with wildlife, are Lucille Clerc's beautiful illustrations. From the unfurling leaves of the silver tree fern to the colours and impossible shapes of some unique and strange-looking orchids, these drawings add yet another layer of delight... As with much of the natural world, the more one learns about the individual plant species and the stories that tell of our interactions with them-whether positive or negative-the more intriguing they become. Around the World in 80 Plants makes me want to find out yet more about the plants that are so often overlooked as a green background, or seen merely as scenery to frame the animals, yet are vital for supporting life on Earth. As this book so wonderfully shows, they are more than life-support machines: they provide colour, flavour and magic to our everyday lives, and we need to learn to appreciate them * Oryx *

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Book SynopsisAs plants see it, humans are not the masters of the Earth but only one of its most unpleasant and irksome residents. They have been on the planet for only about 300,000 years ago (nothing compared to the three billon years of plant evolution), yet have changed the conditions of the planet so drastically as to make it a dangerous place for their own survival. It's time for the plants to offer advice. In this playful, philosophical manifesto, Stefano Mancuso, expert on plant intelligence, presents a new constitution on which to build our future as beings respectful of the Earth and its inhabitants. These eight articles - the fundamental pillars on which plant life is based - must henceforth regulate all living beings.Trade ReviewPraise for The Nation of Plants: This artfully crafted exposition delightfully delves into the lives of plants by presenting the eight pillars on which those lives are built. * Newsweek *Mancuso writes playfully; as manifestos go, he knows, his is deeply weird...But this is peculiarity with a purpose. The conceit, an impassioned argument from collectivized flora that cites both atmospheric emissions and anthropocenic despair, forces readers to ask elemental questions. Who-and what-deserves moral consideration when the fate of one species is so often the fate of another? Mancuso's plants, in the end, make some very good points -- Megan Garber * The Atlantic *A renowned scientist delivers a simple yet urgent call to action on behalf of Earth's multitude of plants...[a] powerful book...Mancuso concludes his elegant and cogent argument with straightforward advice accessible to anyone...Insightful and arresting, this book offers an achievable road map to a more radiant future * Kirkus Reviews *A marvellously inventive spur to imagination. Plants have many lessons to offer us about thriving and resilience, and these are wonderfully elucidated in this deep green journey -- David George Haskell, author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Forest Unseen and John Burroughs Medal recipient for The Songs of TreesStefano Mancuso's The Nation of Plants is brilliant and delightful. A perfect little gem of a book -- Sonia Shah, author of The Next Great Migration: The Beauty and Terror of Life on the MoveA fantastic and necessary read for any plant enthusiast or environmental activist, The Nation of Plants is not merely a missive on the perils of climate change. Rather, the book begins from the whimsical perspective of plants, then weaves scientific fact with historical examples in a moving and inspiring call to action. Apart from the initial address, Mancuso's concrete approach is far from fantastical. The Nation of Plants is moving and informative, balancing a love for all things botanical with a passion for listening to and considering the needs of our plant brethren. -- Jessica Roux, author of Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of FlowersIn his new book, The Nation of Plants, Stefano Mancuso expresses his awe for plants by asking a unique question: What if our Constitution were rewritten by plants? What would be the fundamental laws if the Earth were governed by plants rather than people? Mancuso answers this question by masterfully and thoughtfully linking the stories of people, plants, and plant science. A must-read for anyone who is interested in the historical interactions between people and plants -- Valerie Trouet, author of Tree Story: The History of the World Written in RingsIn this insightful and pithy tract, Stefano Mancuso convincingly argues that the route to fighting climate change and mass extinction, and to living sustainably on this Earth, begins with a floral point of view. This is the constitution we need -- Zach St. George, author of The Journeys of Trees: A Story about Forests, People, and the FutureThe Nation of Plants unveils the long-term relationship between plants and people and explores the rights of all living things. It is a call for cooperation in a world facing persistent environmental degradation. It is a call for our mutual survival -- Lauren E. Oakes, author of In Search of the Canary TreeIn this brief book, Stefano Mancuso offers what may be the most original solution to the troubling age of humans. What if it were plants, rather than humans, who wrote a constitution for Earthly survival? Mancuso's innovative manifesto is a set of principles for living according to the botanical world. He imagines a new political order based not on the survival of the fittest, but rather on life in community, mutual aid, freedom from borders, and sovereignty for all living beings. In this engaging read, the plant philosopher pushes readers to see how much our survival depends on the well-being of the Nation of Plants-and gives us a radical guide to living according to the rules of life's unsung heroes -- Elizabeth Hennessy, author of On the Backs of Tortoises: Darwin, the Galapagos, and the Fate of an Evolutionary EdenMancuso [is] a gifted writer, with an engaging story-telling approach ... [The Nation of Plants has] many important ideas and food for thought * For Better Science *

