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Biography - Scientists - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

Meet people whose thirst for learning has inspired them to discover new truths about how the world works. Join the thrill of scientific discovery as they explore the world around us, sometimes with world changing results. Discover new ways of thinking and the untold stories behind them. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

17 items

17 items

The Alarmist

The Alarmist

Fifty Years Measuring Climate Change

by Lowe, D. C. Dr

Book - 2021

Dave Lowe formed a spiritual connection with the atmosphere early in life through surfing off the rugged coasts of Taranaki. This helped him overcome earl...Show more Dave Lowe formed a spiritual connection with the atmosphere early in life through surfing off the rugged coasts of Taranaki. This helped him overcome early academic struggles, inspiring him to go on and become a leading figure in the world of climate science. His work and adventures across the globe saw him make numerous scientific breakthroughs that explained the role of atmospheric carbon in climate change. In this refreshingly honest autobiography Lowe weaves together his personal life with his scientific career. He reveals the impact his workaholic nature has had on his health and personal relationships, and is candid about how political apathy and disinformation campaigns have led him to frustration and despair. He also explains how he retains optimism and hope by looking to the rise of fellow ‘alarmists’, youth activists and scientists alike. Show less

Dave Lowe formed a spiritual connection with the atmosphere early in life through surfing off the rugged coasts of Taranaki. This helped him overcome earl...Show more Dave Lowe formed a spiritual connection with the atmosphere early in life through surfing off the rugged coasts of Taranaki. This helped him overcome early academic struggles, inspiring him to go on and become a leading figure in the world of climate science. His work and adventures across the globe saw him make numerous scientific breakthroughs that explained the role of atmospheric carbon in climate change. In this refreshingly honest autobiography Lowe weaves together his personal life with his scientific career. He reveals the impact his workaholic nature has had on his health and personal relationships, and is candid about how political apathy and disinformation campaigns have led him to frustration and despair. He also explains how he retains optimism and hope by looking to the rise of fellow ‘alarmists’, youth activists and scientists alike. Show less

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Books Do Furnish A Life

Books Do Furnish A Life

Reading and Writing Science

by Dawkins, Richard, 1941-

Book - 2021

Dip in and out of these prosaic pieces as Dawkins' introduces you to today's great scientific brains, clear scientific communication at its best. Conversa...Show more Dip in and out of these prosaic pieces as Dawkins' introduces you to today's great scientific brains, clear scientific communication at its best. Conversations with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Adam Hart-Davis Steven Pinker, Christopher Hitchens, Lawrence Krauss and Matt Ridley on celebrating nature, exploring humanity , skepticism, faith, evolution and scientific writing in a mixture of introduction, foreword and essay form. Show less

Dip in and out of these prosaic pieces as Dawkins' introduces you to today's great scientific brains, clear scientific communication at its best. Conversa...Show more Dip in and out of these prosaic pieces as Dawkins' introduces you to today's great scientific brains, clear scientific communication at its best. Conversations with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Adam Hart-Davis Steven Pinker, Christopher Hitchens, Lawrence Krauss and Matt Ridley on celebrating nature, exploring humanity , skepticism, faith, evolution and scientific writing in a mixture of introduction, foreword and essay form. 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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Hawking Hawking

Hawking Hawking

The Selling of A Scientific Celebrity

by Seife, Charles

Book - 2021

A warts and all look at the human being behind the myth making that is the public persona of Stephen Hawking told in reverse chronology starting with his ...Show more A warts and all look at the human being behind the myth making that is the public persona of Stephen Hawking told in reverse chronology starting with his death. A richly researched examination of his life including an overview of his research, revealing disturbing aspects of his personal life within the scientific community and culture of the times. Show less

A warts and all look at the human being behind the myth making that is the public persona of Stephen Hawking told in reverse chronology starting with his ...Show more A warts and all look at the human being behind the myth making that is the public persona of Stephen Hawking told in reverse chronology starting with his death. A richly researched examination of his life including an overview of his research, revealing disturbing aspects of his personal life within the scientific community and culture of the times. Show less

