Book
Essential Science: Digital Revolution
I feel this book presents a really good history and basic idea of the theory and technologies behind the digital revolution – and although our digital lifestyles have changed enormously since then, I feel this gives a good introduction to the science and the basic technologies behind it. I really enjoyed writing it. From the…
Eyewitness: Hurricane and Tornado
I was already interested in weather and climate before I was commissioned to write this book, so I really relished the thought of researching the science behind these extreme weather events. I’m proud of this book, the second I wrote in DK’s groundbreaking and influential Eyewitness series. From the publisher: Eyewitness: Hurricane & Tornado is a…
Hands-on Science: Light
Coming up with the list of demonstrations for this book – and, of course, perfecting them all in my own kitchen – was a lot of fun. And writing the concise explanations for the science behind the demonstrations was challenging, but very rewarding.
The Atlas of Space
I first became interested in astronomy when I borrowed a telescope from my school. Growing up in the city meant that I rarely saw the full beauty of the night sky, but my curiosity was piqued, and I was thirsty to know more. Now, decades on, I have my own telescope, and I know my…
Equinox: The Brain
As a keen viewer of the Channel 4 science documentary series ‘Equinox’, it was a thrill to be asked to take on this book (and its sibling publication, Equinox: Space). Each chapter provides background to a particular episode of the series, with deeper explanation and further investigation that could not be presented in the programmes.…
Equinox: Space
As a keen viewer of the Channel 4 science documentary series ‘Equinox’, it was a thrill to be asked to take on this book (and its sibling publication, Equinox: The Brain). Each chapter provides background to a particular episode of the series, with deeper explanation and further investigation that could not be presented in the…
What’s the Big Idea: Artificial Intelligence
“Can Computers Think?” asks the subtitle of this book. Like its sibling title, ‘What’s the Big Idea: Alien Life‘, this book was great fun to write. Working closely with the brilliant illustrator, Andrew McLynn, was a real pleasure, and explaining the history of attempts to make computers intelligent was a challenge I took on gladly.…
Baby Makers: the History of Artificial Conception
I vividly remember the moment my agent asked if I wanted to write this one. Until that time, I had written only children’s books, but this was a very different project. Commissioned to accompany a major Channel 4 series commemorating the 25th anniversary of the birth of the first ‘test tube baby’, this book was…
Learn About Rocks and Minerals
Inside the pages of this book is a great mixture of information, explanation and practical demonstrations to do at home. It was fun to write – another book that caused me to have fun and make a mess in the kitchen! From the publisher: “Discover the amazing world beneath your feet with Learn About Rocks…
Ultimate Visual Dictionary of Science
This major work combined several existing ‘Eyewitness Science’ titles, some of which were written by me, with some new sections and a general introduction. I wrote the new content and acted as a general editor and overseer of the project. The existing books that were included as chapters in this 448-page tome were ‘Eyewitness Visual…