Selected and introduced by Richard Dawkins, The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing is a celebration of the finest writing by scientists for a wider audience – revealing that many of the best scientists have displayed as much imagination and skill with the pen as they have in the laboratory.
This is a rich and vibrant collection that captures the poetry and excitement of communicating scientific understanding and scientific effort from 1900 to the present day. Professor Dawkins has included writing from a diverse range of scientists, some of whom need no introduction, and some of whose works have become modern classics, while others may be less familiar – but all convey the passion of great scientists writing about their science.
Part I: The Natural World
Part II: Science and Scientists
Part III: Concepts
Part IV: Truth, Beauty, Imagination
Richard Dawkins is Former Charles Simonyi Chair of the Public Understanding of Science, Oxford University; Fellow of New College, Oxford; Fellow of the Royal Society; and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
"A compendium of some of the most illuminating thinking of the past 100 years."
– Eureka, The Times
"A feast for many long evenings."
– Katie Owen, The Sunday Telegraph
"Engaging selection."
– Christopher Hirst, The Independent
"Richard Dawkins has done a wonderful job."
– Nicholas Lezard, Saturday Guardian
"Stunning anthology."
– The Times
"If you could only ever read one science book, this should probably be it".
– Amanda Gefter, New Scientist (March 2008)