Brian Cox (born on 3 March 1968) is best known for his work on the Large Hadron Collider, but he has also done important work on black holes and other astrophysical phenomena.
Cox is an English physicist and former musician who is a professor of particle physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester and The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science.
In recent years, Cox has become something of a celebrity, appearing on popular television shows and giving public lectures about his work. He is also a passionate advocate for science education and the importance of scientific research.
If you’re looking for something new to read and enjoy learning about the universe, then you should check out the books recommended by Brian Cox.
An Appetite for Wonder by Richard Dawkins
Richard Dawkins is one of the world’s most celebrated evolutionary biologists and thinkers. In this book, he tells the story of his life and how he came to develop his groundbreaking ideas about natural selection.
He charts his intellectual journey from his childhood in Africa to his years as a student at Oxford, where he began to formulate his revolutionary theories. Along the way, he shares fascinating insights into the workings of the natural world and the history of science.
This is an essential read for anyone interested in Dawkins’s work or in the origins of modern biology.
Cosmos by Carl Sagan
Few works of popular science are as enduringly beloved as Cosmos, the seminal 1980 book by astronomer Carl Sagan. In it, Sagan not only introduced readers to the wonders of the universe but also helped them understand their place within it.
In prose that is at once elegant and accessible, he takes us on a journey through space and time, from the birth of the universe to the far-flung future. Along the way, he shares his passion for science and reveals its profound importance to our lives.
Cosmos is more than just a book about astronomy; it’s a celebration of science itself. By showing us the grandeur of the universe and our place within it, Sagan reminds us of our responsibility to care for our planet and each other. It’s a message that is as relevant today as it was when Cosmos was first published.
Empire of the Clouds by James Hamilton-Paterson
In his book Empire of the Clouds, James Hamilton-Paterson explores the history and technology of the airplane. He chronicles the development of the airplane from its earliest days to its modern incarnation. He also details the many uses of airplanes, from military to commercial to personal.
Hamilton-Paterson paints a vivid picture of the airplane and its place in our world. He brings to life the people who invented and built these machines, as well as those who flew them. His writing is clear and concise, making this book an enjoyable and informative read.
Gravity by James B. Hartle
In his book Gravity, James B. Hartle explores the origins of gravity and its role in the universe. He discusses how gravity affects both the macroscopic world and the microscopic world.
He also describes how gravity can be used to explain various phenomena, such as black holes and gravitational waves.
Great Myths of the Brain by Christian Jarrett
In his book, Great Myths of the Brain, Christian Jarrett sets out to dispel some of the most common myths about how our brains work. He argues that many of the things we think we know about the brain are actually based on outdated science or misinterpreted studies.
Jarrett starts by busting the myth that we only use 10% of our brain power. This idea has been popularized in pop culture, but it is simply not true. The reality is that we use all of our brains all the time – it’s just that some parts are more active than others depending on what we’re doing.
He also debunks the idea that left-brained people are logical and analytical while right-brained people are creative and intuitive. Again, this is based on a misunderstanding of how the brain works.
Human Universe by Brian Cox
In his book, Human Universe, Brian Cox sets out to explore the place of humanity in the cosmos. He begins by asking what we know about the universe and how we know it. He then looks at the history of our understanding of the universe, from the ancient Greeks to modern scientists.
Cox argues that science is not just a body of knowledge but a way of thinking that can help us make sense of the world around us. Finally, he explores what our place in the universe might be and what the future holds for us.
Leonardo’s Brain by Leonard Shlain
In his book, Leonardo’s Brain, Leonard Shlain explores the idea that the great artist and inventor was ahead of his time in many ways. Shlain argues that Leonardo’s brain was “wired differently” than most people’s, which allowed him to see the world in a unique way. This unusual way of thinking is what made Leonardo such a genius.
Shlain believes that Leonardo’s brain was able to make connections that other people’s brains could not. For example, he was able to see how the principles of physics could be applied to art. This led to his groundbreaking achievements in both fields.
Although some people may never know how exactly Leonardo’s brain worked, Shlain provides readers with an insightful look into the mind of one of history’s most fascinating figures.
Life Ascending by Nick Lane
In Life Ascending, Nick Lane explores the question of how life first arose on Earth, and why it took so long for complex life to evolve. Drawing on the latest scientific discoveries, he argues that the key to understanding the history of life is to understand the energy constraints that have shaped its course.
Lane’s account challenges many of our common assumptions about the history of life, and will change the way we think about our place in the universe.
