Comments on: Review: The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing, by Richard Dawkins (ed.)

By: Phyl

Phyl — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:14:20 +0000

This is so going on my To be Read list! I love good, accessible science writing.

By: Graham Storrs

Graham Storrs — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:44:20 +0000

If only these things were in the shops. If only people were able to see other people on the bus and ask if they could have a look. There’s a tipping point with technologies like this. There needs to be a sufficient number of units around to be played with so that people can hold them and touch them and get past their prejudices. I’m pretty sure the adoption rate is going to be exponential, but at the moment we’re on the long tail and it could be a decade yet…

By: Graham Storrs

Graham Storrs — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:39:16 +0000

I certainly don’t! While the rest of the world is burning sausages and waving flags, the writers are hiding in the shed with a laptop and a glazed expression.

By: terry

terry — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:54:43 +0000

I will be looking for this one, thanks, Graham. I agree an ebook with links would be real boon. Interesting article in last weekend’s “Weekend Australian” review section – an introductory spread on ebooks with some emphasis on the kindle. Lots of shortcomings mentioned but quite strong statements made about the positive future for the ebook.

terry

By: KylieQ

KylieQ — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:13:29 +0000

Cheers, thanks Graham. Now back to work! Surely you don’t think you get a day off just because it’s a public holiday!!

By: Graham Storrs

Graham Storrs — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:47:02 +0000

Kylie, I’d say it was all pretty much OK for the layman. Dawkins only does the brief introductions to each piece, so it’s not really him writing it. I think he chose all the pieces to be “accessible” and a good many of them don’t talk about science as such but the process, the people, the things scientists did while they were doing more serious stuff, the things their work inspired scientists to think about human nature and the nature of the Universe, and so on.

By: KylieQ

KylieQ — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:39:34 +0000

Hey Graham, would it be any good for someone who is completely science-stupid??? Or is it too technical? I’ve waded through some Dawkins before – quite enjoyed bits and skipped over what I didn’t understand – and have a hankering for some non-fiction at the moment. Have just given up on a very confusing book about the Great Wall in China.

By: Graham Storrs

Graham Storrs — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:20:02 +0000

Hmmm. Maybe not so much, J-A. The extracts are too short to be very substantial. However, it is a great set of pointers into some great resources.

By: j-a brock

j-a brock — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:32:06 +0000

sounds like a great resource for sci fi writers!