The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology [Hardcover]

James Trefil (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0415937248 | ISBN-13: 978-0415937245 | Edition: 1

Edited by acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil, the Encyclopedia's 1000 entries combine in-depth coverage with a vivid graphic format to bring every facet of science, technology, and medicine into stunning focus. From absolute zero to the Mesozoic era to semiconductors to the twin paradox, Trefil and his co-authors have an uncanny ability to convey how the universe works and to show readers how to apply that knowledge to everyday problems.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Prolific science writer Trefil (physics, George Mason Univ.) is a committed advocate for scientific literacy, as evidenced by works he has coedited (e.g., Dictionary of Cultural Literacy) as well as this one-volume encyclopedia. Here he defines key concepts in nearly 1000 entries, arranged alphabetically and color-coded to indicate whether the topic is related to life science, physical science, or technology. Accessible to the general reader, the articles range widely from AIDS and artificial intelligence to welding and the Zeeman effect. The excellent cross references direct the reader to related articles that cover either more fundamental or more advanced information. Color is used to striking effect not only in the 750 high-quality illustrations but also in headings, highlighted definitions, and sidebars. Even the index mirrors the color scheme of the headings. Many articles have brief citations to further reading tucked in the margins. Although it does not have as many entries as The International Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (LJ 4/1/99), this work contains longer articles; and while the larger McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science & Technology (LJ 8/89) provides more depth, it is geared more toward the academic user. With Trefil's focus on scientific literacy, this resource complements the two mentioned above by relating concepts to today's problems. A true pleasure to browse and to read; highly recommended for all libraries. Teresa Berry, Univ. of Tennessee Libs., Knoxville
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Unique... Invites a reader for an interesting journey... An authoritative source of information... A high quality encyclopedia that is informative, engaging, and enjoyable... It will be useful for the academic and the general reader. This volume is highly recommended for schools, college, and public libraries as well as family collections. -- American Reference Books Annual
An ambitious, readable, handsomely illustrated compendium...the illustrations...are well chosen and sharply detailed...this title makes an attractive alternative, especially for smaller collections, to the pricier multi-volume science encyclopedias. -- School Library Journal, starred review
The book is not only a useful reference, but also a compelling read. Hundreds of illustrations aid readers in grasping concepts, and cross references make topics easy to handle. -- SCIENCE NEWS
An ambitious,readable, handsomely illustrated compendium. -- School Library Journal (starred review)
Prolific science writer Trefil is a committed advocate for scientific literacy as evidenced by the works he has coedited as well as this one-volume encyclopedia...accessible to the general reader...a true pleasure to browse and to read; highly recommended for all libraries. -- Library Journal
If you're looking for a gift for a student beginning to study science, or just naturally curious yourself, here's a splendid reference work. Edited by acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil, the encyclopedia marries up-to-date coverage of all aspects of science, technology and medicine with vivid graphics. From absolute zero to the Mesozoic era to semiconductors to the twin paradox, Trefil and his co-authors offer an accessible universe (as accessible as the universe gets, anyway). As should any good book intended for general audience, it turns the complex (semiconductors) as well as the almost-familiar (evolutionary theory) into the comprehensible. The nearly 1,000 entries are bountifully and intelligently illustrated, and cross-referenced to direct you to things you need to read first. There are also suggestions for further reading, although lists of Web sites would have been welcome. -- The Globe and Mail

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415937248
• ISBN-13: 978-0415937245
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in every way; the best of its class, December 4, 2002

By 

a reader (Santa Fe, NM United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (Hardcover)

The best science & technology encyclopedia of its class (affordable desktop size of less than 1000 pages). Articles are lengthy and meaty. Well indexed and well illustrated; excellent cross-indexing indicating pre- and post- requisite articles. Content of articles is very up to date and just right regarding level of sophistication for the intelligent lay public: not watered down yet not too difficult. Articles are interesting and thought provoking, taking the reader beyond mere comprehension of empirical scientific facts toward deeper understanding and meaning.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars questionable content, June 9, 2008

By 

Aero engineer (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (Hardcover)

Overall, the book looks very nice; however, Trefil has made several major errors in his articles dealing with aerodynamics and aircraft (most notably the theory he presented of how a wing creates lift), which leaves me wondering how many other errors are present in the book. Over-simplification of certain concepts is sometimes more intellectually damaging than not explaining the concept at all.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of Science and Technology by James Trefil, November 19, 2003

By 

Joseph S. Maresca "Dr. Joseph S. Maresca CPA,... (Bronxville, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (Hardcover)

This work is an important scientific achievement written in
simple English. Terms and concepts pertaining to classical
biology, evolution, molecular biology, modern physics and
even Astronomy are presented simply. For instance, lipids
are depicted as efficient repositories of energy. The DNA and
RNA are explained for the layperson. Theories of the universe
are set forth. For instance, some believe that the universe
(although expanding) is fundamentally flat. This work would
be a perfect reference guide for science students. It is well
worth the price of admission.