Popular Science
North Pole, South Pole |
by Gillian Turner This engrossing book tells, for the first time, the complete story of the quest to understand Earth's magnetism from the fascination of ancient Greeks with magnetised rocks to the astonishing modern discoveries that finally revealed the truth. North Pole, South Pole gives us an extraordinary window into science, passion and the brilliance of the human mind. |
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Edited by Simon Nathan and Mary Varnham James Hector arrived in New Zealand in 1861 and within a few years had founded all the country's leading scientific bodies, including the national museum (now Te Papa), the New Zealand Institute (now the Royal Society) and the Geological Survey (now GNS Science). A man of seemingly unbounded energy and interests, at various times he was also responsible for the Met Department, Colonial Observatory, Wellington Botanic Garden and Patent Office library. In these superb essays, scientists, historians and Hector's descendants tell the fascinating story of Hector's life and work. |
The Awa Book of New Zealand Science
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Edited by Rebecca Priestley This landmark anthology of writings will excite readers of all ages about extraordinary scientific discoveries made by New Zealand scientists.The pieces range from early naturalists' observations of birds, insects and botany ... to geological accounts of the famous pink and white terraces ... to Ernest Rutherford splitting the atom ... to modern breakthroughs in nanotechnology ... to the recent discovery of an extra-solar planet. You'll even learn how to cook paua. The 50 pieces are beautifully chosen and make riveting reading. This is the first collection of its kind, compiled by one of New Zealand's most talented science writers. |
Transit of Venus: How a Rare Astronomical Alignment Changed the World
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By Hamish Campbell, Richard Hall, Peter Adds, Duncan Steel, Anne Salmond, Paul Callaghan, Marilyn Head (Introduction) SHORTLISTED FOR MONTANA BOOK AWARD 2008 On 8 June 2004, the planet Venus moved across the face of the sun. This historic event - visible from most parts of the world - was rare: the last transit of Venus had happened 121 years before. In this superb book, acclaimed scientists and historians write captivatingly of the amazing history of the quest to observe successive Transits of Venus, starting in the 18th century, and the role of these expeditions in expanding the 'known world', and revealing the astonishing seafaring abilities of Polynesian peoples. |
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By Steve Braunias As prize-winning journalist Steve Braunias stands on an apartment balcony on a sultry summer evening, a black-backed gull flies so close he is instantaneously bowled over with happiness. 'I thought: Birds, everywhere. I wanted to know more about them.' 'A great book, original and captivating - compelling to the end' LLOYD JONES |
Antarctica Cruising Guide - 2nd Edition
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By Peter Carey and Craig Franklin The first and only definitive Antarctica cruising guide. Essential purchase for people thinking of travelling to Antarctica - New Zealanders and tourists. |
In Extreme Danger
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By Geoff Mackley and John McCrystal 'Geoff Mackley is one of the planet's most daring adventure cameramen' Los Angeles Times
New Zealand-based cinematographer Geoff Mackley has an international reputation as an extraordinary film maker and photographer of natural disasters and catastrophic weather events across the globe. |
The Elegant Universe of Albert Einstein
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by Tom Barnes, Paul Callaghan, Hamish Campbell, Lesley Hall, Richard Hall, Robert Hannah, John Stenhouse, Matt Visser, and Rebecca Priestley (Introduction) In 1905 Albert Einstein is 26 and working at the Swiss Patent Office as a poorly paid third-class technical expert. In his spare time he pursues his passion for physics. The papers he produces will be extraordinary, revolutionising the way we view the world and laying the foundation of modern physics. In this collection of essays from the acclaimed Royal Society/National Radio series E=mc2, scientists and historians explore the centuries of science that led to Einstein's astonishing discoveries, and their world-shaking aftermath. 'A riveting series' CAMILLE GUY, New Zealand Listener |
How to Gaze at the Southern Stars
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by Richard Hall There is no more beautiful or intriguing sight than the night sky. Come along with astronomer extraordinaire Richard Hall on a tour of the heavens as seen from the Southern Hemisphere. 'A legend brings the night sky to life.' STEPHEN JAMES O'MEARA |
This Piece of Earth: A Life in My New Zealand Garden
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by Harvey McQueen From its glorious, sumptuous cover to its captivating story, this garden book and memoir will warm the hearts of readers of all ages. 'Gardening, cooking, politics and poetry, brilliantly mixed ... I loved every minute of this book - a gorgeous read' FIONA KIDMAN |