Difference between revisions of "Top Ten Books For Slightly Geeky People"
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Geeks are cool. They're brimming with knowledge, wisdom, and a quirky attention to detail. They love immersing themselves in science, trivia, facts, lists and history. Here are the best books to buy for the geeks in your life. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites? | Geeks are cool. They're brimming with knowledge, wisdom, and a quirky attention to detail. They love immersing themselves in science, trivia, facts, lists and history. Here are the best books to buy for the geeks in your life. Why not [mailto:sue@thebookbag.co.uk tell us] about your favourites? | ||
__NOTOC__ | __NOTOC__ | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Ben Goldacre | |author=Ben Goldacre | ||
|title=Bad Science | |title=Bad Science | ||
|rating=5 | |rating=5 | ||
|summary=A hilarious, useful and essential look at the appalling misuses of science throughout society. Part exposé and part educational tool, Bad Science is as highly recommended as they come for anyone with even half a brain. | |summary=A hilarious, useful and essential look at the appalling misuses of science throughout society. Part exposé and part educational tool, Bad Science is as highly recommended as they come for anyone with even half a brain. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=000728487X |
| + | |genre=Popular Science | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Mick O'Hare | |author=Mick O'Hare | ||
|title=How To Fossilise Your Hamster | |title=How To Fossilise Your Hamster | ||
|rating=4.5 | |rating=4.5 | ||
|summary=Almost guaranteed to be another best seller for Profile Books this latest book of excerpts from the New Scientist magazine has something for everyone. It's the friendly face of science and is highly recommended by The Bookbag. | |summary=Almost guaranteed to be another best seller for Profile Books this latest book of excerpts from the New Scientist magazine has something for everyone. It's the friendly face of science and is highly recommended by The Bookbag. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=1846680441 |
| + | |genre=Popular Science | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Byron Hollinshead and Theodore K Rabb (editors) | |author=Byron Hollinshead and Theodore K Rabb (editors) | ||
|title=I Wish I'd Been There: Twenty Historians Revisit Key Moments in History | |title=I Wish I'd Been There: Twenty Historians Revisit Key Moments in History | ||
|rating=4 | |rating=4 | ||
|summary=This collection of essays is based on the question, "What is the moment in history that you would like to have witnessed and why?" From this perspective, twenty historians look at key moments in history, from 323 BC to 1945. These fascinating accounts whet the reader's appetite to learn more. | |summary=This collection of essays is based on the question, "What is the moment in history that you would like to have witnessed and why?" From this perspective, twenty historians look at key moments in history, from 323 BC to 1945. These fascinating accounts whet the reader's appetite to learn more. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=0230528015 |
| + | |genre=History | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Michael Brooks | |author=Michael Brooks | ||
|title=13 Things That Don't Make Sense | |title=13 Things That Don't Make Sense | ||
|rating=4 | |rating=4 | ||
|summary=A look at 13 experiments and ideas that don't quite sit right with accepted scientific thinking. Whilst there may be nothing to these anomalies, ''13 Things That Don't Make Sense'' is a fascinating look at what we might learn from studying them, whether they're proven or disproven. Michael Brooks was kind enough to be [[The Interview: Bookbag talks to Michael Brooks|interviewed by Bookbag]]. | |summary=A look at 13 experiments and ideas that don't quite sit right with accepted scientific thinking. Whilst there may be nothing to these anomalies, ''13 Things That Don't Make Sense'' is a fascinating look at what we might learn from studying them, whether they're proven or disproven. Michael Brooks was kind enough to be [[The Interview: Bookbag talks to Michael Brooks|interviewed by Bookbag]]. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=1861978170 |
| + | |genre=Popular Science | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Michael Blastland and Andrew Dilnot | |author=Michael Blastland and Andrew Dilnot | ||
|title=The Tiger that Isn't | |title=The Tiger that Isn't | ||
|rating=5 | |rating=5 | ||
|summary=All the tools you need to deconstruct the numbers which are pushed at us day in, day out in an easy to read and enjoyable book. | |summary=All the tools you need to deconstruct the numbers which are pushed at us day in, day out in an easy to read and enjoyable book. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=1861978391 |
| + | |genre=Home and Family | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Angus Cargill (Editor) | |author=Angus Cargill (Editor) | ||
|title=Hang the DJ: An Alternative Book of Music Lists | |title=Hang the DJ: An Alternative Book of Music Lists | ||
|rating=4 | |rating=4 | ||
|summary=Top tens of popular music chosen by writers and musicians. A treat for music fans. And while some of the more obscure choices may frustrate, there's plenty of fun and enlightenment to be had from the more personal or quirky lists. | |summary=Top tens of popular music chosen by writers and musicians. A treat for music fans. And while some of the more obscure choices may frustrate, there's plenty of fun and enlightenment to be had from the more personal or quirky lists. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=0571241727 |
| + | |genre=Trivia | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=George Johnson | |author=George Johnson | ||
|title=The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments | |title=The Ten Most Beautiful Experiments | ||
|rating=5 | |rating=5 | ||
|summary=A look at the most simple, yet ground-breaking experiments throughout history. It's a perfectly pitched book that creates a greater understanding of science. The breakthroughs are placed in the context of the evolution of human knowledge, which makes it a fascinating read. | |summary=A look at the most simple, yet ground-breaking experiments throughout history. It's a perfectly pitched book that creates a greater understanding of science. The breakthroughs are placed in the context of the evolution of human knowledge, which makes it a fascinating read. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=0224071963 |
| + | |genre=Popular Science | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=John Lloyd and John Mitchinson | |author=John Lloyd and John Mitchinson | ||
|title=QI: The Book of General Ignorance | |title=QI: The Book of General Ignorance | ||
|rating=4 | |rating=4 | ||
