Author:Jheni Osman
Every once in a while, an idea comes along that makes the entire world sit up and take notice. From the earliest understandings of our place in the solar system, via Darwinism, DNA, neutrons and quarks, right up to the theories that are pushing the boundaries of our knowledge today, we are forever propelled forward by our most gifted scientific minds.
In this fascinating book, former BBC Focus magazine editor Jheni Osman explores 100 of the most forward thinking, far-reaching and downright inspired ideas and inventions in history, each nominated by experts from all fields of science and engineering. With selections from established authorities such as Brian Cox, Patrick Moore, Richard Dawkins and Marcus du Sautoy, Osman covers topics as diverse as the Big Bang, vaccination, computing, radioactivity, human genomes, the wheel and many more.
Each essay looks at the logic behind these great inventions, discoveries, theories and experiments, studying the circumstances that brought them into being and assessing the impact that they had on the world at large. An intriguing and thought-provoking collection, 100 Ideas that Changed the World offers us a glimpse into the minds behind history's greatest eureka moments.
The naked ape will be a wiser and better hominid by the time he has thumbed his way through to the end
—— The TimesAn explosive study of the female form
—— Mail on SundayA clear and careful introduction to an involved subject
—— The Times (Praise for Manwatching)A brilliant mixture of medical, metaphorical and philosophical commentary
—— Richard Holmes , The TimesThis tour de force has... sheer gusto and kinetic energy
—— GuardianThis amusing and very useful book is a must for any gardener, whether highly knowledgeable or rank amateur.
—— Good Book GuideRefreshingly down-to-earth guide
—— RedIt is the perfect book for the armchair gardener!
—— Period HouseThis joyful little book will help debunk some gardening myths, and reveal your garden as it really is.
—— Gardening Which?A gem of a book
—— Todmorden NewsAn essential gardening book:Ken Thompson's book should be on every gardener's bookshelf. It is a well-written, easy to read publication with a nice touch of humour. Ken Thompson makes gardening science easy without trivialising it - and, throughout, there are useful practical tips. As a professional gardener, I highly recommend this book.
—— DP Tabberner, Stourbridge , AmazonA delightful read: A lovely diversion from the dumbed down style of gardening you see on TV, this small book runs through the science background of gardening without coming over at all too technical.
I was slightly disappointed with the chapter on Latin names, but the rest of the book was just packed with interesting facts and anecdotes.
If you're interested in how your garden works then you'll enjoy and be informed by this book.