Mary Gribbin Libri

Covers time, space, measurement, the structure of the universe, the theory of relativity, black holes, quantum mechanics, and string theory.

Renowned science writers John and Mary Gribbin team up with one of the most historic scientific sites in the world--the Royal Observatory, Greenwich--to take readers on a stunning visual tour of the universe. This riveting journey moves from our home planet outwards to the Moon, Sun, Inner and Outer Solar Systems, Milky Way, and other galaxies. Not only do the Gribbins discuss the always-intriguing topic of alien life, but they divulge little-known facts (Venus is the only planet in our solar system to rotate backwards), as well as all the basics beginning armchair astronomers need to know. Dramatic four-color photographs complement the informative text, giving readers a sense of what it might be like to be an astronaut...and go where no one has gone before.

This text is a portrayal of one of the greatest scientists of the late 20th-century, which also provides a picture of the significant physics of the period. It combines personal anecdotes, writings and recollections with narrative.

The book explores the life and contributions of Count Rumford, a significant yet underappreciated figure in American scientific history, alongside renowned contemporaries like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. It delves into Rumford's groundbreaking work and his impact on the scientific community, presenting a comprehensive narrative that highlights his achievements and legacy. This fresh examination aims to elevate Rumford's status in the historical canon, offering readers an insightful perspective on his importance in shaping American thought.

'Superb ... Gribbin has done it again ... the story of how the matter that makes up our bodies travelled from the stars ... a wonderful account' Sunday Times, Books of the Year Every one of us is made of stardust, John Gribbin explains in this dazzling book. Everything we see, touch, breathe and smell, nearly every molecule in our bodies, is the by-product of stars as they live and die in spectacular explosions, scattering material across the universe which is recycled to become part of us. It is only by understanding how stars are made and how they die that we can every understand how we came into being. Taking us on an enthralling journey, John Gribbin shows us the scientific breakthroughs in the quest for our origins. With the raw materials for creating life all around us, he concludes, it is impossible to believe we are alone in the universe. 'An incredible story ... gives a sense of the almost unbelievable coincidence of physical laws and circumstances that resulted in your being able to read these words today' Literary Review 'Gribbin skilfully and engagingly traces the historical sequence ... rather like Sherlock Holmes reading clues' New Scientist

An insight into the weather, featuring information on weather on earth and on other planets of the solar system including Mars. Examines the effects of comets on terrestrial weather, with an explanation of the Greenhouse Effect, and weather anecdotes.

This work is about the inner structure of everything, a quest which, like the quest for an understanding of the universe at large, goes back to the Ancient Greeks and touches all scientific and philosophical thought since then. Historical highlights include Newton's work on particles and Maxwell's work on waves. The longer biographies in the book include Rutherford, Feynman, Crick and Watson. An extended introduction, which sets out the present state of knowledge, is followed by the main A to Z section, and then by Timelines to indicate what was discovered when.

A new version of the adult book written specifically for children 11 and up. Covering a huge sweep of science (the last 400 years) the Gribbins look at the great scientists from childhood to old age, telling the stories of their lives and how they came to make their renowned discoveries. A fascinating and highly readable account of the events that lie behind the scientific milestones of history, this book tells us the human stories behind the scientific principles. Previously published in hardback as Inventing the Future.

A Waterstones Best Book of 2020 The theory of evolution by natural selection did not spring fully formed and unprecedented from the brain of Charles Darwin. Rather it has been examined and debated by philosophers the world over for thousands of years.

Early scientific theories made things seem completely predictable. But the real world is unpredictable, and this book explains why. The reader can find out what chaos has to do with earthquakes and avalanches, the stockmarket, Saturn's rings, evolution and special offers at the local supermarket.