Whether you want to uncover 300 million years’ worth of history or come face-to-face with climate change denial, these popular science books are must-reads
Ground-breaking geological discoveries, the mysteries of ageing and the exhilarating history of life itself—these are just a few of the topics covered by the books shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2022. (On 29th November, the Royal Society announced Dr Henry Gee‘s A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth as the winner.)
Whether you have a science background or are just looking to dip your toes into science reading, you’re sure to find something among these titles that piques your interest. Their authors share what they hope you might take away from them.
1. Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life by award-winning physician and researcher Prof. Rose Anne Kenny
2. Hot Air: The Inside Story of the Battle Against Climate Change Denial by Prof. Peter Stott, who has played a leading role in the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
3. Spike: The Virus vs The People—the Inside Story by Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust and member of the UK government’s SAGE committee, with co-author Anjana Ahuja, Financial Times science columnist
4. Different: What Apes Can Teach Us About Gender by Dutch primatologist and New York Times bestselling author Frans de Waal
5. The Greywacke: How a Priest, a Soldier and a School Teacher Uncovered 300 Million Years of History by documentary filmmaker and amateur geologist Nick Davidson
6. A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth: 4.6 Billion Years in 12 Pithy Chapters by palaeontologist, evolutionary biologist and Nature editor Dr Henry Gee (Royal Society Science Book Prize 2022 winner)
More information:
https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/culture/books/6-fascinating-science-books-to-dive-into-this-year