What books on science should I read?

Question

I wanted to build a diverse systematic reading list, and I don't have a science background (more english / humanities) but would like to develop this area of my knowledge--are there any books you would suggest that I get started on?

Answer 1

I'll second the Asimov recommendation - it's intelligent, comprehensive science (as long as you bear in mind that some of it's half a century old and so might not be completely up to date) and he's done essays on everything from astrophysics to sociology in an entertaining, interesting way. Arthur C Clarke is another of that era who was incredibly forward thinking (he predicted satellite TV before we'd even launched anything into space) and is good for solid background knowledge.

If you're looking for a good, entertaining read to go with it then Terry Pratchett's "The Science of the Discworld" (all three of them!) are incredibly informative, and no prior knowledge of the Discworld series of books is needed. And again, they manage to inform and entertain in the same sentence.

(I'd also say not the Stephan Hawking, because it's a heavy, heavy read and I know a lot of people with a science background that never made it all way through)

There's also things like science magazines and their online counterparts (New Scientist, etc.) that are normally quite comprehensible and technobabble-free whilst providing up-to-date stuff that's relevant now, as well as things like the science and technology parts of newspapers/online news (I tend to use the BBC, especially since they'll often have links off to relevant websites).

Answer 2

Some of those "how things work" books are great, and really easy on non-sciency types. I can't recommend any one specifically - look through some at the book store and see which has the best pictures and best explanations. *Lots* of topics covered.

Anything by National Geographic - especially the older children's books - are also great for general knowledge about animal species (including dinosaurs) without the droning technicalities.

Although degreed in Physics, I can't think of a good layman's Physics book. I *did* immensely enjoy Asimov's books, as mentioned above, but don't recall a physics book (he was a biochemist). Perhaps a highschooler's astronomy book would be a good start. Again, National Geographic probably will come in handy here.

You should also see if you can find "Bill Nye the Science Guy" on TV. Really simple explanations. A lot of "intermission" crap to entertain the kids, but still this show explains scientific principles very well. "Beakman's World" is very similar, but less entertaining.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 3

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Elegant Universe by Brian Green
Asimov on Chemistry -As a matter of fact, any of the Asimov science books
Dinosaurs in the Garden by Raham

Cindy
Reference Librarian

Answer 4

I'd start with "The Canon" by Natalie Angier. The book covers the fundamentals of a variety of topics (geology, biology, physics, etc.), and more importantly, has a really great bibliography that basically references some of the best science writing there is.

Answer 5

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
by Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan

Answer 6

Did you see this yet?
http://www.exploratorium.edu/origins/cern/ideas/higgs.html