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

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Book SynopsisA theoretical physicist and feminist theorist, Karen Barad elaborates her theory of agential realism, a schema that is at once a new epistemology, ontology, and ethics.Trade Review“Meeting the Universe Halfway is highly original, exciting, and important. In this book Karen Barad puts her expertise in feminist studies and quantum physics to superb use, offering agential realism as an important alternative to representationalism.”—Arthur Zajonc, coauthor of The Quantum Challenge: Modern Research on the Foundation of Quantum Mechanics“Meeting the Universe Halfway is the most important and exciting book in science studies that I have read in a long time. Karen Barad provides an original and satisfying response to a perennial problem in philosophy and cultural theory: how to grasp matter and meaning or causality and discourse together, without either erasing one of them or introducing an unbridgeable dualism. These theoretical abstractions come alive in Barad’s vivid examples; she shows that uncompromisingly rigorous analysis of difficult theoretical issues need not sacrifice concreteness or accessibility. Her methodological lessons from the diffraction of light and her convincing interpretations of familiar puzzles and recent experimental results in quantum physics also display how science and science studies can genuinely learn from one another. What other book could be a ‘must read’ in such diverse fields as science studies, foundations of quantum mechanics, feminist and queer theory, and philosophical metaphysics and epistemology?”—Joseph Rouse, Wesleyan University“Karen Barad’s Meeting the Universe Halfway makes fundamental contributions to science studies, philosophy, feminist theory, and physics—it is a rare book that can do that. This is an important, ambitious, readable, risk-taking, and very smart book, one to savor and grow with. Barad elaborates Niels Bohr’s philosophy-physics in the light of feminist science studies to propose an account of material-discursive practices in scientific knowledge. Eschewing all romantic appropriations of quantum physics that evade strong knowledge claims, Barad argues that Bohr’s interpretation of the experimental-theoretical nexus of quantum mechanics is crucial to understanding how observations and agencies of observation cannot be independent. ‘Agencies of observation’ are not liberal opinion-bearers, but situated entities made up of humans and non-humans in specific relationship. Reality is not independent of our explorations of it; and reality is not a matter of opinion, but of the material consequences of some cuts and not others made in the fabric of the world. As Barad reminds us, identities are always formed in intra-action. Ethical practices and consequences are intrinsic to the web. These issues are at the heart of debates about ‘constructivism,’ ‘realism,’ and the import of science studies, including feminist science studies, for configuring the nature of objective knowledge and the kinds of authorized actors in public worlds deeply shaped by science and technology.”—Donna Haraway, author of Modest_Witness@Second_Millennium.FemaleMan©_Meets_OncoMouse™: Feminism and Technoscience“Meeting the Universe Halfway is an ambitious, thought-provoking, challenging book. . . . The book is a provocative, generative, contribution to our attempts to provide effective tools to describe and understand the rapidly changing world we are part of. It deserves wide analysis and discussion. My intent here is to argue that it merits the serious attention of historians, philosophers, sociologists of science, and science studies and STS scholars.” -- S. S. Schweber * ISIS *Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgments ix Part I. Entangled Beginnings Introduction: The Science and Ethics of Mattering 3 1. Meeting the Universe Halfway 39 2. Diffractions: Differences, Contingencies, and Entanglements That Matter 71 Part II. Intra-Actions Matter 3. Niels Bohr's Philosophy-Physics: Quantum Physics and the Nature of Knowledge and Reality 97 4. Agential Realism: How Material-Discursive Practices Matter 132 Part III. Entanglements and Re(Con)figurations 5. Getting Real: Technoscientific Practices and the Materialization of Reality 189 6. Spacetime Re(con)figurings: Naturalcultural Forces and Changing Topologies of Power 223 7. Quantum Entanglements: Experimental Metaphysics and the Nature of Nature 247 8. The Ontology of Knowing, the Intra-activity of Becoming, and the Ethics of Mattering 353 Appendix A. Cascade Experiment, by Alice Fulton 397 Appendix B. The Uncertainty Principle is Not the Basis of Bohr's Complementarity 399 Appendix C. Controversy concerning the Relationship between Bohr's Principle of Complementarity and Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle 402 Notes 405 References 477 Index 493

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Book SynopsisOur Human Story is a guide to our fossil relatives, from what may be the earliest hominins such as Sahelanthropus, dating back six to seven million years, through to our own species, Homo sapiens.Trade Review`When it comes to human evolution [Chris Stringer] is as close to the horse’s mouth as it gets.’ BBC Focus on The Origin of Our Species `A superlative achievement... pure stimulation from beginning to end.’ Bill Bryson on Homo Britannicus `This is a beautiful book on a fascinating subject, written by the world authority. What more could one ask?’ Richard Dawkins on Homo Britannicus

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Book SynopsisFew launch vehicles are as iconic and distinctive as NASA's behemoth rocket, the Saturn V, and none left such a lasting impression on those who watched it ascend.Table of ContentsA new addition to our growing range of 'space' manuals, complementing: Apollo 11, Apollo 13, Space Shuttle, International Space Station, Soyuz, Lunar Rover, Mars Rovers, Gemini, Voyager 1 & 2, and Rockets.The detailed technical story of man's largest and most powerful rocket to date, available for publication ahead of, or to coincide with, the 50th anniversary of the first Saturn V launch.Featuring a wealth of imagery and technical drawings from the NASA archive.The recent re-release of both Airfix and Revell plastic model kits of the Saturn V are a pointer to continued interest in the rocket.

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Book SynopsisAre some criminals born, not made? What causes violence and how can we treat it? An Anatomy of Violence introduces readers to new ways of looking at these age-old questions. Drawing on the latest scientific research, Adrian Raine explains what it reveals about the brains of murderers, psychopaths and serial killers. Anti-social behaviour is complex, he argues, and based on the interaction between genetics and the biological and social environment in which a person is raised. But the latest statistical evidence between certain types of biological and early behavioural warning signs is also very strong. These are among the thorny issues we can no longer ignore and this book is an important milestone in our growing understanding of criminal behaviour.Trade ReviewFascinating ... Has profound implications ... It is remarkable that most of the work Raine outlines remains largely unknown to the wider public ... It is high time this defect was remedied -- David Rose * Mail on Sunday *This remarkable book offers startling evidence of the links between our biology and criminality ... powerful and well-written ... I commend his intelllectual courage -- Jenni Russell * Sunday Times *Raine's book is a masterpiece. He has the research at his fingertips - not surprising, since he carried out much of it - and makes a compelling case that society needs to grapple with the biological underpinnings of violent crime -- Bob Holmes * New Scientist *Adrian Raine has devoted his career to uncovering the causes of human violence ... This important book is a most valuable contribution -- Daniel Dennett * Prospect *

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Book SynopsisA ''difficult'' subject so simply taught - brilliant book'' - Amazon 5 star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''This is a great refresher book! Lots of worked out examples, great explanations [and] hundreds of practice problems and solutions'' - Amazon 5 star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''This book has been very helpful for my calculus class, I recommend it to anyone that needs extra help, or just feel like learning something new.'' - Amazon 5 star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Calculus: A Complete Introduction is the most comprehensive yet easy-to-use introduction to using calculus. Written by a leading expert, this book will help you if you are studying for an important exam or essay, or if you simply want to improve your knowledge. The book covers all areas of calculus, including functions, gradients, rates of change, differentiation, exponential and logarithm

