Levitating Trains and Kamikaze Genes: Technological Literacy for the Future (Wiley Science Editions) - Hardcover

Author Brennan has taken on what may be an impossible task: a primer on basic (and sometimes, not so basic) technological and scientific knowledge that is at once accessible to laypersons yet in-depth enough to explain the complexities of astronomy, computer science, genetics, the environment, medicine, superconductivity, transportation, and arms control. He is at least half successful; written in a breezy and chatty style, his book often does well at clarifying basic scientific concepts, but falters with others (the speed of light is described as the "universal speed limit," but there is no explanation of why that is so). The choices for emphasis seem arbitary, or merely trendy, and the idea of "literacy" is used more as a catchword than a concept. Still, a reasonable choice for young adult and general collections as a sort of appetizer, but not as a main course.
- Mark Shelton, Columbus, Ohio
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.