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SB&F Gift  Book Guide

The editors at SB&F are often asked for advice for holiday reading materials. We have selected some of the highly recommended and recommended books reviewed in SB&F in 1998 that offer general readers (from young adults to older readers) good science reading. Whether you are shopping for a gift or gathering materials for vacation reading, SB&F hopes that this book guide will help you select high quality, accurate books. (From SB&F, December 1998)

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For an explanation of the symbols used below (e.g., C, T, GA), go to the Guide to the SB&F Rating and Level System

 
Austad, Steven N. Why We Age: What Science Is Discovering about the Body's Journey Through Life. (Illus.) NY: Wiley, 1997. xii+244pp. $24.95. 97-5542. ISBN 0-471-14803-2. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 4, p. 104, C, T, GA] 
A surprisingly readable discussion of theories of bodily aging. A good survey of the literature, with enough chatty anecdotes about the theorists to keep even a nonscientist amused, as well as some intriguing facts about animal aging.
Aveni, Anthony. Stairways to the Stars: Skywatching in Three Great Ancient Cultures. (Illus.) NY: Wiley, 1997. ix+230pp. $24.95. 96-36517. ISBN 0-471-15942-5. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 14, YA–T, GA] 
A marvelous book about how the celestial rhythms influenced the cultures of the past. This is fascinating reading for any interested layperson. 
Baldwin, J. BuckyWorks: Buckminster Fuller's Ideas for Today. (Illus.) NY: Wiley, 1997. xi+243pp. $19.95 (paper). 95-26003. ISBN 0-471-19812-9. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 2, p. 46, YA–T, GA] 
A combination of Buckminster Fuller's personal history and architectural ideas, presented in an easy-to-read, breezy style with short chapters and numerous photos and illustrations. 
Ball, Philip. Made to Measure: New Materials for the 21st Century. (Illus.) Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1997. vii+458pp. $29.95. 97-4027. ISBN 0-691-02733-1. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 241, YA–T, GA] 
Has an appeal that won't let you stop reading once you start. Advanced students and scientists of all ages will find the book a fascinating and intellectual work about invention and the craft of making new and exciting materials. We dare anyone to stop reading once they have begun! 
Barrow, John D. Impossibility: The Limits of Science and the Science of Limits. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. xiii+279pp. $27.50. 97-35202. ISBN 0-198-51890-0. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 9, p. 265, YA–T, GA] 
A timely and erudite survey of this issue. Reading his book is like having an excellent conversation with a well-read and chatty friend over a cup of coffee or glass of wine. 
Beckham, Eugene C., and John Sherrod. Freshwater Fishes. (Illus.; from the Peterson FlashGuides Series.) Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997. 24 panels, laminated. $7.95 (paper). ISBN 0-395-86713-4. C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 14, JH–T, GA] 
This guide covers over 100 species—all the fishes commonly found in freshwater in the United States and Canada. An ideal guide to toss into the boat when one is going fishing or exploring.
Blum, Deborah. Sex on the Brain: The Biological Differences Between Men and Women. (Illus.) NY: Viking, 1997. xxii+329pp. $24.95. 96-52034. ISBN 0-670-86888-4. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 2, p. 42, C, T, GA] 
This is a good, readable, scholarly treatment of the topics it covers. Fascinating tale of the biology of the human as it relates to a host of behaviors and social interactions.
Bodanis, David. The Secret Family: Twenty-Four Hours Inside the Mysterious World of Our Minds and Bodies. (Illus.) NY: Simon & Schuster, 1997. 222pp. $27.50. 97-14809. ISBN 0-684-81019-0. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 15, YA, T, GA]
An imaginary trip through a day in the life of a mythical family. Students in high school and a general audience would enjoy the breezy writing style. A good primer for those who need ideas for a science essay or project. 
