The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2003 (The Best American Series) (Paperback)

This book contains the same sort of writings seen in Discover. So readers of the other two magazines, the writings will be a few `step down' in terms of science. This book contains more science than the other `brand', The Best American Science Writings XXXX by Ecco Publishing. If you are on a tight budget, I recommend this book over Ecco's book. There are only about 3 articles that came from the magazines that I've listed above. So, you don't have to worry so much about rereading the same writings.

I have the same complaints every year against this book and of Ecco's books. That is, it's too fashionable, it lacks the illustrations that came with the original publication, and there is a complete omission of the Queen of Science, mathematics. When you finish this book, you will not be left with a `feeling' that you just read a great book. Naturally, it's just a collection of magazine articles. So if you are a science fan, then it's a marginal purchase. If you are from the "literary camp" then this is a good buy.

Now, let me discuss some of the contents of the book. (Also read further for some articles that should have made these books.) Because the articles are fashionable, we can already guess what the contents of the book will be. A great deal of pages are devoted to articles on global warming. There are a few articles on the archaeology of the middle east. And we have an article on dieting.

By far, the most memorable article in the book is an essay about the September 11th terrorist attack. It is a rather thought provoking, and for some, emotionally provoking essay. In my opinion the most inspirational article is how amateur astronomers are contributing solid knowledge of our universe. In a world of big science, and years of specialization, this is indeed fantastic. By far the worse article is about Coyote hunting in Maine. This article contained very little science, and mostly a discussion of organizations and politics. The rest of the articles in the magazine are solid reads, and I'd rate them 3-4 stars.

Now, let me list some articles that should be in one of these kinds of books. They are interesting and within the reach of any patient reader:

-Cow Parts by Verlyn Klinkenborg (Discover August 2001)
-Shoot This Deer by Philip Yam (Scientific American June 2003)
-Third Base by Brian Hayes (American Scientist Vol 89, No 6)
-Golden, Sqrt 2, and Pi Flowers: A Spiral Story (Mathematics Magazine June 2002)
-Constructions using a compass and a twice-notched straightedge by Arthur Baragar (American Mathematical Monthly February 2002)

Cow Parts is an entertaining account of just what items are actually made of cows. There is a study by the British government to study cows in the industry after the first mad cow scare. The second article is about a quite scary outbreak that is happening in United States, and may have the possibility of crossing over to human population. The first 3 articles are free, and found on the internet. The last 3 articles are mathematical, and are a joy to read, and see. You don't need to have much knowledge of mathematics to understand them.

(Also see my review of The Best American Science Writings 2003 for more articles I wish made these books.)

"Science and Nature Writing" allows many subject options. Dawkins has chosen well and in a timely fashion for this anthology. It would be redundant to assess the writing styles - all of these pieces are compelling, informative and presented in a highly readable style. The subjects may have a scientific or technical foundation, but the information offered isn't buried in arcane terminology. For some of the articles, the style is designed to catch your attention over the destination of your tax dollars. Is the response to the 11 September World Trade Centre attacks rational? Is money being diverted to programs that might find better use and offer better security elsewhere? Clark Chapman and Alan Harris address the first part of the question, while Steven Weinberg in one article and Charles Mann in another look at the second part.

With twenty-nine essays to consider, it quickly becomes clear what treasures of information this book contains. Since it isn't indexed [which would likely double the size of both book and cost] browsing its pages is almost mandatory. Alternatively, of course, you may simply start with Natalie Angier's paean to grandmothers and read until Edward O. Wilson's examination of the "economic development for people" versus "protect the environment first" debate. No-one is better able to summarise the points and offer pointers to satisfy both. Between those two fine writers, you will meet astronomers, cosmologists, biblical analysis and enjoy the interesting experience of seeing Oliver Sacks from within and without. Outside those limits is a reminder that light from the Andromeda Galaxy we see tonight started its journey when hominid species were first walking upright. Is there a connection?

No matter what your interests, politics, level of science education, or even eating habits, there will be rewards for you within these pages. This series has been beneficial and informative to anyone wishing to learn something new about the world around them. Wade in from the shallow end or plunge into the deeper challenges here. You will gain rewards. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

So, read it for elucidation or inspiration. You will come away with a few previously-unfamiliar names firmly lodged in your head for future reference, like Ian Frazier. The end of his (quite literally sensual) ode to icebergs is so beautiful it almost hurts. Here it is in full:

"A lot of what is exciting about being alive can't be felt, because it's beyond the power of the senses. Just being on the planet, we are moving around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour; it would be great if somehow we could climb up to an impossible vantage point and actually feel that speed.

"All this data we've got piling up is interesting, but short on thrills. Time, which we have only so much of, runs out on us, and as we get older we learn that anything and everything will go by. And since it all go by anyway, why doesn't it all go right now, in a flash, and get it over with? For mysterious reasons, it doesn't, and the pace at which it proceeds instead reveals itself in icebergs.

"In the passing of the seconds, in the one-thing-after-another, I take comfort in icebergs. They are time solidified and time erased again. They pass by and vanish, quickly or slowly, regular inhabitants of a world we just happened to end up on. The glow that comes from them is the glow of more truth than we can stand."