Science at the Extreme: Scientists on the Cutting Edge of Discovery [Hardcover]

Peter Lane Taylor (Author), Thomas E. Lovejoy (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071354190 | ISBN-13: 978-0071354196 | Publication Date: August 21, 2000 | Edition: 1st

The experiences of nine "extreme" scientists show that there is a special breed of scientists that will go anywhere, from scuba diving in crushing glaciers to hanging from suspension bridges, to get the data they need.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a book that will astonish you." - National Geographic Adventure; "This is a celebration of the Other Science, of high physical adventure in the quest for knowledge to save the natural world. Taylor shows that it is possible to combine the sensuous thrill of the early geographic explorers with twenty-first-century science." - E.O. Wilson, author of Consilience --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Enter the endless possibilities of extreme science

With a fascinating narrative and stunning photography, Science at the Extreme destroys the stereotypes of the scientist as a white-coated laboratory hermit cut off from the real world. This dazzling new breed of candid, impassioned, and risk-taking explorers have emerged to tackle today's most bewildering scientific mysteries, and are the practitioners of what Taylor has dubbed "extreme science."

Framing the adventures within the larger context of science's enduring mission to test the limits of human knowledge, Taylor vividly relates his exploits alongside nine extreme scientists. Together they hang from suspension bridges, climb the tallest trees on earth, crawl into the cores of glaciers, and explore the cauldrons of active volcanoes. These stories hold tight to the axiom that there is no substitute for first-hand experience--and absolutely no room for mistakes.

Featuring over 140 striking photographs and a foreword by Thomas E. Lovejoy--biodiversity counselor to the Smithsonian Institution and the United Nations--Science at the Extreme is a finely wrought, rich narrative; a consistently eye-opening achievement, transporting readers to realms as exotic and endangered as any that could be imagined. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies; 1st edition (August 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071354190
• ISBN-13: 978-0071354196
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,850,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding book by a new author, September 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Science at the Extreme: Scientists on the Cutting Edge of Discovery (Hardcover)

Taylor has done a superb job with his first book. Each chapter is captivating and full of new information. Instead of glossing over the sometimes difficult technical material which is discussed in this book, Taylor writes in a way that shares the depth and rigor of the research that is the subject of 'Science at the Extreme'. Both the writing and the photography in this book are engaging and instructional; and in each chapter, the reader's appetite for 'extreme science' grows stronger.

It is encouraging to see a book that does such an exceptional job of bringing together the popular culture ingredients common in National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, with the rigorous components of scientific research that exist at the National Science Foundation and in academia-at-large. 'Science at the Extreme' is just the kind of work that is needed to reinvigorate student interest in science in America, although it certainly does not appear to be the objective of the book. I have no doubt that high-schools and colleges will have to start offering 'Science at the Extreme' classes after students get a hold of this book.

I'm already looking forward to Taylor's next offering, although he has a tough act to follow since the bar has been set so high with 'Science at the Extreme'.

The only thing missing in 'Science at the Extreme' is an order form for buying large-size prints of Taylor's inspiring photographs...

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, December 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Science at the Extreme: Scientists on the Cutting Edge of Discovery (Hardcover)

More than just a "coffee table" book, this is a fascinating journey into the world of "extreme science". The photography is outstanding and the commentary articulate, educational and approachable. A great "maiden voyage" from Peter Lane Taylor. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

6 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The diving aspect, September 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Science at the Extreme: Scientists on the Cutting Edge of Discovery (Hardcover)

I was very much impressed with the chapter on cave diving and the excellent leadership of the WKPP. These guys and gals are a very select few diving to depths of 300ft with total dive time of 15 plus hours. The research of florida caves is extensive and the surface has only been scraped. The dedication and team development of the WKPP is beyond anything on the planet.