Starmus by Garik Israelian
In Starmus, Israelian chronicles the milestones of humanity’s journey into space, from early astronomical observations to the first manned missions. He also looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to explore our solar system and beyond.
With insights from some of the world’s leading astronauts, cosmonauts, and scientists, Starmus is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the significance of our ongoing quest to reach for the stars.
The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes
The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes is a book about the history of science. It tells the story of how science was used to explore the world and understand the universe. The book is full of fascinating stories about scientists who made discoveries that changed the world.
The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins
In The Blind Watchmaker, Richard Dawkins argues that the theory of evolution by natural selection is the best explanation for the complexity of life. He shows how the evidence for evolution is overwhelming and how Darwin’s theory can explain the apparent design in nature.
Dawkins also discusses the objections to evolution and shows how they can be explained by natural selection.
The Double Helix by James D. Watson
The Double Helix is a 1968 book by James D. Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. The book is an account of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.
The book has been criticized for its portrayal of other scientists, including Rosalind Franklin, whose work was essential to the discovery. However, it is also praised for its insights into the scientific process and the personal story of one of the most important discoveries in biology.
The First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg
In his book, The First Three Minutes, Steven Weinberg tackles the big questions surrounding the origins of the universe. He starts with a brief history of cosmology and how our understanding of the universe has evolved over time.
He then delves into the science of how the universe began, what we know about those first three minutes, and what mysteries still remain. Finally, Weinberg brings it all back to us humans, discussing why this knowledge matters and what it can tell us about our place in the cosmos.
The Innovators by Walter Isaacson
In The Innovators, Walter Isaacson tells the story of the people who created the computer and the Internet. He profiles fourteen major innovators, including Ada Lovelace, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs.
Isaacson begins with a brief history of computers, starting with Charles Babbage’s difference engine in the 1830s. He then describes how Ada Lovelace wrote the first computer program in 1842. From there, he chronicles the development of computers through World War II, when they were used for military purposes.
After the war, computers became commercialized and began to be used in businesses and homes. This led to the development of personal computers and home computing in the 1970s and 1980s. Finally, Isaacson discusses how the Internet was created and how it has revolutionized communication and commerce.
The Perfect Meal by Betina Piqueras-Fiszman & Charles Spence
The Perfect Meal by Betina Piqueras-Fiszman & Charles Spence is the perfect book for those who want to learn about the science of food and how to create the perfect meal. This book takes you on a journey through the senses, explaining how different foods impact our taste, smell, and visual experience.
You’ll learn how to create a balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. With over 100 recipes included, you’ll be able to create the perfect meal for any occasion.
The Quantum Moment by Robert P. Crease and Alfred S. Goldhaber
In the book, “The Quantum Moment”, authors Robert P. Crease and Alfred S. Goldhaber explore the role of quantum mechanics in our modern world. They argue that quantum mechanics is more than just a theory of physics, rather it has become an essential part of our society and economy.
The book discusses how quantum mechanics has led to new technologies like lasers and transistors, and how it has transformed industries like computing, telecommunications, and even finance.
The authors also explain how quantum mechanics is impacting our everyday lives, from the way we think about time to the way we communicate with each other.
Overall, “The Quantum Moment” provides an insightful and thought-provoking look at the importance of quantum mechanics in our world today.
Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension by Matt Parker
In his book, “Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension,” Matt Parker explores the world of higher dimensions and provides step-by-step instructions for how to visualize and understand them.
With over 100 illustrations, this book is essential for anyone who wants to wrap their head around the fourth dimension. Parker starts with the basics, explaining what dimensions are and how we experience them in our everyday lives.
He then takes readers on a tour of mathematical objects that exist in four or more dimensions, such as the hypercube and hypersphere.
finally, Parker shows how to make your own models of four-dimensional objects using nothing more than some paper, scissors, and tape. With “Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension,” understanding higher dimensions is no longer just a theoretical pursuit – it’s something you can experience for yourself.
What Do You Care What Other People Think? by Richard P. Feynman
Richard P. Feynman was one of the most celebrated physicists of his generation. He was also a bit of an iconoclast, and in his book “What Do You Care What Other People Think?” he offered some sage advice that applies to all of us, regardless of our field or profession.
Feynman recognized that we all have an innate need to be liked and respected by others. But he also understood that this desire can often lead us astray. As he put it, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
In other words, we should always strive to see things as they really are, rather than how we want them to be. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll realize that other people’s opinions are often based on their own biases and prejudices.
What is Real by Adam Becker
World of Numbers by Adam Spencer
WTF, Evolution!? by Mara Grunbaum
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