Brody, David Eliot, and Arnold R. Brody. The Science Class You Wish You Had...The Seven Greatest Scientific Discoveries in History and the People Who Made Them. (Illus.) NY: Perigee Books, 1997. xxi+376pp. $14.00 (paper). 96-45097. ISBN 0-399-52313-8. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 8, GA]
Reviews and discusses what the authors identify as the seven greatest scientific discoveries that are the foundations of the technological achievements of this century. This book will serve as a readable summary and update of the state of science today. 
Burnham, Robert, et al. Advanced Skywatching. (Illus.; a Nature Company Guide.) Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1997. 288pp. $29.95. 97-22875. ISBN 0-7835-4941-5. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 3, p. 75, JH–T, GA]
A series of well-written, short (typically two-page) essays on various aspects of astronomy, planetary science, and observing the sky. Readers not interested in sky watching will find the almost 300 pages of essays on astronomical objects entertaining and educational.
Casti, John L. The Cambridge Quintet: A Work of Scientific Speculation. (Illus.) Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Longman, 1998. xiv+184pp. $23.00. 98-11757. ISBN 0-201-32828-3. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 228, GA]
A gem and a "good read." Casti weaves an engaging tale around five seminal thinkers of the 20th century as they gather to debate the question, Could a machine ever be made to think like a human being? 
Cornell, Joseph. Sharing Nature with Children: The Classic Parents' and Teachers' Nature Awareness Guidebook, 2nd ed. (Illus.) Nevada City, CA: Dawn, 1998. 173pp. $9.95 (paper). ISBN 1-883220-73-4. C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 7, p. 204, YA–T, GA]
The book contains nature activities to be used at environmental learning centers, nature centers, schools, and camps to help children focus on the natural world and improve their observation and concentration skills. The activities aid kids and leaders in replacing anxiety and boredom with comfort, excitement, and interest in the outdoors. 
de Grasse Tyson, Neil. Just Visiting This Planet: Merlin Answers More Questions about Everything Under the Sun, Moon, and Stars. (Illus. by Stephen J. Tyson.) NY: Doubleday, 1998. xvi+336pp. $12.95 (paper). 97-47122. ISBN 0-385-48837-8. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 238, JH–T, GA]
Astronomy buffs will find themselves compulsively flipping through the pages of this book while seeking answers to questions they had never thought to ask, but are now glad someone had. 
Dehaene, Stanislas. The Number Sense: How the Mind Creates Mathematics. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1997. xi+274pp. $25.00. 96-53840. ISBN 0-19-511004-8. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 3, p. 69, C, T, GA]
The subtitle of this work speaks clearly to its remarkable contents: that humans are endowed with mental representations of quantities very similar to representations found in all animals. If you love numbers, animals, and mathematics, you will find this clever book a joy and an inspiration to read and study. It belongs in everybody's library. 
Deutsch, David. The Fabric of Reality: The Science of Parallel Universes and Its Implications. (Illus.) NY: Allen Lane/The Penguin Press, 1997. x+390pp. $29.95. 97-6171. ISBN 0-7139-9061-9. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 4, p. 106, YA–T, GA]
The book starts with the seemingly innocuous premise of taking seriously the foundational theories of four seemingly disparate disciplines fundamental to our current conception of science. This is quite possibly the best popular science book I have come across in a long time, if that label can be appropriately used for a cobweb-clearing book that is just as interesting and challenging for experts as for the interested general reader. 
Dewey, Jennifer Owings. Mud Matters: Stories from a Mud Lover. (Illus.; photographs by Stephen Trimble.) Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 1998. 72pp. $14.95. 97-32829. ISBN 0-7614-5014-9. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 9, p. 271, EA–T, GA]
Mud is lively . . . and so is this book. Jennifer Dewey writes in a highly personal style, right from the fun of the pun in the title to its glossary. With imagination, you can transform mud into...well...whatever you want.
