SCIENCES

The One Thing You Need To Know: 21 Key Scientific Concepts of the 21st Century

by Marcus Chown
Michael O’Mara. Jul. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9781789294804. $26.99. SCI
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Award-winning broadcaster and former radio astronomer Chown (What a Wonderful World: One Man’s Attempt To Explain the Big Stuff) explains 21 important ideas in physics in simple terms. Basic physics concepts, such as gravity, plate tectonics, and electricity are made clear. The same approach is applied to more complex subjects such as the second law of thermodynamics, neutrinos, antimatter, and quantum theory. This book is designed to be understood by non-scientists, and the author succeeds in his quest. Some chapters seem overly dense, but overall, the writing is clear. Many chapters include simple black-and-white illustrations to help convey the ideas discussed.
VERDICT To aid readers, there are a 23-page glossary of terms and a nine-page alphabetical index. Recommended for general or school libraries.
Reviewed by John Napp , Jun 01, 2023
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