Reviews (11)

A Great Short Introduction To Darwin and his Impact
I found this to be just an extremely helpful shorter study of Darwin, pleasantly written, but containing much valuable information packed into its 283 pages.One particular talent of the author is the ability to explain scientific issues in the most understandable fashion--somewhat of an unique talent in my experience.Wisely, the author does not recapitulate the well-trod voyage of the Beagle, but begins his discussion after Darwin's return from this epic voyage in 1836.The central issue simply put:why did it take Darwin better than 20 years after his return to publish "Origin of Species"?To answer this question, the book focuses upon a biography of Darwin during the years prior to the "Origins" publication in 1859.One sees how much data and supporting evidence Darwin had amassed during this period--but still no publication. In fact, it was not until A.R. Wallace sent Darwin a paper from the Far East, which closely paralleled some of Darwin's own ideas, that Darwin sprang into action and produced his monumental book. An entire chapter is devoted to the book itself, the clearest and most understandable compact analysis I have seen. Next, the author addresses (again in a clear and compact chapter) the course of evolutionary thought (and anti-evolutonary thought) that resulted from Darwin's book. As throughout the rest of the book, this chapter is as even-handed and fair as one could wish for. A super bibliography is attached as well. Basically, this is an informative and pleasant reading experience, both for experienced Darwin/evolutionary hands as well as those new to the topic.

Darwin's own secret notebooks and personal letters provided the foundation for this coverage
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin by David Quammen comes to life in a vivid rendition by actor and award-winning narrator Grover Gardner, who brings passion and enthusiasm to this story of Darwin. Darwin's own secret notebooks and personal letters provided the foundation for this coverage, which tells of the evolution of his theory.
Darwin diagnosed
This was pretty good as a diagnosis of Darwin and how he became the man and how he created his ideas. Good points include how he went back to England and stopped collecting for a while until he was inspired by the writing of one of his proteges. We see Charles Darwin, the man, in this book. It lacks pictures and graphs and could have benefitted from them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. England    7. History    8. Life Sciences - Evolution    9. Natural Selection    10. Naturalists    11. Scientists - General    12. Miscellaneous Items    13. Science / Evolution    14. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (55)

My Life as a Quant: Reflections on Physics and Finance
One needs to consider what they want out the book before buying it.If your looking for a book with market trading tactics and think this book will provide that, then my score would be a "1"Its not about how to make YOU money and its title implies that.In fact, its title is a quite honest answer to what is inside, the reflections of this Quant on his life in physics and finance.While he does not give the reader any CLEAR suggestions on how to make money in the market, he does give a good view of life as a professional in the hard sciences most of them would find it boring, the book would be a goodfor some super high school achiever that is contemplatingor announced committment to a life as a PHd in hard science.He does do a good job of relating all the "posturing", the "idea stealing", and general BS that is the real world of both science and commerce.His descriptions of his finance modeling efforts and the difficulties does show why many big firms can go bust.But other than messing up your own trading, you have to know when a big firm had bad Quant.So, unless you can think beyond what your reading as to making money in the market and learning to make money is your goal, then pass on this book.I gave it a "3" as it is good at exposing BS. More BS exposure type books may some day help us all.But you won't find specific maket making money ideas in this book, thus no "5"
An interesting world line
It is very uncommon for scientists to be revealing of their personal lives, and even more rare for them to make written commentary on the people they have interacted with over the span of their careers or even a portion thereof. The author of this book, who began his career as a physicist and then chose to be a financial engineer, is thus a statistical outlier in this regard. His transparency has allowed the reader to gain insight not only into how it is to live, study, and work in academia, but also in the financial world. All personal life histories are subjected to random perturbations, to events and people that are unplanned and unexpected, but as this book clearly shows, with pertinacity, with determination, one can smooth out even the strongest of these perturbations, and trace out a world line that is personally satisfying and dignified.
intense modelling in finance
As a Physics PhD who left physics, I read Derman's book with especial interest. He too faced this career choice after getting his doctorate and doing a stint in academia. The book shows the sometimes [often?] intense nature of academia, with emphasis on getting a tenured position. Whereas some industries can offer much higher salaries.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Business    4. Business & Economics    5. Business/Economics    6. Derman, Emanuel    7. Futures And Options Trading    8. Investment advisors    9. Investments & Securities - General    10. Mathematical Physics    11. Options (Finance)    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Physicists    14. Scientists - General    15. Business & Economics / Finance    16. Finance & Accounting   

Editorial Review

In Read more

Reviews (43)

Typically PC
Plenty of detail and typically PC. Written by a couple of liberals who bring us yet another re-hash of the "official" outlook on Oppenheimer as flawed god who strayed off the reservation as defined by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Dripping with cliches and the the whole array of baggage that entails. Good as a source of information, decently written, but oh so tired. Why did they bother? Why should you?