Dorling Kindersley. Ultimate Visual Dictionary. (Illus.) NY: DK Publishing, 1998. 640pp. $14.95 (paper). 97-44408. ISBN 0-7894-2874-1. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 5, p. 142, EI–T, GA]
From the inside of a golf ball to the surface of the sun, from the mechanics of a jet engine to the interior of a piano, and from anatomy to zoology and much in between, this book will delight every owner with hours of fun and learning. 
Duncan, Dayton. Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. (Illus.) NY: Knopf, 1997. xx+250pp. $40.00. 97-73823. ISBN 0-679-45450-0. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 3, p. 73, C, T, GA]
A well-written text and an excellent presentation of historic paintings, photographs, maps, and original quotations from various of Lewis and Clark's journals, here is a good educational document for studying American history. 
Emsley, John. Molecules at an Exhibition: Portraits of Intriguing Materials in Everyday Life. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. xiii+250pp. $25.00. ISBN 0-19-850266-4. Index. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 238, JH–T, GA]
This beautiful description of the molecular makeup of the material world should be good reading for both young readers wary of science and adult pursuers of knowledge. 
Fagan, Brian. From Black Land to Fifth Sun: The Science of Sacred Sites. (Illus.) Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Longman, 1998. viii+403pp. $26.00. 97-42843. ISBN 0-201-95991-7. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 7, p. 203, JH–T, GA]
Demonstrates how archaeologists employ multidisciplinary science to study ancient remains and infer religious beliefs from artifacts and sites. Blends science and archaeology to add a new dimension to our understanding of sacred places. 
Flowers, Charles. A Science Odyssey: 100 Years of Discovery. (Illus.) NY: Morrow, 1998. xiii+316pp. 97-35745. ISBN 0-688-15196-5. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 3, p. 75, YA–T, GA]
This book is an adjunct to the PBS series of the same name and describes the scientific revolutions that have occurred in the past 100 years. Gives the general reader a highly informative summary of the recent history of scientific development, nicely puncturing the stereotype of the impersonal scientist in the white lab coat. 
Fortey, Richard. Life: A Natural History of the First Four Billion Years of Life on Earth. (Illus.) NY: Knopf, 1998. xiii+346pp. $30.00. 97-49466. ISBN 0-375-40119-9. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 238, YA–T, GA]
Beautifully written, this whimsical (in the best classic sense of the term), idiosyncratic, unconventional history of four billion years of evolution is peppered with anecdotes from the history of paleontology. Sprinkled with literary quotations and allusions and spiced by low-key humor, Life is a real pleasure to read. 
Gardner, Martin. Puzzling Questions about the Solar System. (Illus. by Ted Schroeder.) Mineola, NY: Dover, 1997. iv+96pp. $4.95 (paper). 97-1063. ISBN 0-486-29440-4. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 4, p. 111, EI–YA, T, GA]
Brief topics are presented succinctly, spiced with historical and literary anecdotes, and followed by stimulating questions that are ideal for raising one's level of understanding. We should all also be glad that a book of such interest and quality is available at such a modest price. 
Gutsch, William A. 1001 Things Everyone Should Know about the Universe. (Illus.) NY: Doubleday, 1998. 353pp. $25.95. 96-52024. ISBN 0-385-48223-X. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 3, p. 75, JH–T, GA]
Anyone who wants to know more about the universe will enjoy this book. A fascinating supplement to student textbooks. The material is as up to date as possible and includes findings and images from the Hubble Space Telescope and other recently launched scopes. 
  Hager, Tom. Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life. (Illus.; from the Oxford Portraits in Science Series.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. 142pp. $20.00. 97-43403. ISBN 0-19-510853-1. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 7, p. 207, JH, YA, GA]
The biography of a scientist who lived nearly a century and was the only person ever to be awarded two separate Nobel prizes could encompass volumes. Instead, the author has done an excellent job in capturing the essence of this complex and controversial genius in a single slim, highly readable volume. 
