The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing (Oxford Landmark Science)

What possessed the OUP to let this edition go out to the world so poorly bound that you are constantly fighting the book just to turn the pages and hold it and read it? Other reviewers here have also commented on the subpar binding. This is much too wonderful a collection of writings to be put out in such a slipshod way. I doubt it would have cost - what, 75 cents more per volume to bind it in a normal way so that you can turn a page and it would stay turned? I'm probably imagining this part but I picture someone who is not accustomed to reading actual physical books at all, and doesn't know how a book should feel in your hands as being the person who gave this edition the OK. All right, now I want to contrast this product with another book I bought on Amazon within days of this one. That is The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James in a softcover, large print edition. In general I have preferred to own and read hardbacks but the James book handles beautifully and is a pleasure to read. See? It's not rocket science, OUP!

Dawkins' frequently claims that there is a much richer contemplative nature to a scientific view of the universe than in a view dominated by a "notion of a 'supreme being'." This anthology delivers the punch to this claim and does so with an amazing spectrum of ideas. If science were the basis of theology, this anthology contains the kind of writing one might read. This is not a collection about science theory, it is a collection of scientific ideas and dreams. It is prose for any lover of science, by some of the most eloquent and ardent scientists of our times (sans any topical contributions by Dawkins himself, by his own omission, though he nicely introduces each of the authors in the anthology and explains some of the reasons why they were chosen). Spanning many disciplines within the scientific community, not merely Dawkins' own field of biology, this anthology explores the many implications that make suffering through learning scientific fundamentals so very worthwhile. While I thoroughly loved reading this book as a middle-aged science buff, I would think this volume would be an equally great read for the scientifically minded college-bound-high-school student who has yet to decide which scientific discipline they may wish to specialize within. It is a collection that specializes in those blow-your-hair-back kind of answers we often got in science class, when frustrated with learning the basics, and dared to ask the professor, "why do I need to learn this stuff anyway?" It is precisely the kind of anthology one would imagine coming from a professorship that focuses on the *public understanding* of science. It is a fully accessible volume that demonstrates just how elegant and numinous the thoughts of strictly material and humanistic minded people are without abandoning the scientific discipline itself.

I own a couple of Dawkins' books: "The God Delusion," "Evolution...," and "The Blind Watchmaker" (the latter is still unread). While he is a fantastic debater and critical thinker in his own right, this book represents an amazing anthology of illustrative scientific writing.I work for a university and find myself writing about faculty's scientific work often. I bought this book and "A Field Guide for Science Writers" at the same time. While the field guide is directly applicable to my vocation, I had a hard time putting down Dawkins' book. It is an amazing collection of intriguing and, at times, exceptionally elegant writing.I have read several of the selected works already and now have several more on my read pile.Another reviewer gave this book lesser ratings because the binding was tight. I agree. If we are talking about the physical production, I would say that part of that is because the pages are sturdy - which is a good thing.The only caveat I would offer is that without the context of the entirety of the selected works, a moderate amount of scientific literacy is necessary to fully appreciate some of the selections. If you enjoy learning and researching the things you don't already understand, even people who aren't well versed in science will appreciate the selections. Everyone should appreciate the prosaic treatment of such complex subjects.If you enjoy science or good writing, this is a must have, IMO.

i am not yet far into this book, and i have never been one to doubt the deep humanity of real scientists, so for me these collections of writing of discovery and re-discovery are better than icing the cake; windows into a struggle to keep us human rather than remove the spirit we contain. - nor do i confound these writings with any deistic or apologist rubbish -I am sure both science and religion should be better understood as the latter leading to the former, and so it may be observed that misconception should lead to a more refined conception, if the mind is kept open as well as the eyes - but misconception, and what else could one really be expected to begin with? -if held to too tightly becomes moribund superstition rather quickly, and stifles all progress better than going back in time and killing one's own ancestors, to make a bit of a tacky and flawed analogy.SO . . . Highly recommended for those who would be willing to read deeply, reflect with wonder, and come to see the staircase of our species' growing knowledge as our trail from the dirt to the stars, rather than a misguided tower of babble -in other words,: don't be one of those who wonder how children in, say, China learn to speak their language so well yet don't speak ours - please?

I have read a lot of "popular" science writing recently so bought this book. Dawkins does not include any excerpts from his own books but does give an excellent introduction to each piece. Of course the authors are all highly eminent and significant for their contributions to science, Einstein and Oppenheimer to Crick and Watson, but the quality of the writing is mostly superb, in places poetic. It has given me some real insights into the thinking of these scientists who have changed civilisation. To haver read them all individually would have taken much longer although I will now go and read many of them. My only disappointment was that James Lovelock was missed out. I am sure others could mention other scientists they would have liked included. Such is the nature of selections.

A large collection of content by many scientists over many years,some much more readable now and interesting than others.A book that you can "dip into"as you feel from time to time.There is something about practically everything in science, and all the old favorite writers are represented.On it's own it can not compete from the sustained interest point of view, with more specific texts,but is excellent reference material for the discovery of issues, which provoke interest, and motivate" follow up" into more" in depth" publications.

I'm not very good at reading non-fiction, despite my best efforts. This is why I really enjoy having this book around, as a 'table book' to pick up and read a chapter when I have time without worrying about having to read it all in order. A great range of authors are included which will be familiar to anyone interested in the world of modern science. I bought it for a friend for his birthday as I liked my copy so much.

This isn't the kind of book anyone would just pick up and read. However my son is into sciences and really enjoyed this book. Infact he suggested that I get it for my brother-in-law for Christmas. He said it's not as hard going as some of the other Richard Dawkins books he's read and thought it would be on a level for those who are interested in modern science but only has the basic knowledge of it. In other words it isn't so intimidating.

Really well put together and interesting book. Lots of interesting writers and topics, a very enjoyable read.