From School Library Journal:
YA-- Flanagan's writing makes science accessible and exciting. He shows how science is an important, cultural activity--one which he has found continuously fascinating in his 37 years as an editor of Scientific American. Selecting four areas--physics, astronomy, geology, and biology--he examines the discoveries which he believes make them the areas of most significant growth at the present time. He has not included medicine because he thinks the greatest changes are yet to come with the further development of molecular biology. Weaving together narratives which include interesting anecdotes about the scientists, the circumstances of their work, historical fact, and scientific facts, Flanagan offers a book that fits together beautifully and makes the point that modern scientists are "travelers on a common road," for advances in one field often have impact on knowledge in another. This book will encourage many readers to become interested in science as a career because of the excitement and vision it conveys.
- Barbara Weathers, Duchesne Academy, Houston
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal:
Flanagan, editor of Scientific American for more than 35 years, continues to explain science to nonscientists in his new book. Chapters describing the theoretical fundamentals of modern physics, astronomy, geology, biology, and technology also describe each discipline's "holy grails," the unknowns engaging researchers' efforts. In his final chapter, "The Dangerous Charm of Cranks," Flanagan muses about antiscientific thinking, such as ESP, scientific creationism, and nuclear deterrence through "Mutual Assured Destruction" and "Star Wars." Flanagan joins the ranks of writers like James Trefil and Arthur C. Clarke whose readable guides to science appeal to adult public library patrons. Laurie Tynan, Montgomery Cty.
Norristown P.L., Pa.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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