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Non-fiction - Science - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

Science is for everybody and these entertaining books will give you a great introduction. Read about rivalries, and the thrill of scientific discovery by everyday people whose breakthroughs shaped scientific thought. Meet renowned physicists, entertaining chemists and passionate botanists and learn of their struggles and triumphs; be inspired and enlightened as they attempt to answer the great questions and understand the mysteries of creation, space and time.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

19 items

19 items

The Importance of Being Interested

The Importance of Being Interested

Adventures in Scientific Curiosity

by Ince, Robin

Book - 2021

Podcaster and comedian Robin Ince takes us on an adventurous delve into science to perk our curiosity as he buoyantly lauds the importance of being inquis...Show more Podcaster and comedian Robin Ince takes us on an adventurous delve into science to perk our curiosity as he buoyantly lauds the importance of being inquisitive. He shares what he has learned from interviews with scientists to reveal the essence of science and how it reflects on our lives. Show less

Podcaster and comedian Robin Ince takes us on an adventurous delve into science to perk our curiosity as he buoyantly lauds the importance of being inquis...Show more Podcaster and comedian Robin Ince takes us on an adventurous delve into science to perk our curiosity as he buoyantly lauds the importance of being inquisitive. He shares what he has learned from interviews with scientists to reveal the essence of science and how it reflects on our lives. Show less

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Life's Edge

Life's Edge

The Search for What It Means to Be Alive

by Zimmer, Carl, 1966-

Book - 2021

A master communicator Carl tackles a question thought unanswerable, using journalistic approach to explore the science of what makes life. Bringing us ins...Show more A master communicator Carl tackles a question thought unanswerable, using journalistic approach to explore the science of what makes life. Bringing us insights from centuries of scientific research, Carl brings us amazing revelations on where life came from and how it evolves. Illustrating why it is so hard to define where life begins and ends he makes the case that an answer is not to far off on the horizon. Show less

A master communicator Carl tackles a question thought unanswerable, using journalistic approach to explore the science of what makes life. Bringing us ins...Show more A master communicator Carl tackles a question thought unanswerable, using journalistic approach to explore the science of what makes life. Bringing us insights from centuries of scientific research, Carl brings us amazing revelations on where life came from and how it evolves. Illustrating why it is so hard to define where life begins and ends he makes the case that an answer is not to far off on the horizon. Show less

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Rutherford & Fry's Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything

Rutherford & Fry's Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything

Abridged

by Fry, Hannah

Book - 2021

A wide ranging trip through the big questions that beset science told with gusto in an attempt to make sense of it all. Using tongue in cheek questions to...Show more A wide ranging trip through the big questions that beset science told with gusto in an attempt to make sense of it all. Using tongue in cheek questions to illustrate important scientific issues enlightening us as we are entertained such as: Are we all suckers? Does my dog love me? Show less

A wide ranging trip through the big questions that beset science told with gusto in an attempt to make sense of it all. Using tongue in cheek questions to...Show more A wide ranging trip through the big questions that beset science told with gusto in an attempt to make sense of it all. Using tongue in cheek questions to illustrate important scientific issues enlightening us as we are entertained such as: Are we all suckers? Does my dog love me? Show less

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There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness

There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness

by Rovelli, Carlo, 1956-

Book - 2020

A broad ranging and enlightening collection of essays and musings by Carlo Rovelli deep thinker and prolific writer. Ranging from the history of scientifi...Show more A broad ranging and enlightening collection of essays and musings by Carlo Rovelli deep thinker and prolific writer. Ranging from the history of scientific ideas to politics, philosophy and anthropology Carlo shares his ideas on the nature of consciousness to his disgust of warfare. Show less

A broad ranging and enlightening collection of essays and musings by Carlo Rovelli deep thinker and prolific writer. Ranging from the history of scientifi...Show more A broad ranging and enlightening collection of essays and musings by Carlo Rovelli deep thinker and prolific writer. Ranging from the history of scientific ideas to politics, philosophy and anthropology Carlo shares his ideas on the nature of consciousness to his disgust of warfare. Show less

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A Short History of Nearly Everything

