The Single Helix: A Turn Around the World of Science - Hardcover

Jones, Steve

3.58

73 ratings by Goodreads

9780316731935: The Single Helix: A Turn Around the World of Science

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316731935 ISBN 13: 9780316731935

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group, 2005

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Steve Jones’ barnstorming survey is science writing at its best, veering nimbly from the chemistry of gold to the failures of funding, the chaos in the heavens to the fight against creationism, the optical illusions of tartan plaid to the mathematics of elections. Witty and packed with human interest, it also features interviews with playwrights, poets, and film directors, along with plenty on the Double Helix and the author’s own specialty, the Snail Helix. In a hundred succinct pieces, he reveals the extraordinary breadth and the profound shallowness of scientific knowledge. Educational and entertaining, this is a brilliant meditation on modern science.

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About the Author:

Professor of Genetics at University College London, Steve Jones gave the Reith Lectures in 1991 and presented a TV series on human genetics and evolution. A columnist for the Daily Telegraph, he frequently appears on radio and TV.

Review:

'Delightful compilation of 100 easy pieces . . . one of the world's best writer-scientists . . . Jones is the Alan Bennett of science' - Financial Times 'Jones once again shows that, for all its difficulties, science can still be fun' - Independent 'One of the most engaging and revealing portraits of science and its practitioners you'll ever read' - Daily Express 'Wonderful examples of scientific storytelling . . . Simply fascinating' - Simon Singh, Sunday Telegraph 'Short essays ranging from astrophysics to anthropology . . . Perfect for anyone after occasional food for thought' - New Scientist

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