The New York Times Book of Physics and Astronomy

Starred review from December 1, 2013

Dean (science writer & former science editor, New York Times; Am I Making Myself Clear? A Scientist's Guide to Talking to the Public) gives us a compilation of New York Times science articles from the past century-plus. The focus is basically on physics and astrophysics, the disciplines that most define the boundaries of 20th-century scientific research--from atoms to galaxies--that captured the newspaper's, and then the public's, attention. The articles, including news, features, and book reviews, mostly by nonscientists (some of whom were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for their work) were written for a general public awakening to the possibilities and portents, even the literal explosion, of scientific research. The Times sought to present science as accurately and understandably as possible. Dean's selections are arranged chronologically within thematic groupings titled "The Nature of Matter," "The Practical Atom," and "The Fate of the Universe." Cumulatively, they also reflect the social attitudes of the times: there is a paucity of women reporters and scientists, and there is in the early decades a lack of awareness of research outside the United States. VERDICT It is a treat to have a taste of those heady years of announcements and discoveries. Highly recommended for all science collections.--Margaret F. Dominy, Drexel Univ. Lib., Philadelphia

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