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Book SynopsisFrom Schrodinger's cat to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, this book untangles the weirdness of the quantum world.Quantum mechanics underpins modern science and provides us with a blueprint for reality itself. And yet it has been said that if you're not shocked by it, you don't understand it. But is quantum physics really so unknowable? Is reality really so strange? And just how can cats be half-alive and half-dead at the same time?Our journey into the quantum begins with nature's own conjuring trick, in which we discover that atoms -- contrary to the rules of everyday experience -- can exist in two locations at once. To understand this we travel back to the dawn of the twentieth century and witness the birth of quantum theory, which over the next one hundred years was to overthrow so many of our deeply held notions about the nature of our universe. Scientists and philosophers have been left grappling with its implications every since.Trade ReviewAl-Khalili succeeds in making the quantum world understandable. Well, almost. * THE GUARDIAN *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science BooksCreating an element is no easy feat. It''s the equivalent of firing six trillion bullets a second at a needle in a haystack, hoping the bullet and needle somehow fuse together, then catching it in less than a thousandth of a second after which it''s gone forever. Welcome to the world of the superheavy elements: a realm where scientists use giant machines and spend years trying to make a single atom of mysterious artefacts that have never existed on Earth.From the first elements past uranium and their role in the atomic bomb to the latest discoveries stretching our chemical world, Superheavy will reveal the hidden stories lurking at the edges of the periodic table. Why did the US Air Force fly planes into mushroom clouds? Who won the transfermium wars? How did an earthquake help give Japan its first element? And what happened when Superman almost spilled nuclear secrets?<Trade ReviewWithout any compromise in accuracy, the book is compelling, conversational and entertaining, full of great stories and insights into the characters behind the quest. * Chemistry World *Making elements that don’t exist in nature is one of the craziest, most painstaking and bold pursuits in all of science, and Superheavy tells that story for the first time, with wit and verve. This deeply researched and engaging tour of the nether reaches of the periodic table will delight and inform everyone from the expert to the reader with only the dimmest memory of the iconic chart of chemical elements on the school lab wall. -- Phillip Ball, author of Beyond WeirdWith meticulous attention to detail and careful research, Chapman masterfully captures the excitement, politics and competition of the transuranic elements. Chapman's energy and enthusiasm is evident in every interaction, whether he is uncovering elaborate experimental details or unearthing scientific rivalries. -- Jess Wade, Physics Research Associate, Imperial College LondonTo anyone who imagines that the romantic age of elemental discovery ended in the 19th century, Kit Chapman’s hugely entertaining account of the discovery of the elements past uranium will be a real eye-opener. Larger than life characters, strange stories of errors, improvisation, and luck (good and bad) abound here. With a solid introduction to the science underpinning the stability and separation of these mysterious and mostly ephemeral species, there is much for everyone to learn and connect with here. -- Andrea Sella, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry, UCL, and winner of the Royal Society's Michael Faraday Prize 2014Table of ContentsPrologue Introduction PART I: CHILDREN OF THE ATOM Chapter 1: Modern Alchemy Chapter 2: The Secret of Gilman Hall Chapter 3: How to Build a Nuclear Weapon Chapter 4: Superman vs the FBI Chapter 5: Universitium ofium Californium Berkelium Chapter 6: The Death of Jimmy Robinson Chapter 7: Presidents and Beetles PART II: TRANSFERMIUM WARS Chapter 8: Nobelievium Chapter 9: From Russia with Flerov Chapter 10: The East and the West Chapter 11: Xanthasia and the Magic Numbers Chapter 12: Life at the Edge of Science Chapter 13: The Atoms that Came in from the Cold Chapter 14: Changing the Rules Chapter 15: How to Name your Element PART III: THE END OF CHEMISTRY Chapter 16: After the Wall Came Down Chapter 17: The Ninov Fraud Chapter 18: A New Hope Chapter 19: Beams of the Rising Sun Chapter 20: The Edge of the Unknown Chapter 21: Beyond Superheavy Epilogue References Acknowledgements Index

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Book Synopsis** WINNER OF THE PEN HESSELL-TILTMAN PRIZE 2021 **''Beautiful, evocative, authoritative.'' Professor Brian Cox''Important reading not just for anyone interested in these ancient cousins of ours, but also for anyone interested in humanity.' Yuval Noah HarariKindred is the definitive guide to the Neanderthals. Since their discovery more than 160 years ago, Neanderthals have metamorphosed from the losers of the human family tree to A-list hominins.Rebecca Wragg Sykes uses her experience at the cutting edge of Palaeolithic research to share our new understanding of Neanderthals, shoving aside clichés of rag-clad brutes in an icy wasteland. She reveals them to be curious, clever connoisseurs of their world, technologically inventive and ecologically adaptable. Above all, they were successful survivors for more than 300,000 years, during times of massive climatic upheaval.Much of what defines us was also in Neanderthals, and their DNA is still inside us. PlTrade ReviewImportant reading not just for anyone interested in these ancient cousins of ours, but also for anyone interested in humanity. - Yuval Noah Harari, author of Sapiens * The New York Times *Beautiful, evocative, authoritative. Kindred is a beautifully written exploration of our fast-developing understanding of Neanderthals and their culture and a compelling insight into how modern science is revealing the secrets of an extinct species who, for 350 thousand years before Homo Sapiens became dominant, inhabited a world “as wide and rich as the Roman Empire.” -- Professor Brian Cox, Physicist and TV presenterRebecca Wragg-Sykes's fact-packed but highly readable book puts us right with a superbly authoritative guided tour of much new evidence. It's tempting to say, "If you read only one book about the Neanderthals, read this one" -- except that if the next 20 years provide as many revelations about our ancestors as the past 20 have done, she will need to produce just as weighty a second volume. -- Richard Morrison * The Times *Blending cutting-edge science with lyrical storytelling, Rebecca Wragg Sykes paints a detailed portrait of our enigmatic relatives. -- Professor Alice Roberts, anatomist, author and broadcasterWritten with such pleasing, elegant prose, Kindred is a captivating ode to the subtle complexities of palaeoanthropology – the thrill of discovery, the frustrating gaps in the evidence, the tantalising question marks hovering above our favourite ideas. Dr Rebecca Wragg Sykes balances admirable scientific caution with her joyous enthusiasm, and the result is a generous, enthralling history of how we first came to know our ancient cousins, and how we’re still getting to know them today. -- Greg Jenner, historian and author‘Kindred is a thrillingly full account of what we currently know about the Neanderthals… Wragg Sykes' project is to write about Neanderthals as an end in themselves, not as a failed version of humanity.’ * London Review of Books *Rebecca Wragg Sykes’s book paints a vivid portrait of our adaptable ancient relatives ... immersive. -- Josie Glausiusz * Nature *Kindred is a tour de force. A rich and beautiful synthesis of all that is known about Neanderthal biology and culture, it should be required reading for anyone interested in the history of humanity. -- Dr Tori Herridge, palaeontologist and TV presenter‘The knowledge condensed here is certainly impressive … Rebecca Wragg Sykes has studied their landscapes, territories and tools and emerges as an expert and enthusiastic character witness for Neanderthals and their way of life. Neanderthals probably didn’t have PR, but they do now.’ * Guardian *Wragg Sykes paints a fascinating picture of a field transformed almost beyond recognition over the past 30 years. -- Simon Ings * New Scientist *Current, compelling, well researched, beautifully written and poetical, Kindred is like no other book you've read on Neanderthals. -- Professor Lee. R. Berger, University of WitwatersrandTable of ContentsA Note on Names Introduction Chapter 1: The First Face Chapter 2: The River Fells the Tree Chapter 3: Bodies Growing Chapter 4: Bodies Living Chapter 5: Ice and Fire Chapter 6: The Rocks Remain Chapter 7: Material World Chapter 8: Eat and Live Chapter 9: Chez Neanderthal Chapter 10: Into the Land Chapter 11: Beautiful Things Chapter 12: Minds Inside Chapter 13: Many Ways to Die Chapter 14: Time Travellers in the Blood Chapter 15: Denouements Chapter 16: Immortal Beloved Epilogue Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThis new extended edition of Story of Life is the perfect gift for those with a love of the natural world. Wander the galleries - open 365 days a year - and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, accompanied by informative text. Each chapter features key species from a different geological era with fantastic new artwork from Katie Scott.

