Our latest reviews of popular science books, features and event listings http://www.popularscience.co.uk 2000-2008 Creativity Unleashed Limited Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT Brilliantly different exposition of Einstein's work, only slightly let down by smugness and at least one error. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev417.htm Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:15:00 GMT The parts of this far-ranging book about coral are good, but the asides take up far too much of it. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev416.htm Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:25:00 GMT Building on their Q and A books, now an experiments book from the New Scientist's reliable Last Word column. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev415.htm Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:15:00 GMT Remarkable historical idea of geometry problems displayed in Japanese temples - but all seems a bit pointless. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev414.htm Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:30:00 GMT Good, if unoriginal concept of showing how the future technology of earlier days hasn't come into being. Glossy, but not very inspiring. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev413.htm Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:40:00 GMT One of the cleverest concepts we've ever come across - the physics you ought to know if you are going to be US president - and wonderfully delivered too. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev412.htm Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:50:00 GMT Perhaps the best of the Einstein biographies - really seeks to get the man behind the legend, and does well at explaining the physics. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev411.htm Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:00:00 GMT The rarely visited world of human waste - great fun down the sewers, investigating Japanese high function toilets, and with the sociological and health issues involved. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev410.htm Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:30:00 GMT Excellent analysis of the threats we face from climate change, and how they will change our world, but poor, over-simplistic solutions. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev409.htm Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:30:00 GMT Dull looking book, which is a shame because it's a brilliant, very readable tour of the nanoscale from Brownian motion to biological machines. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev408.htm Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:30:00 GMT A delightful surprise when what appears to be a textbook proves to be a fascinating, beautifully illustrated exploration of these remarkable superorganisms. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev407.htm Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:30:00 GMT Molecular biology, explaining biological functions at the molecular level, has transformed the science. An interesting book, but not enough on the people. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev406.htm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:30:00 GMT A magazine article on the way subjective time varies blown up with much padding into a book that confuses science and anecdote. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev405.htm Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:40:00 GMT A fascinating exploration of the journey to human 2.0, from the key ability to contemplate the future, to life extension, cosmetic enhancement, extra strength, electronic implants and more. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev404.htm Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:46:00 GMT An important book - graphically tells of the impact of one to six degrees of temperature rise on the planet. Gets a little repetitious, but still important. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev403.htm Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:30:00 GMT An argument for a different kind of physics, that is more dependent on emergent properties, rather than bottom up. Interesting but not entirely convincing. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev402.htm Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:15:00 GMT Moving and human account of the discoveries that would lead to the nuclear bomb, and of those involved in its first use. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev401.htm Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:40:00 GMT Attempt to link basic science introduction by describing why various disasters happen to the second person protagonist - a little wince-making. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev400.htm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:50:00 GMT Almost impossible to decipher what this analysis of evolution and intelligent design is trying to say. ** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev399.htm Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:10:00 GMT Light and surprisingly good collaboration between the Science Museum and the tabloid newspaper, The Sun, covering our greatest scientific advances. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev398.htm Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:45:00 GMT Why are all the physical constants so fine-tuned for an environment we can live in? A thought provoking exploration of the cosmological reasons why things are just right. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev397.htm Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:25:00 GMT The first modern biography of the polymath Thomas Young whose strong contributions to physics, engineering and more make him a fascinating if enigmatic character. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev396.htm Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:15:00 GMT Fact-packed survey of space technology and science, but no narrative, so rather a dull read. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev395.htm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 GMT Accessible and readable book from the respected proponents of a theory of the creation of the universe without a big bang. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev394.htm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 GMT Quite a reasonable and approachable summary, despite a few errors, but not a great end-to-end read. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev393.htm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:25:00 GMT One of the better 'science of'/'physics of' books, using the exploits of superheroes to explore everything from mechanics to electromagnetism. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev392.htm Mon, 9 Jun 2008 07:50:00 GMT Classic book drawing parallels between physics (particularly quantum physics) and Eastern religions, still interesting despite blatant misuse by new-agers. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev391.htm Sun, 8 Jun 2008 15:30:00 GMT Barrow often tries to pull together art and science and here succeeds well in an exploration of archetypes of scientific imagery. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev390.htm Sat, 7 Jun 2008 15:10:00 GMT Absorbing exploration of the problems with string theory and how it has become an ineffective panacea. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev389.htm Mon, 2 Jun 2008 12:35:00 GMT NEW SECTION - science fiction books by popular science authors, and science fiction favourites of popular science authors. Not every science writer likes it, but many are inspired by SF. See why. http://www.popularscience.co.uk/sf.htm Mon, 26 May 2008 13:20:00 GMT Some excellent insights from scientific studies of how people behave that help persuade them to act in a particular way. More business book than science, but very good nonetheless. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev388.htm Fri, 23 May 2008 08:20:00 GMT Fascinating concept leading to the 'six degrees of separation' idea, but ultimately unsatisfying. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev387.htm Thu, 22 May 2008 13:55:00 GMT Using a series of quasi-Jungian personality type measures, psychologist Daniel Nettle looks at how our personalities differ and why we may have evolved this way. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev386.htm Tue, 20 May 2008 13:10:00 GMT Collection of essays based on radio broadcasts linked to the 100th anniversary of Einstein's great year. A little fragmented, but some very good. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev385.htm Tue, 06 May 2008 16:10:00 GMT Mixed collection of essays on the eponymous transit, its significance to New Zealand, and New Zealand's significance to science. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev384.htm Fri, 02 May 2008 08:10:00 GMT Although using a restrictive definition of enhancement, a thought-provoking look at how humans can be made more than human. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev383.htm Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:30:00 GMT Thought-provoking exploration of the effects computer games have on us. Sometimes over-enthusiastic, but mostly good. