The Wonder Book of Science

Book excerpt: The word "science" carries a suggestion sufficient to render a book so labeled taboo to the average reader. But here is a book of genuine science which the most timid may read with delight; for perhaps Fabre never shows his greatness more than through the simplicity of his diction. In this work he imparts great facts about things which are familiar to the sight, but not to the understanding, of most of us. Light, sound, electricity, the locomotive, extinct volcanoes, condensation and evaporation, prehistoric animals, grafting and the sea -- these and many other subjects are dealt with in a simple narrative style as thrilling as the most exciting novel, only with this difference: how infinitely richer we are when we turn the last page of this book, and how infinitely more the world means to us. Fabre opens our eyes."Full of fascination and models of scientific method." -- Times"The patience and the nicety of M. Fabre?s observations are indeed amazing. His eyes see, and they see magical marvels.'' -- Daily Express