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Book Synopsis''A delight'' Dara O Briain''A witty, smart writer who has a great talent'' Bill GatesWhy are most gases invisible, odourless and tasteless? Why do some poison us and others make us laugh? And why do some power our engines while others make drinks fizzy? In It''s a Gas, Mark Miodownik masterfully reveals an invisible world through his unique brand of scientific storytelling.Taking us back to that exhilarating and often dangerous moment when scientists tried to work out exactly what they had discovered, Miodownik shows that gases are the formative substances of our modern world, each with its own weird and wonderful personality.We see how seventeenth-century laughing gas parties led to the first use of anaesthetics in surgery, how the invention of the air valve in musical instruments gave us bicycles, cars and trainers, and how gases made us masters of the sea (by huge steamships) and skies (via extremely flammable balloons). This delight of a book reveals the immense importance of gases to modern civilisation.

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Book SynopsisWonderful and enriching' Adam NicolsonThe best book on conservation and the countryside I have read in years' John Lewis-StempelA modern pastoral written with intelligence, wit and lyricism' Cal FlynOur wild places and wildlife are disappearing at a terrifying rate. This is a story about going in search of the people who are trying to save our birds, as well as confronting the enormity of what losing them would really mean.In this beautiful and thought-provoking blend of nature and travel writing Patrick Galbraith sets off across Britain on a journey that may well be his last chance to see some of our disappearing birds. Along the way, from Orkney to West Wales, from the wildest places to post-industrial towns, he meets a fascinatingly eclectic group of people who in very different ways are on the front line of conservation, tirelessly doing everything they can to save ten species teetering dangerously close to extinction.In Search of One Last Song mixes conservation, folklore, historyTrade Review‘One of the great oral histories of British nature and the British countryside … Sad and honest and important and often very funny’ Richard Smyth, Review 31 ‘A treasury of a book … filled with beautiful moments, amazing and sometimes rather surprising characters, and, if we could only learn from them, reasons for hope.’ John Burnside, New Statesman 'It's a delight to jump into this slightly strange parallel world. Galbraith is such an able communicator of its weirdness, that it is a pleasure to go along for the ride’ The Times ‘In terms of both scope and execution, this book is a hugely impressive achievement, and it will be fascinating to see where Galbraith goes from here.’ The Scotsman ‘An important and timely book that explores the human context of an ecological emergency. Galbraith is a thoughtful, assured and elegant writer who brings a mature intelligence and open-minded insight to his subject.' Oban Times ‘Entertaining’ Jamie Blackett, Country Life ‘Galbraith’s writing is beautiful … In Search of One Last Song feels like an important step in the right direction’ Stephen Rutt, British Birds ‘The birds come to life in his fine writing’ Helen Bynum, Literary Review ‘Galbraith combines the ability to write lyrically with a formidable grasp of his subject’ The Week ‘Patrick Galbraith’s engaging debut volume will appeal to the layman as much as to the committed naturalist, being a quirkily enjoyable journey through a slightly nether worldly version of Britain.’ David Profumo, The Critic ‘The writing is strong, the book an impressive debut, establishing Galbraith as a quality writer.’ Tim Dee, Caught by the River ​​‘The best book on conservation and the countryside I have read in years’ John Lewis-Stempel ‘Beautifully written and earthy’ Philip Womack, The London Magazine

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Book Synopsis''This book can catapult you into living fully the life that is yours to live while you have the chance'' Jon Kabat-Zinn''A must-read for our distracted times'' Dan Goleman''A must-have guide to experiencing every moment of our lives'' Goldie Hawn''A treasure trove of insights and exercises to enrich our lives'' Dan SiegelStop for a moment. Are you here right now?Is your focus on the words in front of you? Or is it roaming elsewhere, to the past or future, to a worry, to your to-do list, or to your phone?The good news: There''s nothing wrong with you - your brain isn''t broken. The human brain was built to be distractible.The even better news: You can train your brain to pay attention more effectively.Acclaimed neuroscientist Dr Amishi Jha has dedicated her life''s work to understanding the science of attention at every level - from brain imaging studies in the lab to field testing soldiers, firefighters and athletes. Her mission has been to scientifically determine how we can harness the full power of our attention to better meet all that life demands. In Peak Mind, Dr Jha expertly guides readers through fascinating research, debunking common assumptions about focus and attention, and offers remarkably easy-to-adapt flexible twelve minute-a-day exercises to lift the mental fog, declutter the mind, and strengthen focus so that you can experience more of your life.Trade ReviewProven practices to take control of our focus and become our best selves. A must read for our distracted times * Daniel Goleman, author of #1 NYTimes Bestseller Emotional Intelligence *Thriving starts with our attention and what we do with it. In Peak Mind, Amishi Jha combines the science of attention with compelling stories from those in high stakes professions to show us all how to be more present in our lives so that we can unlock our full potential * Arianna Huffington, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Thrive *Dr. Jha brilliantly blends cutting-edge science, compelling stories, and strong practical instructions--the perfect antidote for our distracted over-busy times * Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of The Wise Heart *For a while now I've thought of experiences we long for, like love and connection, as emergent properties of how we pay attention. Attention is the key factor in moving beyond just living mechanically into a life of clarity and joy. Dr. Jha brilliantly shows us how that can be so, offering a clear and useful path to paying attention differently * Sharon Salzberg, author of New York Times Bestseller, Real Happiness *Peak Mind delivers crucial insights about the human mind along with practical, accessible tools to enhance it. With clarity and skill, Amishi Jha brings you into the lab to learn how attention works, why it's essential for well-being, and how it can be trained to reach your greatest potential. Required reading for our modern world! * Wendy Hasenkamp, PhD, Science Director, Mind & Life Institute *In Peak Mind, Amishi Jha offers a brilliant guide for training our attention with mindful awareness and maximizing our human potential. You will learn the science behind mindfulness, and well-researched strategies that promote resilience against stress, and increased mental focus, creativity, clarity and strength. The true gift is the capacity to be fully here-present and engaged in your relationships and your life * Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance *How easy it is to lose your mind just in those critical moments when you need it most. Here is a friendly and compelling way to not only get it back but to optimize it for life-your own and those with whom you share this world. Suffused with Amishi's rare talent for making rigorous science commonsensical, her exquisite clarity as both a researcher and teacher, her own experiences with life's sometimes rending challenges, and her personal meditation practice, this book can catapult you into living fully the life that is yours to live while you have the chance * Jon Kabat-Zinn, Founder of MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), author of Full Catastrophe Living and Mindfulness for All *Peak Mind is a must-have guide to experiencing every moment of our lives. Equipping us with easy-to-follow exercises based in the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, Dr. Amishi Jha reveals the unfiltered joy of paying attention * Goldie Hawn *Where our attention goes, neural firing flows, and neural connection grows' is powerfully revealed in the original research and mind-opening ideas and heartfelt stories of this powerful book by one of our world's pioneers in the science of mindfulness. Clear, illuminating, and filled with practices that will strengthen your attention, open your awareness, and cultivate compassionate connections within yourself and in your relationships with others, this is a treasure trove of insights and exercises to enrich our lives! * Daniel J. Siegel, New York Times bestselling author, Executive Director, Mindsight Institute *An inspiring book. Amishi Jha - internationally acclaimed expert on the new science of attention, mindfulness and the brain - shows beyond doubt that mental fitness is as important as physical fitness for human flourishing. This book is for all whose attention is hijacked when they least want it to be - everyone. It becomes urgent for those who have other people's lives in their hands, whether you are a parent or carer, a firefighter or surgeon or in the military. With gentle humour and (often surprising) examples she reveals how and why training in mindful awareness changes the brain's attentional systems, and how the capacity to be attentive is not a "soft skill", but is the strong and precious foundation of everything you want to be and do in your life * Mark Williams, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford, UK *

