How to Clone the Perfect Blonde: Using Science to Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True [Paperback]

Sue Nelson (Author), Richard Hollingham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

Clones of Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz. A robotic housekeeper who makes your bed every morning. A permanent size 6 figure. These are all just fantasies . . . or are they? How much do you really know about gene therapy, artificial intelligence, and bionic modification?
In How to Clone the Perfect Blonde, award-winning journalists Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham show how cutting-edge science will eventually make your wildest dreams come true. With amazing anecdotes and breezy humor, they describe the latest discoveries in biotechnology, quantum mechanics, cryogenics, nanotechnology, wormholes, and much more -- complete with ironic "instructions" on How to Build a Robotic Servant, How to Live Forever, How to Turn Back Time, and more. You'll be amazed to learn how many of these "fantasies" are already well within our reach.
In the tradition of bestselling pop-science books such as The Physics of Star Trek and How to Build a Time Machine, this entertaining read explores the science of science fiction -- and proves that anything is possible!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

BBC journalists Nelson and Hollingham offer an irreverent and sometimes humorous guide to selected scientific advances in biology, computer science and physics. Each of the eight chapters takes what the authors see as a popular fantasy and explores the science needed to bring the fantasy to life. The titular chapter, for example, illuminates the world of cloning and modern reproductive techniques; "How to Build a Robotic Servant" brings computer technology and artificial intelligence to the fore; "How to Lose Your Love Handles" introduces readers to a discussion of genetically modified crops; and "How to Clean Up Your Neighborhood" is the vehicle for an examination of black holes and Einsteinian physics. Although the tone is light and the text peppered with corny humor ("These cells, taken mostly from skin, are then cultured—which sounds as if they were exposed to opera and classical music and taught deportment...."), the authors do present a basic introduction to some cutting-edge science. What becomes powerfully clear is that while science has made enormous strides in recent years, it's very far from being able to turn fantasies into reality.
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About the Author

Sue Nelson is an award-winning science correspondent for BBC News.

Richard Hollingham is a journalist and presenter for BBC Radio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Quirk Books (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594740089
• ISBN-13: 978-1594740084
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Clone the Perfect Blonde, December 17, 2004

By 

Ron French "journalist" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Clone the Perfect Blonde: Using Science to Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True (Paperback)

This is the best, and most humorous, science book I've ever read. It's not written for geeks, though they too will appreciate its wry humor. Instead, the authors approach science in a quite approachable way - asking and answering the questions that people on the steeet really have about today's mind-reeling scientific advances. It's easy to see why it was voted one of the best science books of the year on NPR's Science Friday program.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect gift for the curious reader, December 17, 2004

By 

Restless reader "Val" (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Clone the Perfect Blonde: Using Science to Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True (Paperback)

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, and it doesn't disappoint. For anyone even mildly curious about science and the latest advances, this book highlights some of the most interesting and explores the possibilities -- and limits -- in understandable prose. The authors inject humor throughout, spicing up what others often make into dull, textbook explanations. From cloning to weight loss to time travel to life expectancy, these journalists have picked topics that touch on our everyday interests and present what we need to know in the most readable style I've found in any science-related material. This is a book for non-techies and science buffs alike, with solid information but an entertaining style. Anyone looking for a gift for a discerning reader should pick up a copy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book that has become dated already, December 22, 2008

By 

Francis Tapon (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Clone the Perfect Blonde: Using Science to Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True (Paperback)

PROS:
- Easy to read
- Useful and interesting sidebars
- Excellent questions that the average guy on the street wants to know

CONS:
- It's already 5 years old. Science and technology books quickly become obsolete in most cases.
- The humor is mediocre. I never laughed out loud and rarely even broke a smile (versus when I read Bill Bryson, I do both fairly often). However, the so-so humor isn't annoying and it would probably be funny if you're drunk.

CONCLUSION: When it came out, I would have given this book 4 stars. It's useful and educational. However, it's no longer cutting edge, which is what you need when you're trying to clone the perfect blonde.