Big Numbers: new edition
UK £9.99,Canada $20.00,
UK Publication July 2005
ISBN 9781840466614
Paperback
Buy: | Waterstones| Book Depository
- How big is infinity?
- How small is an electron?
- When will the Sun destroy the Earth?
- How fast is a nerve impulse in your brain?
- Why can't you see inside a black hole?
- What's the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth?
- What'S the furthest you can see on a clear night?
Welcome to the amazing world of 'Big Numbers', where you'll travel from the furthest reaches of the known Universe to the tiniest particles that make up life on Earth. Together with Mary and John Gribbin, you can find out how our telescopes can see 10 billion years into the past, and why a thimble-full of a neutron star would contain as much mass as all the people on Earth put together!
Reviews
'Mary and John Gribbin add a new twist to the Universe. Big Numbers races through black holes and the thin green smear on Earth's surface (life as we know it), to the lengths of light and the speed of air. Cartoons add a light touch to this feast of facts. Would entertain bright children and adults alike.'
New Scientist
'Subtitled "a mind-expanding trip to infinity and back", this is not a glossy book, relying instead on information to inspire readers. Black and white illustrations and diagrams accompany accessibly written chunks of text under such headings as "Life that feeds on life", "A mountain of rice" and "The Butterfly Effect". Time, distance, density, age, size, structures, weight: the book explores these through a series of narratives, which deftly explain big ideas through simple, but not patronising, language. Not a traditional textbook approach, this is aimed at life's enthusiasts; children and adults who once enthused over the Guinness Book of Records.'
Lindsey Fraser, The Guardian
'Intriguing, thought-provoking stuff, explained in a fun and lively fashion.'
Manchester Evening News
'A book for anyone aged 10 and above, featuring a cornucopia of information... travels far and wide'
Times Educational Supplement
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‘Deftly explains big ideas through simple, but not patronising language’ Guardian
‘A mind-stretching read!’ PTA magazine
‘All the topics are short and focused so it is possible t treat the book as a lucky dip – plague, icebergs, fractals, solar system, tsunami, blood … There is plenty to both inform and capture the imagination of a child or an adult … Older pupils and parents will be intrigued by the sheer breadth of information on things to do with size … Buy it for the library’ School Librarian
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Ralph Edney trained as a mathematician, and has worked as a teacher, journalist, illustrator and political cartoonist. He has illustrated a number of Introducing titles.
See more books by: Ralph Edney