Hall-Martin, Anthony. Cats of Africa. (Illus. by Paul Bosman.) Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1998. 152pp. $45.00. ISBN 1-56098-760-X. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 6, p. 176, EA–T, GA]
A delight. It combines an extremely readable text, authoritative in its scientific detail, with graceful line drawings and luminous paintings of the 10 species of African cats. 
Hoffman, Paul. The Man Who Loved Only Numbers: The Story of Paul Erdös and the Search for Mathematical Truth. (Illus.) NY: Hyperion, 1998. 302pp. $22.95. 98-14027. ISBN 0-7868-6362-5. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 238, YA–T, GA]
This is a fascinating account of the life of the Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdös (1913–1986). This biography is an engaging book. 
  Hoyt, Erich. Seasons of the Whale. (Illus.) Washington, DC: Humane Society of the United States, 1998. 104pp. $19.95 (paper). 97-61025. ISBN 0-9658942-0-7. Index. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 239, JH–T, GA]
Authoritative, interesting, and exciting. Complemented by about 75 excellent and sometimes stunning color photographs. Read this book, and be astonished at "dame nature's wonders." 
Kampion, Drew. The Book of Waves: Form and Beauty on the Ocean, 3rd ed. (Illus.) Niwot, CO: Roberts Rinehart, 1997. 183pp. $29.95 (paper). 97-67690. ISBN 1-57098-168-X. C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 7, p. 205, YA–T, GA]
The beauty and power of waves are celebrated in images and words in this large, handsome volume that should find its way onto coffee tables of those who love the shore. 
Laudan, Larry. Danger Ahead: The Risks You Really Face on Life's Highway. (Illus.) NY: Wiley, 1997. 203pp. $14.95 (paper). 97-9920. ISBN 0-471-13440-6. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 13, YA, C, GA]
Written with wry wit, this delightful reference provides an easy-to-read opportunity into the world of chance and probability. 
Lawrence, R. D. Trail of the Wolf. (Illus.) Buffalo: Firefly Books, 1997. 160pp. $19.95 (paper). C92-095687-4. ISBN 1-55209-186-4. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 2, p. 45, YA, GA]
A bright coffee-table book. The most interesting book I have read on wolves since Adolph Murie's Wolves of Mt. McKinley. 
Lynch, Wayne. Penguins of the World. (Illus.; photographs by the author.) Buffalo: Firefly Books, 1997. 144pp. $35.00. C97-930863-1. ISBN 1-55209-180-5. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 2, p. 45, YA–T, GA]
This is an outstanding work! Judged solely from the numerous and magnificent color photographs, it is a striking coffee-table book and a good buy. 
Maier, Thomas. Dr. Spock: An American Life. (Illus.) NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1998. xvii+520pp. $30.00. 97-32632. ISBN 0-15-100203-7. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 8, p. 236, C, T, GA]
Maier's thoroughly documented and highly readable biography is far more than a portrait. This biography of Benjamin Spock is unlikely to be surpassed. 
McKenna, Virginia. Back to the Blue: A True-Life Adventure Story. (Illus. by Ian Andrew; a Born Free Wildlife Book.) Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 1997. 32pp. $21.40. 97-34229. ISBN 0-7613-0409-6. C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 7, p. 206, JH, YA, GA]
This is a real-life story beautifully illustrated and told. A book that truly should be read by old and young alike. 
Murphy, Pat, et al. The Science Explorer Out and About: Fantastic Science Experiments Your Family Can Do Anywhere! (Illus. by Jason Gorski; an Exploratorium Science-at-Home Book.) NY: Henry Holt, 1997. xvi+127pp. $12.95 (paper). 97-16847. ISBN 0-8050-4537-6. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 4, p. 110, EP–T, GA]
Presents a variety of fun science projects for children and families. All projects use simple, readily available supplies and provide ample opportunity for exploring common scientific phenomena in a way that will appeal to kids of all ages. 