A first rate biography
This is such a good biography of such a complex individual who had an everlasting impact on our world.Do yourself a favor and get and read this excellent book...You will not regret it and you will learn a lot about the past, the present and the future of our country.

Good read
I was very much looking forward to reading this book, and it didn't disappoint.The authors have done an excellent job of sifting through an enormous mass of evidence.Their use of this evidence is judicious, and their portrait of the man compelling.It is well worth reading.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Atomic bomb    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Historical - General    8. History    9. Nuclear Physics    10. Physicists    11. Political aspects    12. Science    13. Scientists - General    14. Scientists - Inventors    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

A series of anecdotes shouldn't by rights add up to anautobiography, but that's just one of the many pieces of receivedwisdom that Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman (1918-88)cheerfully ignores in his engagingly eccentric book, a bestsellerever since its initial publication in 1985. Fiercely independent (readthe chapter entitled "Judging Books by Their Covers"), intolerant ofstupidity even when it comes packaged as high intellectualism (checkout "Is Electricity Fire?"), unafraid to offend (see "You JustRead more

Reviews (204)

Think while laughing !
A really great book by a great man.I almost laughed out loud while on a train and am sure people thought I was crazy. The book made me wonder how can you lead such an interesting life and yet win a Nobel Prize in physics (I guess you can).
Fantastic read
This is a fantastic book!Richard Feynman is a fascinating person and an excellent writer.His view of the world is exciting and interesting and his life experiences make for enjoyable stories.One lesson that comes through in this book is 'Think', don't be afraid to stop and think about something, a problem, a point of view, etc.Through these stories and the life of Richard Feynman, we are all shown what it is to live a life well.Get this book!
Feynman at his Finest
This book is by far the best non-technical science book. Period. You don't have to be a scientist to love the spirit of Richard Feynman. From discovering the behaviors of ants with sugar to his stints as an artist and musician, Feynman reminds us all that the world is still our playground, waiting to be discovered.
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Physicists    7. Physics (General)    8. Science    9. Scientists    10. Scientists - General    11. United States    12. Mathematics and Science    13. PHYSICS   

Reviews (5)

Truly magnificent...
As usual I found myself wondering around the science section of a local bookstore. I tried to convince myself that I should finish reading one of the seven books by my bed before spending anymore of my, rent, money. After browsing the covers of numerous books, I was just `looking', one caught my eye. A very visible font read: "Richard Dawkins". I picked it up assuming, wrongly so, that this was Dawkins biography. I usually have a habit of reading the preface of the book I have my eye on, this time I went straight to the register. I started reading the book in the car when I walked out of the bookstore. Two days after, of non-stop reading, I have just put it down.
Not just a cheering section
If Darwin's revelation of natural selection is "the best idea anyone, any where, ever had", then Richard Dawkins' identification of the "selfish gene" must run a close second.While Darwin's concept explained the workings of life, Dawkins' insight disclosed the mechanism of natural selection.The 1976 publication of "The Selfish Gene" not only stimulated a fresh wave of thinking among biologists, it also stirred public interest and imagination.If life was under the thrall of those strings of chemicals in our cells, how far did that influence reach?In this set of excellent essays on the issues, Dawkins ideas and their impact are presented and discussed.The fruit of his insights are bittersweet, and while most of these writings applaud his probity and communication skills, there is the tang of doubt about some of them.
Reflections on a major biological thinker of our time
The subtitle of this book, "how a scientist changed the way we think", is entirely justified: Richard Dawkins really did. Even people who thought they understood evolutionary theory quite well found that they had to rethink it all when The Selfish Gene appeared 30 years ago. Not all biologists agreed with his message, of course, Stephen J. Gould and Richard Lewontin being well known as opponents, but many of them did, and even when they did not agree with everything they still agreed with a great deal. Patrick Bateson provides one of the most interesting contributions to this book, in which he explains that he continues to disagree with Dawkins about some details, but he says, rightly, that "those who hope for bloody gladiatorial contests are disappointed when they discover that the circles of our interests and beliefs overlap much more extensively than they had believed".
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Subjects:  1. 1941-    2. Dawkins, Richard,    3. Essays    4. Influence    5. Life Sciences - Biology - General    6. Philosophy & Social Aspects    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Scientists - General    10. Biography: general    11. History of science    12. Life Sciences | Evolutionary Biology    13. Science / Biology   

