The New York Times Book of Science Questions & Answers: 200 of the best, most intriguing and just plain bizarre inquiries into everyday scientific mysteries [Paperback]

C. Claiborne Ray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 19, 1997

Why is glass transparent? Why do cats purr? Why do men have nipples? These are but a handful of the thousands of questions that over the years have been asked and answered in The New York Times "Science Q&A" column. At last, the best and most interesting questions-and their replies-have been collected in a book for general readers.

From wild animals to outdoor vegetation, from the human body to the heavens above, The New York Times Book of Science Questions and Answers takes readers on a thoroughly entertaining and informative journey through the world we live in. Like David Feldman's bestselling books Do Penguins Have Knees? and Why Do Clocks Run Clockwise?, this is science at its fun-filled best. Featuring answers from a wide variety of leaders across the country in scientific research and education, and illustrated by the delightful drawings of Victoria Roberts, The Times Q&A column is one of the best read features in the Science Times, which is one of the most popular sections of the newspaper. With a daily circulation of 1.2 million people, The New York Times is a leader in conveying scientific information to the general public.

This fact-filled handbook for the scientifically curious should prove invaluable as a family reference book, as a classroom resource, as an entertaining subway diversion, and even as a supplement to public libraries' Frequently Asked Questions lists.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Why is glass transparent? Why do cats purr? These are but a handful of the thousands of questions that over the years have been asked and answered in The New York Times "Science Q&A" column. At last, the best and most interesting questions--and their replies--have been collected in a book for general readers.

Excerpted from The New York Times Book of Science Questions and Answers by C. Claiborne Ray. Copyright 1997 by The New York Times.

From the Inside Flap

Why is glass transparent? Why do cats purr? Why do men have nipples? These are but a handful of the thousands of questions that over the years have been asked and answered in The New York Times "Science Q&A" column. At last, the best and most interesting questions-and their replies-have been collected in a book for general readers.

From wild animals to outdoor vegetation, from the human body to the heavens above, The New York Times Book of Science Questions and Answers takes readers on a thoroughly entertaining and informative journey through the world we live in. Like David Feldman's bestselling books Do Penguins Have Knees? and Why Do Clocks Run Clockwise?, this is science at its fun-filled best. Featuring answers from a wide variety of leaders across the country in scientific research and education, and illustrated by the delightful drawings of Victoria Roberts, The Times Q&A column is one of the best read features in the Science Times, which is one of the most popular sections of the newspaper. With a daily circulation of 1.2 million people, The New York Times is a leader in conveying scientific information to the general public.

This fact-filled handbook for the scientifically curious should prove invaluable as a family reference book, as a classroom resource, as an entertaining subway diversion, and even as a supplement to public libraries' Frequently Asked Questions lists.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Anchor; 1st Anchor Books ed edition (May 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038548660X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385486606
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 7.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #933,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The astonishing facts behind our everyday mysteries., June 15, 2004

By 

M. E. Volmar - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New York Times Book of Science Questions & Answers: 200 of the best, most intriguing and just plain bizarre inquiries into everyday scientific mysteries (Paperback)

This well-written and easy-to-understand book answers two hundred of the most interesting, curious and bizarre questions ever published in The New York Times' "Science Q&A" column, giving us an entertaining and informative look at the most fascinating and wonderful inquiries ever posed by inquisitive minds about the world we live in.
This compendium includes topics that range from astronomy, biology, anatomy and physics to nutrition, common sense, wilderness survival and even urban legends, all neatly organized in easy-to-browse sections that are delightfully illustrated by the witty and sometimes hilarious drawings that were originally published in the newspaper.
As a bonus, the section titled Notes located at the back of the book, lists the source(s) used to answer each question.
So, if you want to know whether the are any one-eyed animals or why a magnet loses its power overtime, where dust comes from or why bruises change color, what makes a Mexican jumping bean jump or why spoiled cans of food swell, then this is the book for you. It's a must-read, fact-filled, fun reference for readers of all ages, be it a science enthusiast or just someone who isn't afraid to ask life's most unconventional questions.
--Reviewed by M. E. Volmar

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars all the questions answered that you were afraid to ask, June 13, 2002

By 

Diane Lanier "history and trivia nut" (Huntsville, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New York Times Book of Science Questions & Answers: 200 of the best, most intriguing and just plain bizarre inquiries into everyday scientific mysteries (Paperback)

As a science teacher, I always have to be prepared to answer questions from left field. This book has many of the commonly asked questions that you won't find in a textbook. It's well wriiten and easy to understand--and entertaining too!

7 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 100 of the World's Strangest Mysteries, April 28, 2000

By 

Ellen Stainback (Henderson, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New York Times Book of Science Questions & Answers: 200 of the best, most intriguing and just plain bizarre inquiries into everyday scientific mysteries (Paperback)

It was a wonderful book! It was very informative. I didn't even know i wanted to know that much.