Olson, Roberta J. M., and Jay M. Pasachoff. Fire in the Sky: Comets and Meteors, the Decisive Centuries, in British Art and Science. (Illus.) NY: Cambridge University Press, 1998. xiv+369pp. $74.95. ISBN 0-521-63060-6. Index. [Vol. 34, No. 7, p. 205, YA–T, GA]
A truly amazing book. Anyone who enjoys astronomy should have this book in their library. 
Peterson, Roger Tory. Waterfowl. (Illus.; from the Peterson FlashGuides Series.) Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997. 24 panels, laminated. $7.95 (paper). ISBN 0-395-86734-7. C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 15, JH–T, GA]
Excellent for the quick identification of birds in wetland habitats, and because it is waterproof, it can go in a boat or backpack in any weather.
Powell, James Lawrence. Night Comes to the Cretaceous: Dinosaur Extinction and the Transformation of Modern Geology. (Illus.) NY: Freeman, 1998. xvi+250pp. $22.95. 98-13192. ISBN 0-7167-3117-7. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 9, p. 262, C, T, GA]
This book competently summarizes arguments for and against the controversial "impact theory" of the extinction of the dinosaurs.
  Rosing, Norbert, with Laurel Aziz. Yellowstone. (Illus.) Buffalo: Firefly Books, 1998. 144pp. $24.95 (paper). C98-930014-5. ISBN 1-552-09238-0. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 9, p. 272, K–T, GA]
A glorious picture-book introduction to the beauty and wonder of America's oldest national park. Offers readers, old and young, interesting and well-written information about the park's history, geology, ecology, and wild animals and plants.
Silver, Brian L. The Ascent of Science. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. xviii+534pp. $35.00. 97-15430. ISBN 0-19-511699-2. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 5, p. 138, YA, C, GA]
Provides the curious average person with a readable examination of science and scientific accomplishments. This book will greatly appeal to those seeking jargon-free information, from the scientifically curious general reader to the confused student.
Silverman, David P. (Ed.). Ancient Egypt. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1997. 256pp. $35.00. 96-37171. ISBN 0-19-521270-3. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 3, p. 77, JH, YA, GA]
Generously illustrated with photographs and drawings and contains maps, plans, and time charts, as well as a glossary. A guide to general readers interested in recent views on Egypt.
Stern, Alan, and Jacqueline Mitton. Pluto and Charon: Ice Worlds on the Ragged Edge of the Solar System. (Illus.) NY: Wiley, 1998. xi+216pp. $27.95. 96-9502. ISBN 0-471-15297-8. Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 5, p. 140, YA–T, GA]
Engaging and thoroughly engrossing. For those seeking the most current information relating to the planet Pluto or to trans-Neptunian space, this is an excellent sourcebook. All readers will find it to be a testament to human aspiration and ingenuity, as well as the pursuit of truth.
Terzian, Yervant, and Elizabeth Bilson (Eds.). Carl Sagan's Universe. (Illus.) NY: Cambridge University Press, 1997. xiii+282pp. $59.95; $22.95 (paper). 96-40511. ISBN 0-521-57286-X; 0-521-57603-2 (paper). Index; C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 2, p. 44, YA–T, GA]
In 1994, Cornell University hosted a two-day symposium in celebration of his Sagan's 60th birthday at which luminaries in many areas of Sagan's expertise gave the presentations that constitute this book. The essays are wonderfully written, and all are of some interest.
Wade, Nicholas (Ed.). The Science Times Book of Birds. (Illus.) NY: Lyons Press, 1997. 279pp. $25.00. 97-14718. ISBN 1-55821-605-7. C.I.P. [Vol. 34, No. 5, p. 140, YA–T, GA]
This book—a collection of "Science Times" stories about birds—is quite a treat and quite a resource. The would-be bird aficionado will find few better introductions to scientists' expanding knowledge of birds. 
 
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