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Book SynopsisExam Board: SQALevel: HigherSubject: Human BiologyFirst Teaching: 2018, First Exam: 2019The Higher Human Biology Student Book helps teachers and students map their route through the CfE programme, providing comprehensive and authoritative guidance for the course.Full coverage of the new Higher course specifications with list of learning intentionsAttractive layout with clear text featuresKey questions highlight crucial concepts and techniques that need to be grasped by students in order to progress to the next learning intentionWhat the examiner/assessor is looking for to help teachers & students feel secureEnd of unit material unit assessment, exam-style questions with worked answers, self-assessmentStudent Books give a practical, supportive approach to help deliver the new curriculum and offer a blend of sound teaching and learning with assessment guidance.

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Book SynopsisMushrooms have always had a global fan club. And that fanbase continues to spread like the windswept spores of the colossal Honey Fungus.Mushroom Miscellany is a love letter to all things mushroom. This charmingly illustrated gift book explores the fantastical world of the mushroom featuring profiles, fun facts, recipes, and more.Over 80 species of fungi glow in the darkThe world's oldest mushroom is 810 million years oldBigger than a blue whale, the largest organism of any type in the world is the 2,384-acre Armillaria mushroom in OregonMushrooms are one of the world's most sustainably produced food sources, requiring minimal space, energy, and waterWith imaginative names such as Witches'' Butter and Jelly Ear, Chicken of the Woods and Beefsteak, mushrooms have been at the heart of medicine, folklore, cookery, and science throughout history and across cultures. Foragers, artists, scientists, healers, and chefs have been drawn to mushrooms for their implausible aesthetics, incredible

