Whatever Happened to 'Eureka'?: Cartoons on Science [Paperback]

Nick Downes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1994

In this generous collection of more than 150 cartoons, Nick Downes's Charles Addams-like mordant wit captures the foibles of science, medicine, technology, the environment, human nature, and dogs. Humor buffs will shout "Eureka!" when they discover the talents of one of the best new cartoonists to come on the scene.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Guaranteed to ticked the funny bone of even the most apathetic student..." -- George B. Kauffman and Laurie M. Kauffman, Journal of College Science Teaching

"Nick Downes pictorially pillories all and sundry!" -- Peter Evans, BBC Science Now

"When I see the gems in this book- and there are many... and mumble, 'I wish I'd thought of that!'" -- fellow cartoonist Sidney Harris

Cartoonist Downes provides a fine selection of over a hundred cartoons capturing circumstances of technological development, environmental insights, and human nature. Enjoy zany cartoons which don't quite come to Gary Larson's style; but which draw close. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813521467
• ISBN-13: 978-0813521466
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,501,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly funny with a real insight into today's scienc, May 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whatever Happened to 'Eureka'?: Cartoons on Science (Paperback)

My wife and I think both of Nick's Downes' books are terrific. His insight and ability to capture the essence and the humor a broad range of scientific activities are remarkable. We've loaned our copies to several friends and relatives who enjoyed both books immensely. After reading Nick's books, an eminent retired scientist from the National Institutes of Health was heard to say "These two cartoon books are fantastically good! He's a VERY talented fellow, that Nick Downes. Many thanks, the guy is a real talent". Regardless of your background in the sciences, you'll love these books. if you haven't read them yet, now's the time. You're in for a real treat.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a very funny and erudite book, May 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whatever Happened to 'Eureka'?: Cartoons on Science (Paperback)

Nick Downes's science cartoons are in the tradition of the great European science cartoons going back to LaTondeau, Liegpaltz and Orovesky.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Get Downes with science, January 10, 2008

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Whatever Happened to 'Eureka'?: Cartoons on Science (Paperback)

Downes's cartoons have a New Yorker urbanity about them, with slope-shouldered people, uninflected linework, and a parsonage-party kind of cast. There are some good moments in these cartoons:
-- "They say with HDTV we'll be able to tell one show from the next."
-- "... but they're natural carcinogens."
-- "Take all six [dinosaur toys] and I'll throw in an asteroid."

Downes does a fair job. He captures the scientific angst of the average guy looking for a quiet evening at home.

Sidney Harris has the magical knack of standing inside the science, and projecting its humor outwards. I'm a scientist (or engineer, or something like that), and I can tell who's laughing with me or about me. Mr Downes, I'm sorry. I saw Harris's tribute to your work on the back page of this book. His noblesse oblige only heightens his status in my eyes. It doesn't elevate yours.

-- wiredweird