Books to delight the scientifically curious
1
Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman! (Adventures of a Curious Character) by Richard P. Feynman
The Folio Society
?34.95
Richard Feynman had a knack for putting things in a novel way, as when he compared the study of physics to sex: "It may give some practical results," he reportedly said, "but that's not why we do it." This gorgeous edition of his popular work will add to any collection.
2
30-Second Maths: The 50 most mind-expanding theories in mathematics, each explained in half a minute by Richard Brown
Icon Books
?12.99
This plain-looking book unveils the wonder of mathematics, touching on ideas from the M?bius strip to infinity with clear, entertaining and delightfully concise explanations.
3
The Ultimate Book of Saturday Science The very best backyard science experiments you can do yourself by Neil A. Downie
Princeton University Press
?19.95/$29.95
What happens when a high-velocity carrot hits an armoured sandcastle? Discover for yourself with Neil Downie's experiments. This book is guaranteed fun, though parents of science-mad teenagers be warned: the section on oxygen fireworks may make you sweat.
4
The Medical Book: From witch doctors to robot surgeons, 250 milestones in the history of medicine by Clifford A. Pickover
Sterling Milestones
?19.99/$29.95
The history of medicine is filled with monumental and bizarre discoveries. In this well-illustrated work, Clifford Pickover describes his favourite 250 milestones - which include the first test-tube baby and oldest artificial eye (it dates from 2800 BC).
5
The Science Magpie: A hoard of fascinating facts, stories, poems, diagrams and jokes, plucked from science and its history by Simon Flynn
Icon Books
?12.99
"This is a remarkable book, sure to make a mighty stir among the philosophers - perhaps even among the theologians." So began a review of On the Origin of Species when it was published in 1859. Simon Flynn's cornucopia of curious facts, anecdotes and quotations such as this one may not make such a stir, but it is sure to entertain and surprise.
6
The Annotated and Illustrated Double Helix by James D. Watson
Simon & Schuster
?19.99/$30
James Watson's 1968 account of the discovery of DNA's structure offered an insider's take on the process of science. Fifty years after he won the Nobel prize, this edition adds new life with images, letters and hand-drawn diagrams.
7
The Rough Guide to Surviving the End of the World by Paul Parsons
Rough Guides
?11.99/$18.99
Whatever finally destroys humankind, be it a zombie plague or death rays from supernovas, it is best to be prepared. Paul Parsons's survival guide is a cheery lowdown on what may await us at the apocalypse.
8
A Bee in a Cathedral: And 99 other scientific analogies by Joel Levy
A&C Black/Firefly
?12.99/$29.95
Joel Levy offers up plenty of scientific facts to impress your friends, like this one: the most potent known poison is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium - just 470 grams of the stuff could kill more than 6 billion people.
9
International Space Station 1998-2011 Owners' Workshop Manual by David Baker
Haynes Publishing
?21.99/$32.95
With this manual you'll be fine should you find yourself on the International Space Station with the airlock jammed or the robotic arm tangled in the, er, P5 integrated truss segment. Let's hope NASA also has a copy, just in case.
10
Science: The definitive visual guide by Adam Hart-Davis
Dorling Kindersley
?19.99/$50
This sweeping survey ranges from the discovery of fire to renewable energy, with handy diagrams and historical links that explain how ideas evolve. When it comes to science in a single volume, few books can match it.
11
The Cosmic Tourist: The 100 most awe-inspiring destinations in the universe by Brian May, Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott
Carlton Books
?25
The latest book by popular astronomy's oldest boy band is a travel guide to the universe's spectacular destinations. It includes old favourites and new finds - such as Hanny's Voorwerp, a green gas cloud 650 million light years away spotted by a Dutch schoolteacher during a crowdsourced science project.
12
Natural Histories: Extraordinary rare book selections from the American Museum of Natural History Library by Tom Baione
Sterling Signature
?35.65/$50
The library at the American Museum of Natural History is famous for its scientific illustrations. These essays celebrate 40 of the best, including works from Robert Hooke and Emile-Alain S?guy. Best of all, this boxed set includes prints ready to frame.
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