A Short History of Nearly Everything

by Bryson, Bill, 1951-

Book - 2003

Bill Bryson in his own inimitable way makes science easy to understand and gives us a good laugh as well as a good read in this New York Times Bestseller ...Show more Bill Bryson in his own inimitable way makes science easy to understand and gives us a good laugh as well as a good read in this New York Times Bestseller title. Questioning experts of all sorts, he noses out how our understanding of the universe was reached. If you know very little about science this will give you a great introduction. Show less

Bill Bryson in his own inimitable way makes science easy to understand and gives us a good laugh as well as a good read in this New York Times Bestseller ...Show more Bill Bryson in his own inimitable way makes science easy to understand and gives us a good laugh as well as a good read in this New York Times Bestseller title. Questioning experts of all sorts, he noses out how our understanding of the universe was reached. If you know very little about science this will give you a great introduction. Show less

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The Richness of Life

The Richness of Life

The Essential Stephen Jay Gould

by Gould, Stephen Jay, 1941-2002

Book - 2006

No list of science books would be complete without the inclusion of palaeontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. This collection samples the best of his superbly entertaining works. No list of science books would be complete without the inclusion of palaeontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. This collection samples the best of his superbly entertaining works. Show less

No list of science books would be complete without the inclusion of palaeontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. This collection samples the best of his superbly entertaining works. No list of science books would be complete without the inclusion of palaeontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould. This collection samples the best of his superbly entertaining works. Show less

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The Wizard and the Prophet

The Wizard and the Prophet

Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World

by Mann, Charles C., 1955-

Book - 2018

A carefully balanced account of the two most important scientists you have never heard of. Both anticipated the situation we now find ourselves in – how d...Show more A carefully balanced account of the two most important scientists you have never heard of. Both anticipated the situation we now find ourselves in – how do we look after the Earth and provide for the needs of the human race? They created influential and contrasting visions of how to do it. Essential reading. Show less

A carefully balanced account of the two most important scientists you have never heard of. Both anticipated the situation we now find ourselves in – how d...Show more A carefully balanced account of the two most important scientists you have never heard of. Both anticipated the situation we now find ourselves in – how do we look after the Earth and provide for the needs of the human race? They created influential and contrasting visions of how to do it. Essential reading. Show less

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The Order of Time

The Order of Time

by Rovelli, Carlo, 1956-

Book - 2018

Somehow Rovelli tackles the tricky subject of space/time in an accessible way. This Inspiring and exciting little book by a bestselling author and world-renowned physicist will hook you from the first page. Somehow Rovelli tackles the tricky subject of space/time in an accessible way. This Inspiring and exciting little book by a bestselling author and world-renowned physicist will hook you from the first page. Show less

Somehow Rovelli tackles the tricky subject of space/time in an accessible way. This Inspiring and exciting little book by a bestselling author and world-renowned physicist will hook you from the first page. Somehow Rovelli tackles the tricky subject of space/time in an accessible way. This Inspiring and exciting little book by a bestselling author and world-renowned physicist will hook you from the first page. Show less

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On the Origin of Species

On the Origin of Species

by Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

Book - 2008

A unique chance to read a legendary scientific theorist in the original. This may be one of the great works of science but it is surprisingly readable. Th...Show more A unique chance to read a legendary scientific theorist in the original. This may be one of the great works of science but it is surprisingly readable. The beautiful illustrated edition also includes enlightening excerpts from his diary from the Voyage of the Beagle. Show less

A unique chance to read a legendary scientific theorist in the original. This may be one of the great works of science but it is surprisingly readable. Th...Show more A unique chance to read a legendary scientific theorist in the original. This may be one of the great works of science but it is surprisingly readable. The beautiful illustrated edition also includes enlightening excerpts from his diary from the Voyage of the Beagle. Show less

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Lab Girl

Lab Girl

A Story of Trees, Science and Love

by Jahren, Hope

Book - 2016

This is both a touching memoir and a voyage into a botanist’s passion for plants. Jahren grew up in her father’s laboratory. Her life has been defined by ...Show more This is both a touching memoir and a voyage into a botanist’s passion for plants. Jahren grew up in her father’s laboratory. Her life has been defined by science and the thrill of scientific discovery. If you want a book that entertains and inspires, this one is for you. Show less