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Book SynopsisFROM THE BBC REITH LECTURER 2021''The most important book I have read in quite some time'' Daniel Kahneman; ''A must-read'' Max Tegmark; ''The book we''ve all been waiting for'' Sam HarrisHumans dream of super-intelligent machines. But what happens if we actually succeed?Creating superior intelligence would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, according to the world''s pre-eminent AI expert, it could also be the last. In this groundbreaking book, Stuart Russell sets out why he has come to consider his own discipline an existential threat to humanity, and how we can change course before it''s too late. In brilliant and lucid prose, he explains how AI actually works and its enormous capacity to improve our lives - and why we must never lose control of machines more powerful than we are. Russell contends that we can avert the worst threats by reshaping the foundations of AI to guarantee that machines pursue our objectives, not theirs. Profound, urgent and visionary, Human Compatible is the one book everyone needs to read to understand a future that is coming sooner than we think.LONGLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES & McKINSEY BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR''Thought-provoking'' Financial Times''Fascinating and significant'' Sunday Times''The most important book on AI this year'' GuardianTrade ReviewSurely the most important book on AI this year. -- Ian Sample * The Guardian, Book of the Day *A brilliantly clear and fascinating exposition of the history of computing thus far, and how very difficult true AI will be to build. -- Steven Poole * The Spectator *Fascinating and significant. -- James McConnachie * The Sunday Times *Worth reading Human Compatible by Stuart Russell (he's great!) about future AI risks and solutions. -- Elon Musk * Twitter *A thought-provoking and highly readable account of the past, present and future of AI . . . Russell deploys a bracing intellectual rigour . . . but a laconic style and dry humour keep his book accessible to the lay reader. * The Financial Times *It's asking a lot of a book about the potential end of civilisation to be strewn with humour and wry asides, but this is what Russell manages . . . it's worth sticking with, for the sake of the species. -- Best Science, Nature and Ideas Books of 2019 * The Guardian *An excellent, nuanced history. * The Telegraph, Best New Science Books for Christmas *Russell is an assiduous and conscientious scholar ... [he] provides a wealth of information. This is one of those intellectual voyages where both the journey and the destination matter. -- John Naughton * The Literary Review *This is the most important book I have read in quite some time. It lucidly explains how the coming age of artificial super-intelligence threatens human control. Crucially, it also introduces a novel solution and a reason for hope. * Daniel Kahneman, winner of the Nobel Prize and author of 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' *Of the many books published this year on artificial intelligence, this is probably the best. Stimulating and scary stuff. -- Best Books of 2019: Technology * The Financial Times *A must-read: this intellectual tour-de-force by one of AI's true pioneers not only explains the risks of ever more powerful artificial intelligence in a captivating and persuasive way, but also proposes a concrete and promising solution. * Professor Max Tegmark, MIT, author of 'Life 3.0' *Stuart Russell has long been the most sensible voice in computer science on the topic of AI risk. And he has now written the book we've all been waiting for. Human Compatible is a brilliant and utterly accessible guide to what will be either the best or worst technological development in human history. -- Sam Harris, author of five New York Times bestsellers and host of the Making Sense podcastHuman Compatible made me a convert to Russell's concerns with our ability to control our upcoming creation -- super-intelligent machines. Unlike outside alarmists and futurists, Russell is a leading authority on AI. His new book will educate the public about AI more than any book I can think of, and is a delightful and uplifting read. -- Judea Pearl, Turing Award-winner and author of 'The Book of Why'Stuart Russell, one of the most important AI scientists of the last 25 years, may have written the most important book about AI so far, on one of the most important questions of the 21st century: How to build AI to be compatible with us. The book proposes a novel and intriguing solution for this problem, while offering many thought-provoking ideas and insights about AI along the way. An accessible and engaging must-read for the developers of AI and the users of AI - that is, for all of us. -- James Manyika * Chairman and director of McKinsey Global Institute *The man set on stopping the machines taking over. * The Telegraph *In clear and compelling language, Stuart Russell describes the huge potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the hazards and ethical challenges. It's specially welcome that a respected leading authority should offer this balanced appraisal, avoiding both hype and scaremongering. -- Professor Martin Rees, Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, University of Cambridge, and author of 'On the Future'A strong case for planning for the day when machines can outsmart us. * Kirkus Review *Persuasively argued and lucidly imagined, Human Compatible offers an unflinching, incisive look at what awaits us in the decades ahead. Stuart Russell's diagnosis of the risks and dangers of AI is convincing, and his prescription for action is compelling. No researcher has argued more persuasively about the risks of AI, nor has shown more clearly a pathway forward. Anyone who takes the future seriously should pay attention. -- Brian Christian, author of 'Algorithms to Live By'Can we coexist happily with the intelligent machines that humans will create? "Yes," answers Human Compatible, "but first..." Through a brilliant reimagining of the foundations of artificial intelligence, Russell takes you on a journey from the very beginning, explaining the questions raised by an AI-driven society and beautifully making the case for how to ensure machines remain beneficial to humans. A totally readable and crucially important guide to the future from one of the world's leading experts. -- Tabitha Goldstaub, co-founder of CognitionX and Head of the UK Government's AI CouncilThe same mix of de-mystifying authority and practical advice that Dr. Benjamin Spock once brought to the care and raising of children, Dr. Stuart Russell now brings to the care, raising, and yes, disciplining of machines. He has written the book that most -- but perhaps not all -- machines would like you to read. -- George Dyson, author of 'Turing's Cathedral' and 'Project Orion'This beautifully written book addresses a fundamental challenge for humanity: increasingly intelligent machines that do what we ask but not what we really intend. Essential reading if you care about our future. -- Professor Yoshua Bengio, Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de Montréal, winner of the 2018 Turing AwardA book that charts humanity's quest to understand intelligence, pinpoints why it became unsafe, and shows how to course-correct if we want to survive as a species. Stuart Russell, author of the leading AI textbook, can do all that with the wealth of knowledge of a prominent AI researcher and the persuasive clarity and wit of a brilliant educator. -- Jaan Tallinn, co-founder of Skype

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Book SynopsisWhy do some people become radicalized?Who is most susceptible to ideological thinking?Can we unchain our minds from toxic dogmas?Filled with insightful findings, this book shows that ideological extremism and polarization are not just problems to fret about but puzzles that can be studied and understood'Steven PinkerThe human brain faces a set of dilemmas every day: how to achieve coherence from fragmented sensory inputs and how to attain connection with other people in an increasingly atomized and isolating world. Ideologies offer a shortcut, providing easy answers, scripts to follow, and a sense of shared identity. Whether our ideologies are far-right, far-left, nationalist, religious, or even progressive, they simplify our understanding and give us organizing frameworks through which to act and interact with others. But ideologies come at a cost: demanding conformity and suppressing individuality through rigid rules, repetit

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Book SynopsisBJ Fogg is the founder and director of the Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford. In addition to his research, Fogg teaches Boot Camps in Behaviour Design for industry innovators and also leads the Tiny Habits Academy helping people around the world. One of Fortune's 10 New Gurus You Should Know,' he lives in Northern California and Maui.Trade ReviewBJ Fogg is the founding father of habits research, and his advice has already changed my life. Tiny Habits will help anyone have their best year yet; whether you want to sleep better, lose weight, work smarter or be a more present parent * Dr Rangan Chatterjee, author of Feel Better in 5 *Absolutely brilliant ... a 5/5 book. Fantastic things in every paragraph, on every page of the book * Chris Evans *On the subject of behavioural design, there is no one on earth who could author a more informative and anticipated book than BJ Fogg * Robert Cialdini, author of 'Persuasion' *This book is a rare diamond in a vast market: a self-help book that actually helps. That’s because it is informed by scientific enquiry. BJ Fogg is, deservedly, a cult figure not only among behavioural science academics but also in the business world. As a behavioural science fanatic, I cannot wait to read it: as an overweight behavioural science fanatic, I cannot wait to try its prescriptions * Rory Sutherland, Ogilvy VC and author of 'Alchemy' *BJ Fogg is a Stanford and Silicon Valley legend. He teaches people small research-based steps that enable them to make big, good and enduring changes in their lives. Tiny Habits makes his simple secret sauce available to everybody; it is a joy to read and packed with easy steps that will help you do more of what you want – and less of what you don’t * Robert Sutton, author of 'The Asshole Survival Guide' *

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Book SynopsisA perfect companion for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching beginners, in a revised and updated edition. The RSPB Everyday Guide to British Birds describes 80 common and widespread species that we''re most likely to come across in the British Isles and explains what makes each of them unique. Packed with fascinating facts and written in a friendly style, this RSPB guide is ideal for anyone who wants to identify and learn more about the birds they encounter, whether that''s in their back garden or while they''re out and about in urban and suburban settings or the British countryside.Alongside new photos to show both male and female birds where relevant, this second edition includes updates to species distribution and population numbers, as well as information on seasonal changes to British birds and how to attract birds to your garden. The guide also features updates to the UK's Red List species and a new section on birds that are flying high despite thTable of ContentsIntroduction Woodland, parks and gardens Farmland and wild spaces Birds of open skies Birds of prey Ducks, geese and swans Other lake and river species Waders Seabirds Identifying birds Birds through the season Birds in the garden The UK Red List for birds Birds that are flying high Further Reading Index Photograph credits Acknowledgements

