1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science [Hardcover]

James Trefil (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0385247958 | ISBN-13: 978-0385247955 | Publication Date: December 1, 1991 | Edition: 1st

This collection of scientific facts and figures answers key questions for the general reader. Covering every field from astronomy to zoology, it explores such topics as the expansion of the universe, the origins of the Moon, and the death of cells.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Another weapon in the fight against scientific illiteracy, this book is a collection of short essays on scientific topics. Some are simply cute little facts with no real connection to the passages around them. Others are actually parts of a more lengthy sequence that attempts to adumbrate the state of the art in some discipline. The educated scientist will enjoy dipping into the book for amusement or to update his or her knowledge. The scientifically illiterate may benefit from the ease of the presentation and find that science can be more interesting than it was in those old high school courses. It should be noted that (1) much of the material is similar to that in Robert Hazen and Trefil's Science Matters ( LJ 1/1/91), and (2) "science" to Trefil means physical science, astronomy, biology, and geology. See also Richard Brennan's Dictionary of Scientific Literacy , reviewed in this issue, p. 132.--Ed.
- Harold D. Shane, Baruch Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 305 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (December 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385247958
• ISBN-13: 978-0385247955
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,730,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great idea, but needs proofreading, March 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science (Hardcover)

This book is based on a great premise. It covers a wide range of scientific ideas that even non-scientists should know. The light touch adds to its charm. However, the proofreading of the illustrations is not good. Several chemical structures were incorrectly drawn, and a few photos had caption errors. This is a serious drawback for a book that seeks to be a reference work. A new, revised edition would be most welcome.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do I Need To Know This Much About Science?, September 1, 2001

By 

Gypsychick "gypsychick" (miami, fl USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science (Hardcover)

Do I Need To Know This Much About Science? I'm not sure but certainly I need to know something, if only so I don't look like an idiot in front of my school age son. I picked this one up as an addition to our growing reference library after standing and browsing through it in the book store. The information is easy to read and comprehend while not written as if the reader is a science dummy (whcih I am). From Classic Biology, Plant Reproduction and Evolution right through to The Genetic Code and Quantum Mechanics, there literally are 1001 things to read and learn about and the book is very handy as a side car to school science lessons from elementary through high school. It isn't anything I would sit down and read cover to cover, but is constantly used by students around the neighborhood and passed hand to hand by theose in need of homework help.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great middle school reference, February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Science (Hardcover)

I have used this for 7 years for my academic team. It is still the best primer on science I have found. I personally enjoy its question -answer format. Trefil interjects just enough humor to keep things light.