This is both a touching memoir and a voyage into a botanist’s passion for plants. Jahren grew up in her father’s laboratory. Her life has been defined by ...Show more This is both a touching memoir and a voyage into a botanist’s passion for plants. Jahren grew up in her father’s laboratory. Her life has been defined by science and the thrill of scientific discovery. If you want a book that entertains and inspires, this one is for you. Show less

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The Basis of Everything

The Basis of Everything

Rutherford, Oliphant and the Coming of the Atomic Bomb

by Ramsey, Andrew

Book - 2019

A compelling historical narrative about the struggles of two antipodean scientists who eventually land up at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge Univers...Show more A compelling historical narrative about the struggles of two antipodean scientists who eventually land up at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University. Here the two friends pursued their quest to understand the nature of the atom, with the world changing results we are all familiar with. Show less

A compelling historical narrative about the struggles of two antipodean scientists who eventually land up at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge Univers...Show more A compelling historical narrative about the struggles of two antipodean scientists who eventually land up at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University. Here the two friends pursued their quest to understand the nature of the atom, with the world changing results we are all familiar with. Show less

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The Disappearing Spoon

The Disappearing Spoon

And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World From the Periodic Table of the Elements

by Kean, Sam

Book - 2010

Science journalist Sam Kean takes you on what one critic called “an idiosyncratic romp through the history of science”. Along the way you will learn a lot...Show more Science journalist Sam Kean takes you on what one critic called “an idiosyncratic romp through the history of science”. Along the way you will learn a lot about the periodic table. This is the “spoonful of sugar” method of learning and if you last looked at the table in the chemistry lab at school, this book might be the book for you. Show less

Science journalist Sam Kean takes you on what one critic called “an idiosyncratic romp through the history of science”. Along the way you will learn a lot...Show more Science journalist Sam Kean takes you on what one critic called “an idiosyncratic romp through the history of science”. Along the way you will learn a lot about the periodic table. This is the “spoonful of sugar” method of learning and if you last looked at the table in the chemistry lab at school, this book might be the book for you. Show less

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Science

Science

A History in 100 Experiments

by Gribbin, John, 1946-

Book - 2016

This astrophysicist and renowned British science writer has hit on a fascinating way to explore the history of science. Experiments are at the core of science, so this is a great way to write its history, including the quirky bits. This astrophysicist and renowned British science writer has hit on a fascinating way to explore the history of science. Experiments are at the core of science, so this is a great way to write its history, including the quirky bits. Show less

This astrophysicist and renowned British science writer has hit on a fascinating way to explore the history of science. Experiments are at the core of science, so this is a great way to write its history, including the quirky bits. This astrophysicist and renowned British science writer has hit on a fascinating way to explore the history of science. Experiments are at the core of science, so this is a great way to write its history, including the quirky bits. Show less

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13.8

13.8

The Quest to Find the True Age of the Universe and the Theory of Everything

by Gribbin, John, 1946-

Book - 2015

Reviews called this book a “monumental scientific accomplishment”. Gribbin, a writer known for his storytelling ability, is seeking to support “the Theory of Everything” by explaining the universe at both the macro and micro levels. Reviews called this book a “monumental scientific accomplishment”. Gribbin, a writer known for his storytelling ability, is seeking to support “the Theory of Everything” by explaining the universe at both the macro and micro levels. Show less

Reviews called this book a “monumental scientific accomplishment”. Gribbin, a writer known for his storytelling ability, is seeking to support “the Theory of Everything” by explaining the universe at both the macro and micro levels. Reviews called this book a “monumental scientific accomplishment”. Gribbin, a writer known for his storytelling ability, is seeking to support “the Theory of Everything” by explaining the universe at both the macro and micro levels. Show less