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Book Synopsis“This is science made eclectic and entertaining.”—Publishers WeeklyA spectacular and humorous guide to the physics of everyday life—perfect for readers of Storm in a Teacup and The Disappearing Spoon.Why do bridges sway in the wind? Why do doorknobs sometimes produce a shock? Where does lightning actually come from—and more importantly, what should we do if we’re suddenly surrounded by it? The Ups and Downs of Physics explores the physics of the world around us: from dropped cell phone calls to falling objects, radioactivity, alternating currents, and humidity. The book also examines the ethical implications of scientific decision-making by recounting cases such as the Challenger disaster and the Goiânia radioactive accident. And while physics can sometimes cause us problems, the underlying principles are elegant and fascinating—and with this book, we can learn how to harness them to our advantage.Told in a charming, conversational voice by the husband-and-wife duo Marcus Weber, a celebrated physicist, and Judith Weber, an acclaimed science communicator, this book interweaves fascinating facts about pistol shrimp and electrostatic charge with chatty stories and experiments readers can try at home. Marcus and Judith discuss everything from a cycling holiday in Cuba, to a cracked window in their home, to figuring out why an experiment they designed for a science television show damaged the iPhone of a famous celebrity …Who knew physics could be so much fun!?

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Book SynopsisThe Learning Guide has been produced by the NICEIC to assist learners working towards a qualification that demonstrates awareness of the requirements and content of the UK national standards for the safety of electrical installations - BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 Requirements for the Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations Eighteenth Edition and is aimed at those already working in the electrical contracting industry or those in associated role where a sound knowledge of the requirements of BS 7671 is required.

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Book SynopsisAided by this book the gardener can now answer the question "What's in a name?" and they and their garden will benefit from understanding the wealth of information that has hitherto lain hidden within the mysterious world of Latin names.' - Financial Times OnlineRHS Latin for Gardeners is an informative, entertaining and beautifully illustrated unravelling of the mysteries of botanical Latin. Over 3,000 Latin names are listed alphabetically, showing how plant names can reveal where a plant originally comes from (and thus its preferred growing conditions), along with such properties as its shape, form, colour, taste, and smell. Each name is clearly defined and accompanied by a pronunciation guide, and the pages are filled with attractive botanical illustrations. Fascinating feature spreads retell the adventures of important plant hunters such as Sir Joseph Banks and Alexander von Humboldt, and explain how their discoveries affect the way our gardens look today. Individual plants are also profiled throughout, showing how their names can illuminate their hidden histories. Aided by this book, every gardener, and their garden, will benefit from uncovering the wealth of information that lies within the remarkable world of Latin binomials. A little Latin can do a lot of good - apply the lore of Latin to your own garden!Contents includes...The A-Z Listings of Latin Plant NamesPlant ProfilesPlant HuntersPlant Themes...And Much More!Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS BOOK THE HISTORY OF BOTANICAL LATIN BOTANICAL LATIN FOR BEGINNERS LATIN PLANT NAMES A from abbreviatus to azureus B from babylonica to byzantinus C from cacaliifolia to cytisoides D from dactylifera to dyerianum E from ebenus to eyriesii F from facetus to futilis G from gaditanus to gymnocarpus H from haastii to hystrix I from ibericus to ixocarpus J from jacobaeus to juniperinus K from kalmiiflorus to kurdicus L from labiatus to lysimachioides M from macedonicus to myrtifolius N from nanellus to nymphoides O from obconicus to oxyphyllus P from pachycarpa to pyriformis Q from quadrangularis to quinquevulnerum R from racemiflorus to rutilans S from sabatius to szechuanica T from tabularis to typhina U from ulicina to uvaria V from vacciniifolia to vulgata W from wagneri to wulfenii X from xanthina to xantholeuca Y from yakushimanum to Yunnanense Z from zabeliana to zumi PLANT PROFILES Acanthus Achillea Alyssum Digitalis Eryngium Eucalyptus Foeniculum Geranium Helianthus Jasminum Lycopersicon Parthenocissus Passiflora Plumbago Pulmonaria Quercus Sempervivum Streptocarpus Tropaeolum Vaccinium PLANT HUNTERS Alexander von Humboldt Sir Joseph Banks Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Francis Masson and Carl Per Thunberg John Bartram David Douglas Carl Linnaeus Jane Colden and Lilian Suzette Gibbs Joseph Hooker Andre Michaux PLANT THEMES Where Plants Come From The Shape of Plants The Color of Plants The Qualities of Plants The Fragrance and Taste of Plants Numbers and Plants Animals and Plants CREDITS

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Book SynopsisDr Tim Gregory is a nuclear chemist at the National Nuclear Laboratory at Sellafield, public speaker, broadcaster and author of Meteorite: How Stones from Outer Space Made our World. In 2017, he was a finalist in BBC2's Astronauts: Do You Have What it Takes and has also presented on BBC's The Sky at Night and Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch. He has a PhD from the University of Bristol and lives in the North of England. His website is www.tim-gregory.co.uk.

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Book SynopsisCGP's A-Level OCR A Chemistry Revision Question Cards are a brilliant way of putting your knowledge to the test! There are a whopping 128 cards in the pack covering all the key topics. Each one starts off with quick questions to warm you up, followed by harder ones to get your brain into top gear. Flip the card over and you'll find full answers to each question, carefully written to help you understand everything you need to know. Along the way, we've packed in plenty of diagrams and expert revision tips, plus there are even questions on practical skills and maths skills too - amazing! The cards are perfectly matched to our Complete Revision & Practice guide (9781789080384) for OCR A Chemistry.

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Book Synopsis* * * Winner of the 2014 Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books * * *Stuff Matters by Mark Miodnownik is a unique and inspiring exploration of human creativity.''Enthralling. A mission to re-acquaint us with the wonders of the fabric that sustains our lives'' GuardianEverything is made of something...From the everyday objects in our homes to the most extraordinary new materials that will shape our future, Stuff Matters reveals the inner workings of the man-made world, the miracles of craft, design, engineering and ingenuity that surround us every day.From the tea-cup to the jet engine, the silicon chip to the paper clip, from the ancient technologies of fabrics and ceramic to today''s self-healing metals and bionic implants, this is a book to inspire amazement and delight at mankind''s creativity.''A certain sort of madness may be necessary to pull off what he has attempted here, whichTrade ReviewEnthralling . . . A mission to re-acquaint us with the wonders of the fabric that sustains our lives * Guardian *A certain sort of madness may be necessary to pull off what he has attempted here, which is a wholesale animation of the inanimate: Miodownik achieves precisely what he sets out to * The Times *Insightful, fascinating. The futuristic materials will elicit gasps. Makes even the most everyday substance seem exciting * Sunday Times *Expert, deftly written, immensely enjoyable * Observer *Wonderful. Miodownik writes well enough to make even concrete sparkle * Financial Times *I stayed up all night reading this book. Miodownik writes with such knowledge, such enthusiasm, such a palpable love for his subject -- Oliver SacksSuperb storytelling . . . fascinating . . . a delightful book on a subject that is relatively rarely written about * Popular Science *This is a hugely enjoyable marriage of science and art * Independent on Sunday, 'Books of the Year' *

