'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 6 April 2018

Review: 100 Scientists Who Made History

I don’t think it’s possible to overstate how science has shaped our knowledge of the world. From the early philosophical thinkers who used their observations to question and test ideas, through to modern biologists who discovered ways to measure pollution and climate change.

This fantastic new book from DK profiles 100 scientists from a variety of countries and backgrounds who have contributed to our understanding of today's world. This book encourages kids to explore the diverse ways science has challenged thinking, made discoveries and ultimately changed the world.

It is divided into five key categories: Perceptive Pioneers, Brilliant Biologists, Clever Chemists, Phenomenal Physicists and Incredible Innovators.

This book puts human faces to things we take for granted in everyday life. For example, thanks to Alexander Flemming, we can go to the doctor and get anti-biotics when we get an infection. If Fibonacci hadn’t introduced Hindu-Arabic numbers to Europe, we might still be using Roman Numerals. And can anyone imagine how our world would be if Michael Faraday hadn’t invented electric motors and Alessandro Volta hadn’t given us batteries?

The book also covers the achievements of several modern scientists, including the late great Stephen Hawking and how he expanded our understanding of the universe, as well as several pioneers in computer technology, medicine and biology.

As with all DK fact books, the layout and illustrations are of the highest quality. Text is divided into short chunks and illustrations and photographs are scattered throughout the pages so that the wealth of information contained does not seem daunting. The design is appealing to kids and is presented in a way that they will find new facts and snippets of information each time they pick up the book and flip through.

This would appeal to a range of age groups and is a worthy addition to the school or home library.  Another great one for school projects!


Title: 100 Scientists who Made History
Authors: Andrea Mills and Stella Caldwell
Publisher: DK, $29.99
Publication Date: 29th January 2018
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9780241304327
For ages: 7+
Type: Non-Fiction