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Scientist

Scientist

E.O. Wilson : A Life in Nature

by Rhodes, Richard, 1937-

Book - 2021

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes delivers an insightful look into the life of influential Harvard biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson. R...Show more Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes delivers an insightful look into the life of influential Harvard biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson. Rhodes follows Wilson’s career as he transforms from the affectionately known ‘ant man’ (for his early work on the social life of ants) into ‘Darwin’s natural heir’ (for his ground-breaking, but at times controversial, research on evolutionary and ecological theory). Much of Wilson’s work is fundamental to our understanding of biodiversity and conservation today. In “Scientist: E. O. Wilson: A Life in Nature”, Rhodes frequently blends his words with quotations from Wilson’s own expressive writings in a way that makes these important theories accessible to us all. Show less

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes delivers an insightful look into the life of influential Harvard biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson. R...Show more Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Rhodes delivers an insightful look into the life of influential Harvard biologist and naturalist Edward O. Wilson. Rhodes follows Wilson’s career as he transforms from the affectionately known ‘ant man’ (for his early work on the social life of ants) into ‘Darwin’s natural heir’ (for his ground-breaking, but at times controversial, research on evolutionary and ecological theory). Much of Wilson’s work is fundamental to our understanding of biodiversity and conservation today. In “Scientist: E. O. Wilson: A Life in Nature”, Rhodes frequently blends his words with quotations from Wilson’s own expressive writings in a way that makes these important theories accessible to us all. Show less

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Darwin's Backyard

Darwin's Backyard

How Small Experiments Led to A Big Theory

by Costa, James T., 1963-

Book - 2017

James T. Costa explores the experiments that lie behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. He highlights how Darwin’s natural curiosity and careful ins...Show more James T. Costa explores the experiments that lie behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. He highlights how Darwin’s natural curiosity and careful inspection of his surroundings led to his findings on natural selection. Costa provides insight into Darwin’s thought processes and reveals interesting dimensions to his work and home life. Both entertaining and instructive, this book includes directions for how you can duplicate some of these experiments at home. It is a great read and resource for biology students, teachers and enthusiasts alike. Show less

James T. Costa explores the experiments that lie behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. He highlights how Darwin’s natural curiosity and careful ins...Show more James T. Costa explores the experiments that lie behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. He highlights how Darwin’s natural curiosity and careful inspection of his surroundings led to his findings on natural selection. Costa provides insight into Darwin’s thought processes and reveals interesting dimensions to his work and home life. Both entertaining and instructive, this book includes directions for how you can duplicate some of these experiments at home. It is a great read and resource for biology students, teachers and enthusiasts alike. Show less

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The Invention of Nature

The Invention of Nature

The Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt's, the Lost Hero of Science

by Wulf, Andrea

Book - 2015

Andrea Wulf takes us on a geographical pilgrimage following the colourful global adventures of Alexander Humboldt. An eighteenth-century German scientist,...Show more Andrea Wulf takes us on a geographical pilgrimage following the colourful global adventures of Alexander Humboldt. An eighteenth-century German scientist, traveller and intellectual who was ahead of his time, Humboldt predicted human induced climate change as early as 1800. He went on to influence the realms of science, politics and art as well as the theory of evolution. Show less

Andrea Wulf takes us on a geographical pilgrimage following the colourful global adventures of Alexander Humboldt. An eighteenth-century German scientist,...Show more Andrea Wulf takes us on a geographical pilgrimage following the colourful global adventures of Alexander Humboldt. An eighteenth-century German scientist, traveller and intellectual who was ahead of his time, Humboldt predicted human induced climate change as early as 1800. He went on to influence the realms of science, politics and art as well as the theory of evolution. 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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My Family and Other Animals

