Energy; Light

Steve Parker is, by now, an old hand at science information writing and it would be reasonable to wonder if his combination with two perennial subjects could add anything exciting, new or even noteworthy. Happily Parker's professionalism is such that it can, and these two seem to get to many parts of their subjects that other books don't reach. How many 'light' books encourage striking flints (safely), include the Brocken Spectre, explain the workings of the 'flourescent' (sic) tube, show us a lacemaker's condenser or accord Ayer's Rock its proper name of Uluru? What other energy book shows you how augers are vital to the combine harvester, tell you that derailleur gears have a centenary in 1999 and mention the energy-rich submarine sulphur vents?

These are both fascinating browsers. For those who want it, each has a narrative text but the bulk of the entertainment comes from 'Famous Firsts', 'Fascinating Facts', 'Special FX' and 'DIY science' boxes which contain information of the sort cited above. Illustration is almost entirely by line drawing - more selective of purpose than agency photos.

Parker's in a good mood here; if you were thinking of enhancing your physics collection, now's the time.