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Water: A Visual and Scientific History
The story of the most abundant substance on Earth, from its origins in the birth of stars billions of years ago to its importance in the living world.
Water is so ubiquitous in our lives that it is easy to take for granted. The average American uses ninety gallons of water a day; nearly every liquid we encounter is mostly water--milk, for example, is 87 percent water. Clouds and ice--water in other forms--affect our climate. Water is the most abundant substance on Earth, and the third-most abundant molecule in the universe. In this lavishly illustrated volume, science writer Jack Challoner tells the story of water, from its origins in the birth of stars to its importance in the living world.
Water is perhaps the most studied compound in the universe--although mysteries about it remain--and Challoner describes how thinkers from ancient times have approached the subject. He offers a detailed and fascinating look at the structure and behavior of water molecules, explores the physics of water--explaining, among other things, why ice is slippery--and examines the chemistry of water. He investigates photosynthesis and water's role in evolutionary history, and discusses water and weather, reviewing topics that range from snowflake science to climate change. Finally, he considers the possibility of water beyond our own hydrosphere--on other planets, on the Moon, in interstellar space.
Water is so ubiquitous in our lives that it is easy to take for granted. The average American uses ninety gallons of water a day; nearly every liquid we encounter is mostly water--milk, for example, is 87 percent water. Clouds and ice--water in other forms--affect our climate. Water is the most abundant substance on Earth, and the third-most abundant molecule in the universe. In this lavishly illustrated volume, science writer Jack Challoner tells the story of water, from its origins in the birth of stars to its importance in the living world.
Water is perhaps the most studied compound in the universe--although mysteries about it remain--and Challoner describes how thinkers from ancient times have approached the subject. He offers a detailed and fascinating look at the structure and behavior of water molecules, explores the physics of water--explaining, among other things, why ice is slippery--and examines the chemistry of water. He investigates photosynthesis and water's role in evolutionary history, and discusses water and weather, reviewing topics that range from snowflake science to climate change. Finally, he considers the possibility of water beyond our own hydrosphere--on other planets, on the Moon, in interstellar space.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published September 28, 2021
3 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 12, 2021
The MIT Press is unusual amongst academic publishers in putting out a fair number of 'packaged' books. These are often highly illustrated titles that are relatively light on content but provide an attractive introduction to a subject. Although Jack Challoner's Water looks like such a book - and it has some very pretty full colour illustrations (though I don't get the point of the final one at the back of the book) - but in reality its content is very different from what's suggested by the highly illustrated format. In some ways that's good, in others it definitely isn't.
Let's do the good bit first. Despite the look, Challoner often goes into a lot more depth than you would expect in such a book. I'm not talking about delving into the mathematics behind what's going on, but when covering, say, phase changes or transient structures in water we get far more detail than might be expected. In several places there were 'Wow, I never knew that!' moments. On the areas Challoner covers - and these somehow don't feel like they give the full picture of water, though I'm struggling to point out an obvious omission, there is distinctly more detail here than the format suggests.
Unfortunately, though, this approach somewhat alienates the book from the readership that the format indicates. If you want depth, you don't usually buy a full colour, heavily illustrated book - this is a flag that we're going to get a fun, lightweight overview. There was so much detail here that, even as someone who enjoys a popular science title that really dives into the depths, I felt overload with facts. The reader is bombarded with information, almost to the extent that parts feel like lists of bullet points. There are a few stories, but as a whole, the book lacks a sense of narrative. The facts may have been true, but all too often I felt 'Why do I need to know this? You aren't telling me why.'
One minor grump, also - the units are universally Imperial. Even temperatures are only given in Fahrenheit. This really doesn't work in a book that's expected to be read outside the US.
Overall, then, an oddity. It looks good. There are some really interesting points. But the way the information is presented is both at odds with the format and often too obscure to add anything without more context and narrative.
Let's do the good bit first. Despite the look, Challoner often goes into a lot more depth than you would expect in such a book. I'm not talking about delving into the mathematics behind what's going on, but when covering, say, phase changes or transient structures in water we get far more detail than might be expected. In several places there were 'Wow, I never knew that!' moments. On the areas Challoner covers - and these somehow don't feel like they give the full picture of water, though I'm struggling to point out an obvious omission, there is distinctly more detail here than the format suggests.