My Family and Other Animals

by Durrell, Gerald, 1925-1995

Book - 1987

The first of Gerald Durrell’s hilarious memoirs, ‘My Family and Other Animals’ tells of his captivating childhood spent in the isle of Corfu. Ditching the...Show more The first of Gerald Durrell’s hilarious memoirs, ‘My Family and Other Animals’ tells of his captivating childhood spent in the isle of Corfu. Ditching the rain-drenched city of Bristol for a sun-soaked island in Greece, Durrell recounts his adventures there with his eccentric family and extensive menagerie that included magpies, toads, glow-worms, scorpions and more. Show less

The first of Gerald Durrell’s hilarious memoirs, ‘My Family and Other Animals’ tells of his captivating childhood spent in the isle of Corfu. Ditching the...Show more The first of Gerald Durrell’s hilarious memoirs, ‘My Family and Other Animals’ tells of his captivating childhood spent in the isle of Corfu. Ditching the rain-drenched city of Bristol for a sun-soaked island in Greece, Durrell recounts his adventures there with his eccentric family and extensive menagerie that included magpies, toads, glow-worms, scorpions and more. Show less

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An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth

by Hadfield, Chris, 1959-

Book - 2013

We watched his famous cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" from the International Space Station. Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield was th...Show more We watched his famous cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" from the International Space Station. Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield was the first Canadian to walk in space. He documented his journey for us all with his twitter posts, photos, and videos while he captained the International Space Station. ‘An Astronauts Guide to life on Earth’ is thoroughly entertaining, relatable and inspiring. Hadfield documents his fascinating career and gives us insights into what it has taught him. Show less

We watched his famous cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" from the International Space Station. Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield was th...Show more We watched his famous cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" from the International Space Station. Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield was the first Canadian to walk in space. He documented his journey for us all with his twitter posts, photos, and videos while he captained the International Space Station. ‘An Astronauts Guide to life on Earth’ is thoroughly entertaining, relatable and inspiring. Hadfield documents his fascinating career and gives us insights into what it has taught him. 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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The Zoo

The Zoo

The Wild and Wonderful Tale of the Founding of London Zoo

by Charman, Isobel

Book - 2016

This retelling (that reads like a novel) captures the extraordinary people and creatures behind the founding of London zoo - from Stamford Raffles, a man ...Show more This retelling (that reads like a novel) captures the extraordinary people and creatures behind the founding of London zoo - from Stamford Raffles, a man who overcame a shipwreck and a series of financial disasters to bring his vision to life, to Charles Darwin, a visitor who used the zoos residents for his study. There was Charles Spooner, a vet struggling to keep the exotic animals alive, and of course the animals themselves, from Jenny the orang-utan, to Obaysch, the first hippo ever to be glimpsed in Britain. Show less

This retelling (that reads like a novel) captures the extraordinary people and creatures behind the founding of London zoo - from Stamford Raffles, a man ...Show more This retelling (that reads like a novel) captures the extraordinary people and creatures behind the founding of London zoo - from Stamford Raffles, a man who overcame a shipwreck and a series of financial disasters to bring his vision to life, to Charles Darwin, a visitor who used the zoos residents for his study. There was Charles Spooner, a vet struggling to keep the exotic animals alive, and of course the animals themselves, from Jenny the orang-utan, to Obaysch, the first hippo ever to be glimpsed in Britain. Show less

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The Man in the Red Coat

The Man in the Red Coat

by Barnes, Julian, 1946-

Book - 2020

Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes hones in on three flamboyant characters during the Belle Epoque in Paris. One is the titular ‘man in the red coat’ – the...Show more Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes hones in on three flamboyant characters during the Belle Epoque in Paris. One is the titular ‘man in the red coat’ – the stylish Samuel Pozzi, by equal measure a famous and infamous doctor with a colourful private life. Barnes invites his readers to join him on an illuminating jaunt with the wits and dandies of late 19th century Paris. Show less

Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes hones in on three flamboyant characters during the Belle Epoque in Paris. One is the titular ‘man in the red coat’ – the...Show more Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes hones in on three flamboyant characters during the Belle Epoque in Paris. One is the titular ‘man in the red coat’ – the stylish Samuel Pozzi, by equal measure a famous and infamous doctor with a colourful private life. Barnes invites his readers to join him on an illuminating jaunt with the wits and dandies of late 19th century Paris. Show less

