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Review - Body Science - James Cracknell

This is a large format book even for Dorling Kindersley - at around 28x30 cm it's quite a strain on the arms to hold (though at least it's not too thick). As is usual with DK it is divided into two page spreads, each on different topic, though stylistically these look a little more consistent than they often do.

What I loved about this book was the way it isn't just about the body. There are plenty of books on the body itself aimed at this market - instead, James Cracknell uses the body as a jumping off point for examining different aspects of science. Just to take two examples, there's matter and elements. He looks at the different states of matter, using the body as an example - but also manages to slip plasma in, thanks to a play on words. When in comes to the elements, the right hand page considers the main elements in the body, and their relative proportions - the left hand side has a full table of the elements, plus boxes on the periodic table and groups of elements.

Like many books of this kind, it doesn't really flow from page to page as a good read, it's much more bitty and jumpy, but the sections on energy, control, movement and the future of the body give some interesting topic spaces. 'Future' starts rather gruesomely (and perhaps opportunistically) with CSI, before getting onto rather more dramatic scientific possibilities for modifying the body and medicine.

All in all this was a very pleasant surprise - a book that has more to it than meets the eye, and that should fascinate any young person with an interest in science, not just the biology fans.

Only in hardback

Reviewed by Jo Reed

* Our age range recommendation is an estimated guide, but individual readers outside the range could still enjoy the book!

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