more books

I love looking at people's bookshelves! So here is one of mine for you to have a look at as well. You'll notice that it's not strictly all science books - the Francis Wheen and Italo Calvino are both pushing the definition somewhat. (Although I seem to remember that Wheen does take a potshot at social constructionists of science.) Italo Calvino's Cosmicomics, though not the book on display in the picture, could be described as a science book - there's certainly some hard astrophysics in there, which is used as the inspiration for some very fun (if at times weird) fiction.

And further to Alice's post on what is, apparently, the best science book ever, I have to say that I'm with the voters on this one. The Periodic Table is fantastic - although it does seem to be one of those love-it-or-hate-it things. I think it's beautifully and elegantly written, incredibly moving, and - as a bonus - contains some great stuff on the carbon cycle and what it means to be a scientist. Others think it's boring and pretentious... The Wrench, also by Primo Levi, is very much on the same themes; all about being in love with the material world and our mastery over it.