In 140 pages, two masterly popularisers present 140 explanations of the biggest questions in physics - in the form of 10 or so tweets per page. They set themselves the challenge of boiling down what is essential on each subject into sentences of 140 characters, and the results are both entertaining and brilliantly informative. Not a word is wasted. The reader is not patronized and learns something on every page. If only all science writing could be so precise and so economical. Only science writers of a very high calibre could achi... read more

This captivating book contains a treasury of fascinating facts on the science, art, history, folklore, and mythology of the weather--a fundamental process that shapes the earth's environment. It's beautifully illustrated throughout with images of weather phenomena from the ground, the air, and from space, as well as clear diagrams that explain how various elements of the weather work. Includes lists, tables, and anecdotes of weather records, extreme events, and surprising facts about the weather.

'Man still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin' On topics ranging from intelligent design and climate change to the politics of gender and race, the evolutionary writings of Charles Darwin occupy a pivotal position in contemporary public debate. This volume brings together the key chapters of his most important and accessible books, including the Journal of Researches on the Beagle voyage (1845), the Origin of Species (1871), and the Descent of Man, along with the full text of his delightful autobiogr... read more

The magnificent vault of stars emblazoning Earth's night skies are but an infinitesimal fraction of the hundreds of billions that inhabit our galaxy - and there are at least as many galaxies in the universe as there are stars in the Milky Way. 1001 Wonders of the Universe makes sense of this dizzying celestial panorama by exploring it one step at a time, illustrating the planets, moons, stars, nebulae, white dwarfs, black holes and other exotica that populate the heavens with an astounding 1001 of science's most spectacular photogr... read more

Every once in a while, an idea comes along that makes the entire world sit up and take notice. From the earliest understandings of our place in the solar system, via Darwinism, DNA, neutrons and quarks, right up to the theories that are pushing the boundaries of our knowledge today, we are forever propelled forward by our most gifted scientific minds. In this fascinating book, former "BBC Focus" magazine editor Jheni Osman explores 100 of the most forward thinking, far-reaching and downright inspired ideas and inventions in history... read more

An introductory guide to navigating your way around the night sky and identifying what you can see on any given night. Designed as a comprehensive introduction for the beginner and those who want to find out more, Collins Night Sky covers everything that can be seen with the naked eye and binoculars, as well as what is visible using a small telescope. There are sections on how to observe and understand the objects that comprise the night sky, the moon, the movements of the stars and planets throughout the year and astronomical ev... read more

Identifying native trees and other common plants of new Zealand's native forests can be fun for all the family with this pictorial guide. The book match leaves, flowers, seeds, berries and bark against beautiful, life-sized photographs for fast, accurate identification. Written by one of New Zealand's foremost writers on native plants, The Life-Size Guide to Native Trees offers a new opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural world of our native plants.

A handy guide to the identification of New Zealand native forest shrubs, climbers and groundcovers. Condensed from Andrew Crowe's popular Which Native? series, this little book has been designed to fit into a pocket, day pack or bag. Full of essential information for quick accurate identification of native forest shrubs, climbers and groundcovers, this mini guide is appealing and easy to use.

Uncovered here are the 100 groundbreaking discoveries that reveal why Earth is the one lucky blue planet in our Solar System that can support life and how this has come about in its myriad forms. The Material World: clay and quartz, feldspar and diamond, satellite image of deltaic muds, sandy desert, feldspar crystals, diamond, crystal, the water cycle, seawater, clouds, glacier ice, volcanic gas propelling pyroclastic flow. Earth's Engine: computer model of flow in the core and the magnetic field, major fault zone e.g. San Andreas... read more

This high-quality illustrated reference book provides schools and families with accurate information and engaging glimpses of the variety of faiths that have existed and are current in the world today. Beginning with a discussion about what religion is, author David Self offers 60 double page articles which cover the origins, beliefs and daily lives of adherents of the 6 major world faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism) as well as Ancient, East Asian and modern religions. Combining touches of storyt... read more

This is an explosive guide to the dynamic forces that shape our planet. "Violent Earth" is a spectacular visual exploration of the some of the most awe-inspiring and dramatic events that our planet can throw at us; earthquakes, eruptions, mud slides, tsunamis and more. Feel their terrifying force as they leap off the page through powerful photography, specially commissioned artworks and fascinating infographics. Covering every aspect of seismology, vulcanology and tectonics, "Violent Earth" explores the science behind predicting wh... read more

New Zealand boasts beautiful and unique coastlines, lakes and rivers, brimming with more than 1100 different fish species. In Know Your New Zealand Fishes, Jenny and Tony Enderby identify more than 80 of the country's best-known or most significant species that are commonly seen as readers dive, fish, snorkel and swim in the waters. With an introduction that includes useful information on distribution, appearance, behaviour, diet and breeding habits, this easy-to-use guide is written in simple language that will enable the laypers... read more

Selected and introduced by Richard Dawkins, The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing is a celebration of the finest writing by scientists for a wider audience - revealing that many of the best scientists have displayed as much imagination and skill with the pen as they have in the laboratory. This is a rich and vibrant collection that captures the poetry and excitement of communicating scientific understanding and scientific effort from 1900 to the present day. Professor Dawkins has included writing from a diverse range of scienti... read more

From the author of The Music of the Primes and Finding Moonshine comes a short, lively book on five mathematical problems that just refuse be solved and on how many everyday problems can be solved by maths. Every time we download a song from itunes, take a flight across the Atlantic or talk on our mobile phones, we are relying on great mathematical inventions. Maths may fail to provide answers to various of its own problems, but it can provide answers to problems that don't seem to be its own how prime numbers are the key to Real M... read more

Illustrated for the first time, with eighty full-colour photographs showing the beauty, complexity and mystery of the world around us, here is the next eagerly awaited volume of science questions and answers from "New Scientist" magazine. From ripples in glass to 'holograms' in ice, the natural world's wonders are unravelled by the magazine's knowledgeable readers. Six years on from Does Anything Eat Wasps? (2005), "The New Scientist series" still rides high in the bestseller lists, with well over two million copies sold. Popula... read more

This book solves many of the mysteries of beachcombing. It allows readers to easily and accurately identify the various items and curious objects that are commonly found on our beaches. In particular the book shows: pebbles and sand from around the country; how to recognise common animal tracks found in sand; jellyfish, starfish, crabs and bones from the sea; eggs from the sea and invertebrates living in the sand; seaweed, plant wash-ups and even common rubbish pollution. A unique way to learn about the puzzling flotsam and jetsa... read more

Enhance your garden with beautiful native plants by using this unique, quick guide to ensure that you put the right plant in the right place. The key to successful gardening is knowing which particular plant suits your individual garden - style, soil and climate are key factors.Take the stress out of decision-making by using Andrew Crowe's quick method of identifying the plants that will add shape, colour and texture to your garden. First published 1997, as The QuickFind Guide to Growing Native Plants; this edition 2004.

Award-winning investigative journalist Wishart breaks open the global warming debate into easily understood chapters that first explain the latest scientific discoveries, and then explain the agenda behind the climate scare.

Beginning millions of years ago with ancient "ant odometers" and moving through time to our modern-day quest for new dimensions, this title covers 250 milestones in mathematical history. It helps readers learn about: cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares from centuries ago, the discovery of pi and calculus, and the butterfly effect.