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Life Is Simple

Life Is Simple

How Occam's Razor Set Science Free and Unlocked the Universe

by McFadden, Johnjoe

Book - 2021

Science is simple or at least "the simplest explanation that correctly describes the phenomenon is likely the best one" this is the Franciscan f...Show more Science is simple or at least "the simplest explanation that correctly describes the phenomenon is likely the best one" this is the Franciscan friar William of Occam's underlying idea. Jonjoe takes you through the friar's many revolutionary ideas from refusing to multiply with Aristotle's universals to disagreeing with Thomas Aquina's s scientific nature of theology, In the process Jonjoe presents with an intellectually persuasive and provocative foray into the history of science as a whole. Show less

Science is simple or at least "the simplest explanation that correctly describes the phenomenon is likely the best one" this is the Franciscan f...Show more Science is simple or at least "the simplest explanation that correctly describes the phenomenon is likely the best one" this is the Franciscan friar William of Occam's underlying idea. Jonjoe takes you through the friar's many revolutionary ideas from refusing to multiply with Aristotle's universals to disagreeing with Thomas Aquina's s scientific nature of theology, In the process Jonjoe presents with an intellectually persuasive and provocative foray into the history of science as a whole. Show less

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The Clockwork Universe

The Clockwork Universe

Isaac Newton, the Royal Society, and the Birth of the Modern World

by Dolnick, Edward, 1952-

Book - 2011

An engrossing tribute to the great seventeenth century scientific minds that laid the foundations of science despite living in a chaotic and hostile envir...Show more An engrossing tribute to the great seventeenth century scientific minds that laid the foundations of science despite living in a chaotic and hostile environment. Colourful profiles of these scientists are combined with history to make an entertaining read. Show less

An engrossing tribute to the great seventeenth century scientific minds that laid the foundations of science despite living in a chaotic and hostile envir...Show more An engrossing tribute to the great seventeenth century scientific minds that laid the foundations of science despite living in a chaotic and hostile environment. Colourful profiles of these scientists are combined with history to make an entertaining read. Show less

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Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking

His Science in A Nutshell

by Freistetter, F.

Book - 2020

We all know Hawking was one of our greatest physicists, but I suspect not many actually understand what his great theory consisted of. If you’re one of th...Show more We all know Hawking was one of our greatest physicists, but I suspect not many actually understand what his great theory consisted of. If you’re one of the many people who bought A Brief History of Time but failed to get past the first chapter, this understandable and intelligent book is for you. Show less

We all know Hawking was one of our greatest physicists, but I suspect not many actually understand what his great theory consisted of. If you’re one of th...Show more We all know Hawking was one of our greatest physicists, but I suspect not many actually understand what his great theory consisted of. If you’re one of the many people who bought A Brief History of Time but failed to get past the first chapter, this understandable and intelligent book is for you. Show less

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Longitude

Longitude

The True Story of A Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time

by Sobel, Dava, 1947-

Book - 2005

An eloquent science classic tells the story of how a carpenter solved the problem of how to calculate longitude, despite opposition from the scientific el...Show more An eloquent science classic tells the story of how a carpenter solved the problem of how to calculate longitude, despite opposition from the scientific elite. The New York Times called it “remarkable storytelling”. Just the thing if DIY is in your DNA. Show less

An eloquent science classic tells the story of how a carpenter solved the problem of how to calculate longitude, despite opposition from the scientific el...Show more An eloquent science classic tells the story of how a carpenter solved the problem of how to calculate longitude, despite opposition from the scientific elite. The New York Times called it “remarkable storytelling”. Just the thing if DIY is in your DNA. Show less

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The Ancestor's Tale

The Ancestor's Tale

A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life

by Dawkins, Richard, 1941-

Book - 2016

This entertaining and encyclopaedic story of life on earth is written by one of the most brilliant and controversial science writers of our time. He bases...Show more This entertaining and encyclopaedic story of life on earth is written by one of the most brilliant and controversial science writers of our time. He bases his structure in Chaucer, telling the tale of key animals in evolution. Full of thoughtful and entertaining insights it delivers far more than it promises. Show less

This entertaining and encyclopaedic story of life on earth is written by one of the most brilliant and controversial science writers of our time. He bases...Show more This entertaining and encyclopaedic story of life on earth is written by one of the most brilliant and controversial science writers of our time. He bases his structure in Chaucer, telling the tale of key animals in evolution. Full of thoughtful and entertaining insights it delivers far more than it promises. Show less

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