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New Thinking

New Thinking

From Einstein to Artificial Intelligence, the Science and Technology That Transformed Our World

by Altraide, Dagogo

Book - 2019

Exposing the hidden histories and exciting potentialities of the players in new technologies, with amusing anecdotes and much food for thought on how peop...Show more Exposing the hidden histories and exciting potentialities of the players in new technologies, with amusing anecdotes and much food for thought on how people think differently. Tech enthusiast Dagogo Altraide of You Tube’s Cold Fusion brings us a lively chronological history of technological development as if you were having a conversation. Dagogo tells us about the likes of Michael Faraday and how new thinkers like Nikola Tesla have built on their work. For anyone who wants to know about the technology and the people who have transformed our world. Show less

Exposing the hidden histories and exciting potentialities of the players in new technologies, with amusing anecdotes and much food for thought on how peop...Show more Exposing the hidden histories and exciting potentialities of the players in new technologies, with amusing anecdotes and much food for thought on how people think differently. Tech enthusiast Dagogo Altraide of You Tube’s Cold Fusion brings us a lively chronological history of technological development as if you were having a conversation. Dagogo tells us about the likes of Michael Faraday and how new thinkers like Nikola Tesla have built on their work. For anyone who wants to know about the technology and the people who have transformed our world. Show less

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Dr. Mütter's Marvels

Dr. Mütter's Marvels

A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine

by Aptowicz, Cristin O'Keefe

Book - 2014

Dr Thomas Mütter was a flamboyant, vain, dishy, innovative and compassionate surgeon in 19th century Philadelphia who left a collection of medical curiosi...Show more Dr Thomas Mütter was a flamboyant, vain, dishy, innovative and compassionate surgeon in 19th century Philadelphia who left a collection of medical curiosities housed in the Mütter Museum today. Poet Cristin Aptowicz weaves the curious strands of this medical trailblazer’s life into an entertaining biography Show less

Dr Thomas Mütter was a flamboyant, vain, dishy, innovative and compassionate surgeon in 19th century Philadelphia who left a collection of medical curiosi...Show more Dr Thomas Mütter was a flamboyant, vain, dishy, innovative and compassionate surgeon in 19th century Philadelphia who left a collection of medical curiosities housed in the Mütter Museum today. Poet Cristin Aptowicz weaves the curious strands of this medical trailblazer’s life into an entertaining biography Show less

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No Dream Is Too High

No Dream Is Too High

Life Lessons From A Man Who Walked on the Moon

by Aldrin, Buzz, 1930-

Book - 2016

In 1969 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Written while in his 80s, in this book, Aldrin shares his life lessons and anecdotes about his incredible career. In 1969 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Written while in his 80s, in this book, Aldrin shares his life lessons and anecdotes about his incredible career. Show less

In 1969 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Written while in his 80s, in this book, Aldrin shares his life lessons and anecdotes about his incredible career. In 1969 astronaut, Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Written while in his 80s, in this book, Aldrin shares his life lessons and anecdotes about his incredible career. Show less

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An Appetite for Wonder

An Appetite for Wonder

The Making of A Scientist : A Memoir

by Dawkins, Richard, 1941-

Book - 2013

An honest and refreshing account of Richard Dawkins's childhood and early career the author of the "Selfish Gene" sharpens his lucid prose on the narrative of his own life, written in a refreshingly easy to read style. An honest and refreshing account of Richard Dawkins's childhood and early career the author of the "Selfish Gene" sharpens his lucid prose on the narrative of his own life, written in a refreshingly easy to read style. Show less

An honest and refreshing account of Richard Dawkins's childhood and early career the author of the "Selfish Gene" sharpens his lucid prose on the narrative of his own life, written in a refreshingly easy to read style. An honest and refreshing account of Richard Dawkins's childhood and early career the author of the "Selfish Gene" sharpens his lucid prose on the narrative of his own life, written in a refreshingly easy to read style. Show less

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