A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist

Most of us learn about science from media coverage, and anyone seeking factual information on climate change, vaccine safety, genetically modified foods, or the dangers of peanut allergies has to sift through an avalanche of bogus assertions, misinformation, and carefully packaged spin. Cornelia Dean draws on thirty years of experience as a science reporter at the New York Times to expose the tricks that handicap readers with little background in science. She reveals how activists, business spokespersons, religious leaders, and talk show hosts influence the way science is reported and describes the conflicts of interest that color research. At a time when facts are under daily assault, Making Sense of Science seeks to equip nonscientists with a set of critical tools to evaluate the claims and controversies that shape our lives.

“Making Sense of Science explains how to decide who is an expert, how to understand data, what you need to do to read science and figure out whether someone is lying to you… If science leaves you with a headache trying to figure out what’s true, what it all means and who to trust, Dean’s book is a great place to start.”
―Casper Star-Tribune

“Fascinating… Its mission is to help nonscientists evaluate scientific claims, with much attention paid to studies related to health.”
―Seattle Times

“This engaging book offers non-scientists the tools to connect with and evaluate science, and for scientists it is a timely call to action for effective communication.”
―Times Higher Education

About the Author

Cornelia Dean is a science writer for the New York Times and Writer-in-Residence at Brown University.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Founded in 1973, with a shop in downtown Amherst from July 1975 until July of 2009, we are now an online only bookshop. We accept orders by phone or email only. We accept personal check, visa, mc, discover and paypal. Reasonable offers considered.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Valley Books
MA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Please designate shipping preference. Media mail is 4.25 for average size hardbacks and paperbacks in the U.S. Delivery confirmation is included in the price. $1.00 ea. addit. book. Oversized books are charged at exact cost. Flat-rate Priority rate is $6.95, including delivery confirmation. Oversized books shipped priority depend on weight and zone and will be charged at exact cost. Foreign postage, to most countries, is 32.95 for average size hardbacks, sent First Class International rate.. Can...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Preset shipping cost is based on average hardcover size and weight. Over-sized or unusually heavy books may require additional postage. Delivery confirmation free with every order. We describe accurately and pack carefully. We ship USPS unless another service is requested. We ship within 48 hours of receipt of order, often within 24 hours. We ship worldwide. Books are returnable within 7 days of receipt. ALL BOOKS ARE SHIPPED WITH TRACKING NUMBERS, TRACEABLE AT THE USPS WEBSITE. PLEASE REQUEST TRACKING NUMBERS. ANY CLAIMS OF NON-DELIVERY WILL BE CHALLENGED AGAINST THE TRACKING INFORMAITON PROVIDED BY THE USPS.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 10.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.