Subjects:  1. Antibacterial agents    2. Bacterial diseases    3. Bacteriology    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Chemotherapy    6. General    7. History    8. Immunopharmacology    9. Life Sciences - Bacteriology    10. Medical - Physicians    11. Pharmacology    12. Science    13. Science/Mathematics    14. Scientists - General    15. Sulphonamides    16. Therapeutic use    17. Science / General   

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Cholera    3. Diseases - General    4. England    5. Europe - Great Britain - General    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Life Sciences - Biology - Microbiology    10. London    11. Scientists - General    12. British & Irish history: c 1700 to c 1900    13. History / Great Britain    14. Infectious & contagious diseases    15. London, Greater London    16. Personal & public health    17. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (2)

Father of the Queen of the Skies
There have been many books written about the 747, but none of them tell the human side of taking one of the largest aircraft off the drawing board and into the skies in two years time.Joe Sutter is the consumate engineer, he engages you in a voice that keeps you interested all of the way through the book.He does it in such a way that makes you feel that maybe you where there.Boeing bet the company on the 747, if it had been a failure the company would probably be a footnote in history.The company put their trust in one single man, who claims he and Boeing grew up together.Joe also includes the stories of many others along the way, he never takes credit for himself but always makes you aware that it was a team effort.In fact he leads off with a disclaimer that if he remembered it wrong he was sorry.
Joe SutterIS " one of the great ones "
The above partial quote is plagerized from Joes book as he quotes Charles Linderbergh comments about the 747 which in its entirety was " This is one of the great ones "
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Subjects:  1. Aeronautical engineers    2. Aircraft Design And Construction    3. Aviation - General    4. Aviation - History    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Boeing 747 (Jet transports)    9. Design and construction    10. Historical - General    11. History Of Specific Companies    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Scientists - General    14. Transportation    15. United States    16. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

Everyone knows that Galileo Galilei dropped cannonballs off the leaning tower of Pisa, developed the first reliable telescope, and was convicted by the Inquisition for holding a heretical belief--that the earth revolved around the sun. But did you know he had a daughter?In Read more

Reviews (221)

Charming read
Reading letters to Galileo from his daughter is something every scientist, historian, or interested reader can now enjoy. Dava Sobel tirelessly hunted across continents for the letters, and then learned Italian in order to translate them into English. The result is a splendid and insightful collection, revealing the Galileo that history forgot. Instead of the familiar and legendary iconoclastic Church-challenging rebel, we see a pious man who fathered two nuns and spent a great deal of time trying to reconcile his science with his God. This book will sweep you away to a time and place full of conflict and misunderstanding, a place that hasn't existed for four hundred years, but is undeniably very present today.

A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love
Galileo's Daughter waited in my accumulation of books for several years. The "Best Seller" tag on the cover always puts me off. Most 'best sellers' are abject wastes of time, whose sales have been propped up by the praises of critics too used to praising abject wastes of time. Well, now that I've offended many, I admit that there are exceptions. Here is one.
Not so compelling
After reading Longitude, I was disappointed by this book.It's arguably a more compelling and provocative topic, but somehow it didn't come to life the same way.It did provide a sense of the politics of science in the 16th century, but I was expecting more about Galileo's daughter (silly me).Anyway, I think this book is primarily of interest for someone already interested in the topic, which wasn't the case for Longitude. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1564-1642    2. Astronomers    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Correspondence    8. Galilei, Galileo,    9. Historical - General    10. Italy    11. Religious    12. Scientists - General    13. Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology   

Editorial Review

The thorniest scientific problem of the eighteenth century was how to determine longitude.Many thousands of lives had been lost at sea over the centuries due to the inability to determine an east-west position. This is the engrossing story of the clockmaker, John "Longitude" Harrison, who solved the problem that Newton and Galileo had failed to conquer, yet claimed only half the promised rich reward. ... Read more

Reviews (237)