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Book SynopsisA new human species will soon come to co-exist with us. This new species, 'Homo nouveau,' will be created using artificial intelligence and genetic engineering; both important tools which are in their infancy. Not only are the science and technology relatively new, but their implications in the mind of the general public are also only just beginning to enter our collective consciousness. This book expands on the research done for the author's previous book, What Comes After Homo Sapiens? Written by a medical professional and independent consultant to healthcare IT companies, The Fourth Great Transformation explores the questions of what this new species will look like, how we as humans will get along with them, and the potential threats and opportunities that will come along with genetically modified humans.

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Book SynopsisIn The Story of the Human Body, Daniel Lieberman, Professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, shows how we need to change our world to fit our hunter-gatherer bodiesThis ground-breaking book of popular science explores how the way we use our bodies is all wrong. From an evolutionary perspective, if normal is defined as what most people have done for millions of years, then it''s normal to walk and run 9 -15 kilometres a day to hunt and gather fresh food which is high in fibre, low in sugar, and barely processed. It''s also normal to spend much of your time nursing, napping, making stone tools, and gossiping with a small band of people. Our 21st-century lifestyles, argues Daniel Lieberman, are out of synch with our stone-age bodies. Never have we been so healthy and long-lived - but never, too, have we been so prone to a slew of problems that were, until recently, rare or unknown, from asthma, to diabetes, to - scariest of all - overpopulation.The Story of the Human Body asks how our bodies got to be the way they are, and considers how that evolutionary history - both ancient and recent - can help us evaluate how we use our bodies. How is the present-day state of the human body related to the past? And what is the human body''s future? ''Monumental. The Story of the Human Body, by one of our leading experts, takes us on an epic voyage'' - Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner Fish''Riveting, enlightening, and more than a little frightening'' - Christopher McDougall, author of Born to RunDaniel Lieberman is the Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard and a leader in the field. He has written nearly 100 articles, many appearing in the journals Nature and Science, and his cover story on barefoot running in Nature was picked up by major media the world over. His research and discoveries have been highlighted in newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Boston Globe, Discover, and National Geographic.Trade ReviewMonumental. The Story of the Human Body, by one of our leading experts, takes us on an epic voyage that reveals how the past six million years shaped every part of us - our heads, limbs, and even our metabolism. Through Lieberman's eyes, evolutionary history not only comes alive, it also becomes the means to understand, and ultimately influence, our body's future -- Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner FishNo one understands the human body like Daniel Lieberman or tells its story more eloquently. He's found a tale inside our skin that's riveting, enlightening, and more than a little frightening -- Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run

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Book SynopsisAn essential guide to birds of the Canary Islands, an area with an impressive range of speciesThis comprehensive guide covers all bird species found in the Canary Islands, a group of beautiful islands that are home to endemics such as the Blue Chaffinch, and are one of the best places in the world to see a number of rare species.The book covers every species recorded in the Canary Islands, including vagrants. Included are 73 colour plates illustrating more than 300 species, with text on facing pages for quick and easy reference. The concise text covers status, distribution, habitat, identification, voice and taxonomy.Also incorporated is an introduction with information on the geography and climate of the Canary Islands, plus habitats, birding sites and conservation.Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction How to Use this Book Avifauna of the Canary Islands Bird Conservation Where to Watch Birds in the Canary Islands Species Accounts (1-73) Systemic List of the Birds of the Canary Islands Bibliography

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Book Synopsis'Luminous and straightforward.' Carlo Rovelli

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Book SynopsisTHE PHENOMENAL SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ''Science writing at its best. If only chemistry had been like this at school'' Matt Ridley ____________________ Everything in the universe is made of them, including you. Like you, the elements have personalities, attitudes, talents, shortcomings, stories rich with meaning. Here you''ll meet iron that rains from the heavens and noble gases that light the way to vice. You''ll learn how lead can tell your future while zinc may one day line your coffin. You''ll discover what connects the bones in your body with the Whitehouse in Washington, the glow of a streetlamp with the salt on your dinner table. Unlocking their astonishing secrets and colourful pasts, Periodic Tales is a voyage of wonder and discovery, showing that their stories are inextricable from the stories of our own lives. ____________________ ''A love letter to the chemical elements. Aldersey-Williams is full of good stories and he knows how to tell them well'' Sunday Telegraph ''The history, science, art, literature and everyday applications of all the elements from aluminium to zinc'' The Times ''Great fun to read and an endless fund of unlikely and improbable anecdotes'' Financial TimesTrade ReviewScience writing at its best ... fascinating and beautiful ... if only chemistry had been like this at school ... to meander through the periodic table with him ... is like going round a zoo with Gerald Durrell ... a rich compilation of delicious tales, but it offers greater rewards, too -- Matt RidleyImmensely engaging and continually makes one sit up in ­surprise * Sunday Times *Splendid ... enjoyable and polished * Observer *Full of good stories and he knows how to tell them well ... an agreeable jumble of anecdote, reflection and information * Sunday Telegraph *Great fun to read and an endless fund of unlikely and improbable anecdotes ... sharp and often witty * Financial Times *A joyous romp through the chemical elements * Today, BBC Radio 4 *Not only a cultural history of the elements, it is also a lament to the loss of science as a hobby * Economist *A flashily brainy book, crammed with literary references and held together by a personal quest to collect as many elements as possible * Telegraph *'Elements are fun' is the essential premise of Hugh Aldersey-Williams's new book and by heck he's right ... Aldersey-Williams mourns the fact chemistry isn't really sexy any more; Periodic Tales is a step towards it getting its mojo back * Metro **** *Imaginative and fun ... almost every page yields a nugget * Nature *

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Book SynopsisJapan’s diverse habitats — ranging from alpine tundra and dense forests to subtropical islands — support a rich avifauna of more than 610 species including 13 endemics (found nowhere else) and five breeding endemics (which breed only in Japan). The area is a magnet for migratory birds, which account for 60% of the species found in Japan. This beautifully illustrated guide highlights over 140 familiar and unique species and includes a map featuring prominent bird-viewing areas. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide is an excellent source of portable information for anyone interested in Asia birds, and is ideal for field use by Japan’s residents and visitors. Made in the USA.

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