THE CANON A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science

The title tells it all. Starting with the basics of scientific thinking, probability, and statistical measurement, Angier sets us up for a wild joyride through the central scientific discoveries of the last two centuries in physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and astronomy. It is a lively, enjoyable tour meant especially for science phobes but is also a useful refresher course. Narrator Nike Doukas dances with obvious delight over some of Angier's more playful analogies. Her voice sparkles with precision and youthful vitality. She immediately takes charge of the text and seems to understand intuitively the more difficult concepts, as well as the author's offbeat, anything-but-didactic tone. If you're struggling with the transition from James Bond to the ionic bond, this is the book for you. P.E.F. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]