I suggest this book to anyone interested in geography and history.
I chose this one because I thought it kind of related to me in a way, but I always thought it would be just a bunch of useless fact. As I read it, I became more and more interested in the struggle to 'find the longitude.' I suggest this book to anyone interested in geography and history. It's also an easy reader.
An epic 40 year struggle!
Dava Sobel, like Simon Winchester or Canada's Pierre Berton, has clearly mastered the art of writing history in a form that is not only informative but, perhaps more important, is also compelling and entertaining.
Ocean Navigation Before GPS

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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Clock and watch makers    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Great Britain    6. History    7. Inventions    8. Longitude    9. Measurement    10. Navigation    11. Science    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Scientists - Inventors    14. Science / Geography   

Reviews (16)

Crocs Rule and So Does This Book!
If you're an avid viewer of "The Crocodile Hunter", as I am, than this book is a must have.True, much of the information in can be picked up from the show.However, I actually enjoyed reading about Steve and Terri's adventures a bit more than watching them.You learn more about their families and what motivates them.After reading the book, I've developed a desire to learn more about wildlife conservation and what part I can play in it.I would highly recommend this book for any animal lover or Crocodile Hunter fan.

Entertaining, but too darned short!
To millions around the world, Steve Irwin is known as "the Crocodile Hunter," thanks to his wildly popular series on Animal Planet.To millions more, he's known as "that crazy Australian guy."THE CROCODILE HUNTER, a book by Steve and Terri Irwin, won't change anyone's mind about Steve's sanity, nor will it provide new insight into the man and his adventures for those already intimately familiar with his television exploits.THE CROCODILE HUNTER will, however, provide a few hours of distraction from the tube and more leisurely exploration of Steve and Terri's usual talking points about wildlife conservation. adventurers tend not to be introspective
disappointing. a short work. steve's life is presented in little more than outline depth. while atriculate on tv, doesn't transfer to the written page.Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Dangerous animals    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    9. Herpetologists    10. Life Sciences - Zoology - General    11. Scientists - General    12. Wildlife    13. Zoology    14. Nature / General   

Reviews (47)

Uh, do you think that this guy Tesla was just slightly ahead of his time?
About a month ago, I was introduced to the life of this brilliant man, Nikola Tesla, and all of his inventions that he conjured up, by a good friend of mine.When this friend mentioned that Tesla was creating wireless communication and remote control-- during the late 1800's into the early 1900's (!!), I at first did not believe him.So, I decided to do some research myself and began to look through different articles dealing with Tesla and his inventions.Sure enough, Tesla did invent remote control, flourescent lights, robotics, wireless communication, and many other mind-blowing inventions--during the time that people were still traveling pretty much by way of HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES!!!!!This man was, in effect, 2001: A Space Odyssey on two legs--He was definately light-years ahead of his time.And wouldn't you know it?His inventions are still being taken seriously today--by scientists and military personel alike.This book is perhaps one of the most definative and fascinating biographies I have ever read.Easy to read, yet quite an in depth look into the genius who lit the world by his discovery of AC electric current.A highly recommended biography, in my opinion.Well worth the time and money.

Intriguing, compelling, and Thought-Provoking...
That's what my initial assessment of Nikola Tesla had been prior to reading this marvelous account of his life. I had only viewed him as most of probably still do...asmere "footnote" in the annals of the Industrial Revolution. Sometimes a biographer is unequal to the subject of her biography...
There's no disputing that Nikolai Tesla was a genius of the first order, who lived a very fascinating life.Writing biographies of everyday people is quite easy; writing biographies of prodigies can be quite a challenge.
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Subjects:  1. 1856-1943    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Electric engineers    7. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Inventions    10. Inventors    11. Scientists    12. Scientists - General    13. Tesla, Nikola,    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology    16. Popular science   

Reviews (1)

An Amazing Scientist Who Rightfully Deserved the Nobel Peace Prize
In 1970 Dr. Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his extensive work and dedication in the fields of agriculture and food. As Leon Hesser author of The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norm Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger, points out, "there is no Nobel Food Prize. Consequently, the Nobel Committee chose Dr. Borlaug for his brilliant breakthroughs and wheat production technology that led to the relief of hunger in much of the world." Hesser first met Borlaug in 1966 in Pakistan, where Hesser and his crew of agricultural advisors helped in the introduction of Borlaug's high-yielding wheat varieties and technology. The results were unbelievable as Pakistan doubled its wheat production and achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by 1968. A similar program was carried out in India with the same amazing results.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Humanitarians    6. Scientists - General    7. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

Early in 1998, Read more

Reviews (25)

Great book.....
This book is great gives a good understanding of the research community and the search to understand angiogenisis.

