Meditations at Sunset: A Scientist Looks at the Sky (1st Edition) [Paperback]

James Trefil (Author), Judith Peatross (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Like Trefil's earlier essay collections, A Scientist at the Seashore and Meditations at 10,000 Feet, this uses an aspect of the environment as a starting point for explaining scientific phenomena. Peering at the sunset, Trefil sees a chance to describe diffusion and refraction of light. Clouds trigger a discussion of wind shear, which causes airplane crashes. Explaining sunlight turns into a look at how quantum theory offers a consistent explanation for the behavior of atoms, moelcules, and quarks. This collection lacks some of the clarity and verve of the earlier books, but may appeal to adult public library patrons who enjoy short essays on popular science topics. The illustrations, many integral to understanding the author's arguments, were not seen. Laurie Tynan, Montgomery Cty. Lib., Norristown, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Collier Book / Macmillan Pub Co; 1st edition (July 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0020257600
• ISBN-13: 978-0020257608
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,800,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner, December 26, 2003

By 

Avid Reader (Franklin, Tn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meditations at Sunset: A Scientist Looks at the Sky (1st Edition) (Paperback)

I can only hope that the lack of reviews for this superb work is due to the fact that it was published before before Amazon was in vogue. James Trefil is, like many scientists, a wonderful writer who seeks to bring science to the masses. He does not dumb down the material but instead presents it in a fresh context.

In this collection of essays, he tells us what he is thinking as he sits outside at sunset. As such, we read about the color of the sky, time and calendars, sunspots, clouds and lightning. Interestingly, he retells current suppositions about lightning and the origin of life, namely that the former delivers an incredible amount of energy - enough to give life the kick it needed. Great book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A summer book for a kid who wants to be a scientist, September 19, 2009

By 

Nikolaos Vasiloglou "just an engineer" (Georgia Tech) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meditations at Sunset: A Scientist Looks at the Sky (1st Edition) (Paperback)

It was one of the best books of my childhood. I have read the greek edition which is not out of print yet. The essays are so well written, that you can eat the book in one evening. Although I am a slow reader I read it in a day. One of the few books that I enjoyed reading again and again. I recommend that to parents who are trying to motivate kids with science.