Brief, Briefer...and Better, Science!

Joanne realized that great science popularizers are able to aim their topic at numerous levels of readers. She reviews three authors who have done just that. Enjoy Stephen Hawkings' three versions of A Brief History of Time, Bill Bryson's two versions of A Short History of Nearly Everything and two great ways to enjoy Einstein by Walter Isaacson.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Stephen
• Hawking
• Brief
• History
• of
• Time
• Universe
• in
• Nutshell
• Bill
• Bryson
• Short
• Nearly
• Everything
• Walter
• Isaacson
• Einstein
• His
• Life
• and
• Times
• Joanne
• Manaster

[TVgoggles]

The video skips/glitches too much, but otherwise it was excellent yet again. I will shortly be purchasing some new science books. 2010 is going to be a crazy year in reading for me.

[joannelovesscience]

I made the mistake of uploading it in an area that had poor internet connection and that really affects the smoothness of the final version on youtube. I recognize the problem and will upload with a better connection in the future.

Of course there will be more wonderful books to come, and thank you. Kindly, Joanne

[proteinP53]

Una mujer cientifica y ademas hermoza combinación perfecta...

[joannelovesscience]

I don't speak Spanish and had to go translate this online. Thanks so much.

[moijafcor]

"A Brief History of Time" by Prof. Hawkings is a must read for everybody!

Just go easy with the reading, making pauses every time more information is needed in order to gain a proper understanding.

This book is one of these especial ones that makes you stop reading in order to start thinking.

Thanks Joanne for bringing it back to the spot light.

[joannelovesscience]

I read it sooo long ago. I need to reread it! I love how some of his theories of the original publication in 1988 have been proven!

[hadesnx01]

My search for perfect woman is ended! :O)

[joannelovesscience]

Cosmos is a phenomenal book. Sagan is a phenomenal writer!

Bryson's book was not written for science enthusiasts, so no wonder it wasn't appealing to you. If you take a look at it from a perspective of a reader who maybe gave up on science but still has basic questions about the world, then you can see how it is appropriate!

[joannelovesscience]

know those Peanuts books, they're like encyclopedias. Those are cool. I remember one with the Berenstein Bears that my kids really liked!

Cosmos has had an incalculable impact. I don't see Bill Nye or Jaimie or Adam ever writing a book like that!

[haploid2k]

When I was a kid, the books that really got me interested in physics were Cosmos and A Brief History of Time. ABHOT is incredibly dumbed-down material in hindsight, but its impact on my early life is incalculable.

Before that, the books that got me into science in general were these absurd illustrated guides to how things work with Snoopy, Woodstock, and a few other peanuts characters. I wish I could find them again. :(

[redteamdarkspear]

The book that really got me into science was Cosmos by Carl Sagan. This was the first popular science book I read, and I think anyone can enjoy it.

I feel guilty because I don't think I enjoyed "A Short History of Nearly Everything" as much as I should have. I'm a fan of Bill Bryson's writing, I love science, but I had to read this for one of my classes and it didn't strike a chord with me. I really enjoyed some parts, however, so maybe I'll go back and give it another shot.