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev382.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:25:00 GMT Glossy and very personal view on virtual worlds and the people who inhabit them. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev381.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:40:00 GMT Well-illustrated introductory guide to the stages of evolution from pre-human to Homo sapiens using the fossil record. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev380.htm Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:25:00 GMT Engaging look at ten real desktop experiments through history. You can dispute if he's got the best, but certainly makes them highly readable. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev379.htm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:05:00 GMT Excellent detailed photographic moonmap in poster form with lots of information. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/gifts/rev21.htm Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:55:00 GMT Wonderful subject of the history of artists' colours and the science behind them - sacrifices a little readability for comprehensiveness. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev378.htm Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:15:00 GMT A description of different theories of why we haven't been contacted by aliens (and of our attempts to reach them). Some nice historical context, but a trifle dull. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev342.htm Sat, 12 Apr 2008 13:15:00 GMT A good mix of biography and science as we follow the trail of just what atoms are. Could do with a bit more depth in the human interest side, but well-written. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev353.htm Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT A strange concoction combining a vituperative attack on Einstein personally with an alternative theory to replace relativity. ** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev377.htm Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:30:00 GMT Warm and well-written book on the search for extra terrestrial life, but no real surprises. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev376.htm Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:30:00 GMT Although technically a 'how to invest' guide, it's really a great exploration of how the different mechanisms of the brain make us unsuited to the stock market. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev375.htm Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:50:00 GMT By turns gory and over-awed, but still a dramatic account of the author's stint with New York heart surgeons. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev374.htm Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:45:00 GMT Interesting theory on the random and discontinuous nature of movement, but poorly written. ** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev373.htm Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT Wonderful concept - looking at how the brain copes with reading - not very well executed as a popular science book. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev372.htm Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:35:00 GMT Lavishly illustrated glossy book on the history and use of numbers. Looks good, but only skims the surface in content. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev371.htm Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:20:00 GMT Nice idea - photographic record of a 'journey' from Earth to the edge of the universe, but the result is a coffee table book. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev370.htm Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:45:00 GMT Well-written and enjoyable history of discoveries about the Sun and its influence on the Earth from renaissance times. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev369.htm Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT Three videos on fractals with a general documentary, a biography of Mandelbrot and a video on fractal mathematics on consciousness. Lacked professional zippiness, but some interesting content. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/software/rev22.htm Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:10:00 GMT A passionate tour of this British institution, taking in the exhibits and the people who work there and reflecting on the changes that are under way. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev368.htm Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:30:00 GMT Excellent insights into the English culture and how much English behaviour can be explained by social dis-ease. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev367.htm Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:45:00 GMT Maths history of minima with not enough history and far too many equations. ** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev366.htm Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:30:00 GMT Good article on why the printed book is at risk, stretched to a book and with some doubtful arguments. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev365.htm Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:10:00 GMT Interesting topic - the interplay between science and science fiction - with some good points, but not hugely readable, and some glaring omissions. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev364.htm Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:25:00 GMT The story of humanity's exploration of light. Combination of good history with fascinating new light science. New edition with extra material. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev2.htm Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:30:00 GMT Flawed attempt to use the idea of the void to explore the science of matter and light. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev363.htm Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:30:00 GMT A delightful surprise to find out about this pioneering molecular biologist, supported by excellent writing. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev362.htm Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:30:00 GMT Fascinating combination of the story of the uncovering of a hidden manuscript copy of Archimedes' books and an explanation of what's special about the content. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev361.htm Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:30:00 GMT Great idea, debunking the whole Mars/Venus think (and pop sci equivalents), but not enough for a whole book. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev360.htm Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:30:00 GMT Brilliant excursion into the way we misuse and misunderstand numbers and statistics, and how to see around it. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev359.htm Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:55:00 GMT Chronological trip through scientific breakthroughs, beginnings and blunders providing quick tasters. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/kreviews/rev77.htm Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:30:00 GMT Totally outrageous watches with unique visual style. Don't bother if you want a watch to tell the time, but you can't dispute that they're eye-catching. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/gifts/rev19.htm Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:30:00 GMT Powerful and effective exploration of where strange beliefs come from and how they take hold. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev358.htm Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:45:00 GMT Dull autobiography that has none of the style and panache of the much younger Watson's The Double Helix. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev357.htm Thu, 04 Oct 2007 10:47:00 GMT Attempt to get across the joys of maths in a novel form. Wonderful idea, hence the bracketed five stars, but doesn't work very well as novel or popular maths. *** (*****) http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev356.htm Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:47:00 GMT Interesting, in-depth history of space stations, their planned roles as stepping stones to the solar system and what really happened. *** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/reviews/rev355.htm The world's most famous encyclopaedia in its newest incarnation. So much more useful than the paper version, with excellent content including Children's Encyclopaedia if slightly challenged by online rivals. **** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/gifts/rev18.htm Redshift comes of age in version 6 with telescope control and package that really challenges Starry Night, though the pricing is not quite as attractive as it once was. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/software/rev19.htm In some ways reminiscent of those "how to survive a crocodile attack" type books, but on the all-too-realistic threats posed by climate change. ***** http://www.popularscience.co.uk/gifts/rev17.htm