|summary=''QI: The Book of General Ignorance'' belongs to the very popular family of general knowledge trivia volumes, bought especially round Christmas as presents for anorakish friends and family members. From lists of 777 wonders of the world to instructions for all things a bright boy could do to places one simply has to see before dying to listing the greatest, craziest and most dangerous ideas, there are plenty of volumes out there to satisfy out inherent curiosity and reduce - even if only by a millionth of a per cent - the ignorance in which we are immersed. | |summary=''QI: The Book of General Ignorance'' belongs to the very popular family of general knowledge trivia volumes, bought especially round Christmas as presents for anorakish friends and family members. From lists of 777 wonders of the world to instructions for all things a bright boy could do to places one simply has to see before dying to listing the greatest, craziest and most dangerous ideas, there are plenty of volumes out there to satisfy out inherent curiosity and reduce - even if only by a millionth of a per cent - the ignorance in which we are immersed. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=0571233686 |
| + | |genre=Trivia | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Stefan Aust | |author=Stefan Aust | ||
|title=The Baader-Meinhof Complex | |title=The Baader-Meinhof Complex | ||
|rating=5 | |rating=5 | ||
|summary=The definitive – and then some – look at the Red Army Faction of terrorists, in Germany in the 1970s. You could not hope to better this for documentary detail, and the style and depth allow the layman to become impressively immersed and educated. | |summary=The definitive – and then some – look at the Red Army Faction of terrorists, in Germany in the 1970s. You could not hope to better this for documentary detail, and the style and depth allow the layman to become impressively immersed and educated. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=1847920454 |
| + | |genre=History | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{Frontpage |
|author=Manjit Kumar | |author=Manjit Kumar | ||
|title=Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality | |title=Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality | ||
|rating=4.5 | |rating=4.5 | ||
|summary=A fascinating, powerful and brilliantly written book that shows one of the most important theories of modern science in the making and discusses its implications for our ideas about the fundamental nature of the world and human knowledge, while presenting intimate and insightful portraits of people who made the science. Highly recommended. | |summary=A fascinating, powerful and brilliantly written book that shows one of the most important theories of modern science in the making and discusses its implications for our ideas about the fundamental nature of the world and human knowledge, while presenting intimate and insightful portraits of people who made the science. Highly recommended. | ||
| − | | | + | |isbn=1848310358 |
| + | |genre=Popular Science | ||
}} | }} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:38, 2 February 2024
Geeks are cool. They're brimming with knowledge, wisdom, and a quirky attention to detail. They love immersing themselves in science, trivia, facts, lists and history. Here are the best books to buy for the geeks in your life. Why not tell us about your favourites?
|
|
Review ofBad Science by Ben GoldacreA hilarious, useful and essential look at the appalling misuses of science throughout society. Part exposé and part educational tool, Bad Science is as highly recommended as they come for anyone with even half a brain. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofHow To Fossilise Your Hamster by Mick O'HareAlmost guaranteed to be another best seller for Profile Books this latest book of excerpts from the New Scientist magazine has something for everyone. It's the friendly face of science and is highly recommended by The Bookbag. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofI Wish I'd Been There: Twenty Historians Revisit Key Moments in History by Byron Hollinshead and Theodore K Rabb (editors)This collection of essays is based on the question, "What is the moment in history that you would like to have witnessed and why?" From this perspective, twenty historians look at key moments in history, from 323 BC to 1945. These fascinating accounts whet the reader's appetite to learn more. Full Review |
|
|
Review of13 Things That Don't Make Sense by Michael BrooksA look at 13 experiments and ideas that don't quite sit right with accepted scientific thinking. Whilst there may be nothing to these anomalies, 13 Things That Don't Make Sense is a fascinating look at what we might learn from studying them, whether they're proven or disproven. Michael Brooks was kind enough to be interviewed by Bookbag. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofThe Tiger that Isn't by Michael Blastland and Andrew DilnotAll the tools you need to deconstruct the numbers which are pushed at us day in, day out in an easy to read and enjoyable book. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofHang the DJ: An Alternative Book of Music Lists by Angus Cargill (Editor)Top tens of popular music chosen by writers and musicians. A treat for music fans. And while some of the more obscure choices may frustrate, there's plenty of fun and enlightenment to be had from the more personal or quirky lists. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofThe Ten Most Beautiful Experiments by George JohnsonA look at the most simple, yet ground-breaking experiments throughout history. It's a perfectly pitched book that creates a greater understanding of science. The breakthroughs are placed in the context of the evolution of human knowledge, which makes it a fascinating read. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofQI: The Book of General Ignorance by John Lloyd and John MitchinsonQI: The Book of General Ignorance belongs to the very popular family of general knowledge trivia volumes, bought especially round Christmas as presents for anorakish friends and family members. From lists of 777 wonders of the world to instructions for all things a bright boy could do to places one simply has to see before dying to listing the greatest, craziest and most dangerous ideas, there are plenty of volumes out there to satisfy out inherent curiosity and reduce - even if only by a millionth of a per cent - the ignorance in which we are immersed. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofThe Baader-Meinhof Complex by Stefan AustThe definitive – and then some – look at the Red Army Faction of terrorists, in Germany in the 1970s. You could not hope to better this for documentary detail, and the style and depth allow the layman to become impressively immersed and educated. Full Review |
|
|
Review ofQuantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality by Manjit KumarA fascinating, powerful and brilliantly written book that shows one of the most important theories of modern science in the making and discusses its implications for our ideas about the fundamental nature of the world and human knowledge, while presenting intimate and insightful portraits of people who made the science. Highly recommended. Full Review |
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