Unfortunately, though, this approach somewhat alienates the book from the readership that the format indicates. If you want depth, you don't usually buy a full colour, heavily illustrated book - this is a flag that we're going to get a fun, lightweight overview. There was so much detail here that, even as someone who enjoys a popular science title that really dives into the depths, I felt overload with facts. The reader is bombarded with information, almost to the extent that parts feel like lists of bullet points. There are a few stories, but as a whole, the book lacks a sense of narrative. The facts may have been true, but all too often I felt 'Why do I need to know this? You aren't telling me why.'
One minor grump, also - the units are universally Imperial. Even temperatures are only given in Fahrenheit. This really doesn't work in a book that's expected to be read outside the US.
Overall, then, an oddity. It looks good. There are some really interesting points. But the way the information is presented is both at odds with the format and often too obscure to add anything without more context and narrative.
August 24, 2021
Water: A Visual and Scientific History by Jack Challoner is currently scheduled for release on August 31 2021. The story of the most abundant substance on Earth, from its origins in the birth of stars billions of years ago to its importance in the living world. Water is so ubiquitous in our lives that it is easy to take for granted. The average American uses ninety gallons of water a day; nearly every liquid we encounter is mostly water--milk, for example, is 87 percent water. Clouds and ice--water in other forms--affect our climate. Water is the most abundant substance on Earth, and the third-most abundant molecule in the universe. Water is perhaps the most studied compound in the universe--although mysteries about it remain--and Challoner describes how thinkers from ancient times have approached the subject. He offers a detailed look at the structure and behavior of water molecules, explores the physics of water--explaining, among other things, why ice is slippery--and examines the chemistry of water. He investigates photosynthesis and water's role in evolutionary history, and discusses water and weather, reviewing topics that range from snowflake science to climate change. Finally, he considers the possibility of water beyond our own hydrosphere--on other planets, on the Moon, in interstellar space.
Water: A Visual and Scientific History is a well researched, organized, and written book. It goes into great detail on the different aspects and history of our understanding of water. There were moments that it went a little too technical for my personal tastes, but I think I just was not ready for that level of detail and explanation when I opened the digital galley. I do think that it is very well done, and will appeal to those looking for a in depth look at all things water in our past, present, and future- including things you might not have even considered.
Water: A Visual and Scientific History is a well researched, organized, and written book. It goes into great detail on the different aspects and history of our understanding of water. There were moments that it went a little too technical for my personal tastes, but I think I just was not ready for that level of detail and explanation when I opened the digital galley. I do think that it is very well done, and will appeal to those looking for a in depth look at all things water in our past, present, and future- including things you might not have even considered.
May 26, 2021
Water by Jack Challoner is a beautiful and very informative book that can serve as a general reference for a general readership or, I think, as an interesting text for either teaching at home or piquing your child's interest in science.
The science is not at an advanced level and will be readily accessible to most readers. That said, this goes deeper than just a surface level overview. Combined with the beautiful illustrations that makes this an excellent addition to a home library.
While there is no bibliography as such (at least in my review copy) the notes are largely bibliographic in nature and can serve as guides for further reading. The book discusses water from the Big Bang (okay, some time after the Big Bang) and traces it through history, it touches on the history of science as well as human thought in general, the scientific method, the biology of life, and so many other areas including earth science. It is this broad presentation that I think would make this an excellent book to use with your children to teach them, whether homeschooling or simply helping to generate an appreciation for science and how it touches so much (as in all) of our lives.
I'm not reviewing the program I used to read this book, I'm reviewing the book, so I won't whine about things that have nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the book. I'll let others do that, I'll stay on topic (except for this little whine of my own about such people).
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
The science is not at an advanced level and will be readily accessible to most readers. That said, this goes deeper than just a surface level overview. Combined with the beautiful illustrations that makes this an excellent addition to a home library.
While there is no bibliography as such (at least in my review copy) the notes are largely bibliographic in nature and can serve as guides for further reading. The book discusses water from the Big Bang (okay, some time after the Big Bang) and traces it through history, it touches on the history of science as well as human thought in general, the scientific method, the biology of life, and so many other areas including earth science. It is this broad presentation that I think would make this an excellent book to use with your children to teach them, whether homeschooling or simply helping to generate an appreciation for science and how it touches so much (as in all) of our lives.
I'm not reviewing the program I used to read this book, I'm reviewing the book, so I won't whine about things that have nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the book. I'll let others do that, I'll stay on topic (except for this little whine of my own about such people).
