Master science writer Richard Dawkins and celebrated illustrator and designer Dave McKean's groundbreaking graphic science book is now in paperback. Magic takes many forms. Supernatural magic is what our ancestors invoked in order to explain the world before they developed the scientific method. The ancient Egyptians explained the night by suggesting that a goddess swallowed the sun. The Vikings believed a rainbow was the gods' bridge to earth. Aside from these extraordinary tales, there is another kind of magic that ...
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Master science writer Richard Dawkins and celebrated illustrator and designer Dave McKean's groundbreaking graphic science book is now in paperback. Magic takes many forms. Supernatural magic is what our ancestors invoked in order to explain the world before they developed the scientific method. The ancient Egyptians explained the night by suggesting that a goddess swallowed the sun. The Vikings believed a rainbow was the gods' bridge to earth. Aside from these extraordinary tales, there is another kind of magic that lies in the exhilaration of discovering the real answers to these questions. It is the magic of reality--science. Packed with dazzling illustrations and jaw-dropping facts, The Magic of Reality explains a wide range of natural phenomena. Having spent his career elucidating the wonders of science for adult readers, Richard Dawkins has now teamed up with acclaimed artist Dave McKean to share the magic of science with readers of all ages: What is stuff made of? How old is the universe? Why are there so many kinds of plants and animals? Who was the first man, or woman? This is a stunning, illustrated guide to the secrets of our world--and the universe beyond.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. This item is in overall acceptable condition. Covers and dust jackets are intact but may have heavy wear including creases, bends, edge wear, curled corners or minor tears as well as stickers or sticker-residue. Pages are intact but may have minor curls, bends or moderate to considerable highlighting/ writing. Binding is intact; however, spine may have heavy wear. A well-read copy overall. Please note that all items are donated goods and are in used condition. Orders shipped Monday through Friday! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Dawkins has written this book specifically for children in middle school though adults without a strong background in science could also befit from it. As a professor, author, lecturer, and promoter of science, reason, and critical thinking, Dawkins has written this book to help dispel all-too-common myths on the creation of the earth, what causes earthquakes, what rainbows are, evolution, and several other topics that that ancient texts have so clearly misunderstood.
Most chapters begin with creation myths for the topic discussed and it's not difficult to see how earlier fiction got so many things wrong with such a limited understanding of the natural world. The focus then shifts into how science, logic, and reason have helped us to better understand the topics. Each subject is explored in way that helps the reader to differentiate between the "old" understanding of myth and superstition and what we know now.
As an educator, Dawkins has thoroughly researched the topics but openly admits in a few places where he has reached the limit of his understanding as the material extends outside of his scope of knowledge. Instead of fabricating some explanation, he encourages the reader to further explore the topic to better their understanding.
Considering the intended audience, the author provides enough detail to covey a good understanding without getting too deep into each subject.
This is an excellent book for readers between 10 and 15.
Marina B
Nov 7, 2013
College course reading
This book was purchased as mandatory reading for a Freshman level psychology class for my daughter. She said the author states that he is Atheist which is contradictory to our beliefs, and she advises me that while some of his scientific observations could be valid, other thoughts the author had seemed off. Not something she would enjoy reading again.