From Publishers Weekly
Flanagan, who was editor of Scientific American for 35 years, has written a very general survey of the achievements of science. His analysis of physics, astronomy, geology, biology and technology relies on the insight that everythingthe galaxies, Earth, life, our technical prowessevolves and has a history. He uses that history to show how we got to where we are and to illuminate the problems that still puzzle scientists. However, Flanagan mars this otherwise creditable approach by concluding with a political argument against strategic defenses. Nevertheless, his easy, genial style combined with a knack for simple but exact explanations make this book a pleasure to read. Natural Science Book Club alternate.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Barbara Weathers, Duchesne Academy, Houston
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