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
December 6, 2022
This book was received as an ARC from The MIT Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Water is something I take for granted. I've been told all my life that water is important (and not just for the human body, since our bodies are made up of 90% water). Water is important for transportation, for wildlife, to grow food, and much more. This is the ultimate guide on water. Jack Challoner did a remarkable job with the detailed explanations and illustrations to bring the concept of water to life using a new, unique method of learning that children of all ages will immediately grasp the concept of water and why we need it on this earth. We have many students come through the library with science projects focusing on water and I am glad this will be another print source they can use for insightful information to present their findings. The book was exceptionally well-edited, well structured, and the illustrations were creative and helpful.
A knowledgable source that will leave readers more excited about water. This book gets 5 stars.
Water is something I take for granted. I've been told all my life that water is important (and not just for the human body, since our bodies are made up of 90% water). Water is important for transportation, for wildlife, to grow food, and much more. This is the ultimate guide on water. Jack Challoner did a remarkable job with the detailed explanations and illustrations to bring the concept of water to life using a new, unique method of learning that children of all ages will immediately grasp the concept of water and why we need it on this earth. We have many students come through the library with science projects focusing on water and I am glad this will be another print source they can use for insightful information to present their findings. The book was exceptionally well-edited, well structured, and the illustrations were creative and helpful.
A knowledgable source that will leave readers more excited about water. This book gets 5 stars.
June 19, 2022
4,5 sterren , sommige stukken waren wat moeilijk te volgen wegens de beperkte chemische en andere kennis van deze lezer , veel wetenswaardigheden, Bv bij - 34 gr is ijs niet meer glad , zout smelt bij 800 gr , en het stuk over hydrofiele en hydrofobe elementen gaven me wat inspiratie voor een stripboeken reeks , Fiel en Foob , met Bv , Fiel en Foob en de verdwaalde idioot , kan je veel kanten mee op
Waarom geen 5 sterren ? Er stonden tal van prachtige foto’s en tekeningen in het boek bijna op iedere blz en ik had al behoorlijk veel moeite om de tekst te kunnen volgen , het boek zou voor mij beter geweest als het Bv 7 blz tekst was afgewisseld met Bv 5 blz illustraties , dat zou mss gemakkelijker te volgen zijn .
Mooi , informatief boek .
Waarom geen 5 sterren ? Er stonden tal van prachtige foto’s en tekeningen in het boek bijna op iedere blz en ik had al behoorlijk veel moeite om de tekst te kunnen volgen , het boek zou voor mij beter geweest als het Bv 7 blz tekst was afgewisseld met Bv 5 blz illustraties , dat zou mss gemakkelijker te volgen zijn .
Mooi , informatief boek .
April 8, 2021
Beautiful book well written
I enjoyed this book. There is so much more to water than I had previously appreciated. From different types of water, to different types of ice, this book is an eye-opener. And it’s coverage of water extends from the cosmos down to the interior of the cell. It was all explained very clearly and the photography/art are excellent. My only quibble with the book is that the author chose to use American units without giving the metric equivalents. Overall this book is a worthwhile read. Thank you to Netgalley and MIT Press for the advance reader copy.
I enjoyed this book. There is so much more to water than I had previously appreciated. From different types of water, to different types of ice, this book is an eye-opener. And it’s coverage of water extends from the cosmos down to the interior of the cell. It was all explained very clearly and the photography/art are excellent. My only quibble with the book is that the author chose to use American units without giving the metric equivalents. Overall this book is a worthwhile read. Thank you to Netgalley and MIT Press for the advance reader copy.
June 4, 2021
I absolutely loved the imagery, magic and imagination this put me through. I especially liked learning about the origins of water on Earth and also about ice and snowflakes. I can the author is passionate about Earth's future and water conservation, which is an important global issue. An interesting and intriguing read that I could not put down and read in a day.
Highly recommended book. I might buy this at publishing.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jack Challoner and MIT Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 8/31/21
Highly recommended book. I might buy this at publishing.
Thanks to Netgalley, Jack Challoner and MIT Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 8/31/21
August 26, 2023
Water is one of the most essential substances on our planet, yet we don't think about until there's a problem. This book combines scientific explanations with historical anecdotes about H20, distilling (haha) complex concepts into accessible language. This is definitely a good addition addition to the realm of popular science literature.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 20, 2021
Water. It is everywhere and it is the one item on this Earth that makes our planet different than the other planets out there. Great pictures and an easy understandable story of water. This would be a great conversation book for those starting to understand chemistry or the deeper understanding of how important the knowledge about water is. Fun and interesting scientific read.
April 5, 2022
Very scientific and in-depth with visual aids throughout. I especially enjoyed the sections pertaining to space, snowflakes and ice. Water is amazing.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews