The Science of Harry Potter, The Physics of Christmas, The Private Lives of.
Anyone receiving the book should save it for reading on Boxing Day. (Co-Writer) is the Editor of New Scientist magazine. There is a risk that it won’t reach the intended recipient if you open it yourself. Is the book the perfect Christmas present? Pretty nearly. You find yourself reading at a breakneck pace. Highfield has found an ideal formula for explanation that is never in danger of appearing worthy. There is a splendid account of theories about the Virgin Birth and a hilarious section explaining what system Santa Claus might use to whisk round the world and visit nearly 850 million households in one night. What could have been a humourless, rather pointless dissection of Christmas legends, customs and myths turns out to be a marvellous story, not only of the achievements of scientific techniques but also of humanity’s imagination. It has plainly been a painstaking but enjoyable task for the writer and the reader can share the pleasure.
Every one of the familiar ingredients of the festival is scrutinised and investigated-Highfield even puts in a good word for the much-reviled Brussels sprouts. Buy New Learn more about this copy US 10.06 Convert currency Shipping: US 3. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. By the author of The Physics of Christmas. What are the thermodynamics involved in cooking a turkey? What are the likely celestial candidates for the Star of Bethlehem? Is the concept of a virgin birth scientifically feasible? What happens to us physically when we overindulge in alcohol? How does snow form? Why are we always depressed after Christmas? How does Santa manage to deliver all those presents in one night? (He has, in fact, little over two ten- thousands of a second to get between each of the 842 million households he must visit.) The Physics of Christmas is that rare science book that manages to be as delightful as it is informative.In fact, it isn’t. A charming, insightful look at the scientific principles underpinning the magic of Harry Potter reveals some of the true magic behind science. Why might Rudolph's nose have been red? Why do we actually give Christmas gifts? Why has smell become an important component in the Christmas shopping experience? Roger Highfield, science editor of London's Daily Telegraph and co-author of the highly acclaimed The Arrow of Time, has taken a long-overdue look at our most cherished holiday from the rigorous (but highly entertaining) viewpoint of a scientist.
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