Dr. Folkmans War
This book is a very well done documentary of the trials Dr. Folkman went through to have his ideas on cancer treatment considered.His ideas are now becoming the new approach, offering much needed hope for patients and their families.For anyone interested in cancer, thisbook is worthwhile.

Dr. Folkman is my hero -- a story better than SeaBiscuit!
This book by Robert Cooke is incredible!Mr. Cooke is able to explain to the average layperson the medical concepts of angeiogeneis conceived by the most under-valued person of our time:Dr. Judah Folkman.Dr. Folkman is to cancer what Salk was to Polio!Personally, Dr. Judah Folkman is my hero!A real hero, deserving of the Nobel Prize....and I don't speak lightly.I am a cancer patient that has recently learned that my cancer (thought was beat) has advanced to my lungs.The ONLY therapy for me is in anANGIOGENESIS drug therapy program for a drug currently in study and labeled as "PI-88."I am just so confident this drug will work.I am the only patient with my type of cancer cell (adenoid cystic carninoma), so I am a little bit more of a lab rat for this program.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Clinical Chemistry    5. Scientists - General    6. Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology   

Editorial Review

Inspired by Werner von Braun and his Cape Canaveral team, 14-year-old Homer Hickam decided in 1957 to build his own rockets. They were his ticket out of Coalwood, West Virginia, a mining town that everyone knew was dying--everyone except Sonny's father, the mine superintendent and a company man so dedicated that his family rarely saw him. Hickam's smart, iconoclastic mother wanted her son to become something more than a miner and, along with a female science teacher, encouraged the efforts of his grandiosely named Big Creek Missile Agency. He grew up to be a NASA engineer and his memoir of the bumpy ride toward a gold medal at the National Science Fair in 1960--an unprecedented honor for a miner's kid--is rich in humor as well as warm sentiment. Hickam vividly evokes a world of close communal ties in which a storekeeper who sold him saltpeter warned, "Listen, rocket boy. This stuff can blow you to kingdom come." Hickam is candid about the deep disagreements and tensions in his parents' marriage, even as he movingly depicts their quiet loyalty to each other. The portrait of his ultimately successful campaign to win his aloof father's respect is equally affecting. Read more

Reviews (515)

The book is prodigious
I loved the movie, "October Sky." However, the book goes into more depth than the movie. The relationship between Homer and his parents is far more interesting than the movie's depiction. The book and the movie had the space race, the coming-of-age theme, science fair competition, and young love. The book is written very well. The characters come alive. The book is prodigious, to use one of the character's favorite adjectives.

Refreshing read
A really interesting and inspiring story, appropriate for people of all ages.You won't be able to put it down.

WOW!
Rocket Boys/October sky, by Homer H. Hickam (jr), tells about the writer's life when he was a teenager. Set in the mountains of West Virginia, this best-selling book truly expresses what it is like to be traped. Whith its twisting plots and great writing I don't thing anybody wouldn't love this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1943-    2. Aeronautics    3. Aeronautics & Astronautics    4. Aerospace engineers    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Hickam, Homer H.,    10. Historical - U.S.    11. Scientists - General    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (53)

A good insight
A quick and fascinating read about one of the greatest business minds of our time.

Great book!
I am not the biggest Steve Jobs fan on planet earth but I will say that as biographies go, Bill Simon is one of the best of the best. I read Art of Deception and Art of Intrusion and even Profit From Experience and I have had the privildge of knowing personally the personalites of which Mr. Simon writes and I'm happy to say that his books are so good that you'd not know that the individuals in his work didn't write these books themselves. Buy it if you haven't. It's a very interesting view into the psyche that is Steve Jobs. I enjoyed it a lot.

Basically, its a big, anti-jobs rant.Don't be conned.
I've been in the software industry for quite awhile, and I've watched as the personal computer industry evolved from one where there were dozens of machines being sold to consumers down to the two primary platforms of windows and macintosh.While there is no doubt that the macintosh is the minority platform, there is also no doubt that its continued survival has engendered an unexplained amount of