Free Radicals: The Secret Anarchy of Science - Softcover

Brooks, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846684056 ISBN 13: 9781846684050

Publisher: Profile Books, 2011

Synopsis

This is a bold expose of science's mavericks. For more than a century, science has cultivated a sober public image for itself. But as bestselling author Michael Brooks explains, the truth is very different: many of our most successful scientists have more in common with libertines than librarians. This thrilling exploration of some of the greatest breakthroughs in science reveals the extreme lengths some scientists go to in order to make their theories public. Fraud, suppressing evidence and unethical or reckless PR games are sometimes necessary to bring the best and most brilliant discoveries to the world's attention. Inspiration can come from the most unorthodox of places, and Brooks introduces us to Nobel laureates who get their ideas through drugs, dreams and hallucinations. Science is a highly competitive and ruthless discipline, and only its most determined and passionate practitioners make headlines - and history. To succeed, knowledge must be pursued by any means: in science, anything goes.

About this title

About the Author:

Michael Brooks is the author of the bestselling non-fiction title 13 Things That Don't Make Sense. He holds a PhD in quantum physics, is a consultant at New Scientist and writes a weekly column for the New Statesman.

Review:

Entertaining ... engagingly written ...a worthwhile read for budding explorers of new worlds * Independent * A salutary reminder that scientists are as human and fallible as anyone else -- Steve Jones * Daily Telegraph * Tightly plotted tales of rebellion, drug use and Machiavellian intrigue in the pursuit of enlightenment * We Love This Book * Brooks' take on science is not just ingenious, it's also hilarious -- George Lamb Fun to read. Brooks ... capers through the exploits of scores of brilliant and often ruthless rogues - some living, many long dead - who have won Nobel prizes or otherwise pushed science forward. Some of its biggest names turn out to be the dirtiest players * Financial Times * Brooks outs the extremist boffins - mad, bad and dangerous to know * The Times * A typically provocative claim from a book that wants to strip the white lab coat off scientists and expose the hairy humanity beneath ... celebrates a rough and hairy side of science, and does so entertainingly * Sunday Times * Colourful ...fascinating and serious demonstration of how human foibles and creativity are inseparable, and how this fact is not so dangerous after all -- Steven Poole * Guardian * A call to arms ... Not some idealistic crusade; it has important implications -- Alok Jha * BBC Focus * Clear and concise ... conveys an infectious enthusiasm ... brimming with colourful anecdotes * Morning Star * Michael Brooks is the canniest science writer around. He writes, above all, with attitude ... Free Radicals is brash, freewheeling * Independent *

About this edition

• Publisher: Profile Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1846684056
• ISBN 13: 9781846684050
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288