The Material World

by Rodney M.J. Cotterill

With a new prologue and two new chapters, The Material World, 2nd Edition, is a beautifully illustrated, full color, expanded account of the highly praised Cambridge Guide to the Material World. Using the cosmos as a backdrop, this volume delivers a fascinating journey of Nature’s materials, transitioning from the atom to the living organism to consciousness itself. Rodney Cotterill seamlessly blends the physics, chemistry, astronomy and biology of Nature to portray matter with all its elegance and flaws. He connects concepts and pinpoints commonalities between the inorganic and organic domains. Written with the non-specialist in mind, end of chapter summaries provide succinct overviews of individual topics. Through the breadth of topics and engaging prose, this book is a superb introduction to those intrigued by the material world we live in.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

576 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1985

Reviews

[Brown Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to this book with expectations, which is my fault. I guess I'll never learn. It seemed to be right up my alley, as the kids say. Alas, the tone is too archly Oxbridge, and Cotterril doesn't explain concepts as clearly as he thinks. I admit it's possible I am simply too dumb.

The illos are great, and the great promise of the premise remains: a comprehension of the universe entire, top to bottom.

Recommended for everyone: where I failed, you may succeed.