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Brian Clegg explores the development of quantum physics, explaining concepts such as the Many Worlds Interpretation, Schrödinger’s Cat and entanglement as well as its practical application in technology including lasers and MRI scanners. Part of the Crash Course series, the book contains 52 concise articles, each one offering an overview of a main concept and a closer look at a particular aspect of it. Also included are timelines of major events and biographies of leading figures in the field.

Introductory notes on different schools of thought are followed in this volume by outlines of the major theories on topics including the development of a sense of morality, our decision-making processes, and mental health issues.

Following a chapter exploring matter and light on an atomic level, this volume introduces different types of energy and the basics of quantum theory before concluding with the principles of motion and relativity. Part of the Crash Course series, the book contains 52 concise articles, each one offering an overview of a main concept and a closer look at a particular aspect of it. Also included are timelines of major events and biographies of leading figures in the field.

Drawing on classical theories as well as modern approaches, this book shows how philosophical debates impact our lives, from shaping our social structures to making personal decisions such as whether to eat meat. Part of the Crash Course series, the book contains 52 concise articles, each one offering an overview of a main concept and a closer look at a particular aspect of it. Also included are timelines of major events and biographies of leading figures in the field.

Building on familiar concepts – negatives and prime numbers – this introduction explains the development of geometry, algebra and calculus before exploring the practical application of mathematics in fields such as encryption and statistics.

With the aid of clear diagrams, this volume offers simple explanations of how our bodies function. After looking at the structure of the brain and facial features, it discusses how our organs work, before considering individual limbs and the complex anatomy of feet. Part of the Crash Course series, the book contains 52 concise articles, each one offering an overview of a main concept and a closer look at a particular aspect of it. Also included are timelines of major events and biographies of leading figures in the field.

The history and production of the spirit are the starting point for this volume, which then explains the characteristics of whiskies made in each Scottish region, Ireland, the USA, Canada and Japan, before offering notes on the trade and tasting tips.

Written to explain in simple terms what makes Shakespeare’s plays and poems so important and enduring, this book explores 50 topics, with 30 seconds for each. The succinct essays introduce the context in which he wrote, recurring character types and themes, and his legacy; feature spreads offer summaries of some of the individual plays.

The fundamental elements of 50 major religions, denominations and less widespread sects are explored in this volume, with about 300 words for each. The succinct essays are accompanied by glossaries and notes on key texts including the Bible, I Ching and Bhagavad Gita.

Using simple language, but with glossaries explaining the technical terms, this guide to opera introduces the artform in 50 topics, with about 300 words for each. Musical components and genres are discussed, as well as the key composers, types of voice and recurring characters.

Part of the 30-second series, this book summarizes 50 key ideas in paragraphs of about 300 words (with a picture) contributed by an expert in the field. The concise essays, including discussion of different dietary choices and how nutritional needs change, are accompanied by ‘3-second biographies’ of significant figures and an extra ‘3-minute’ section that provides further context and insight.

From pre-modern healers to those pioneering cutting-edge techniques such as the 3D bioprinting of cells, this illustrated introduction explains 50 medical topics in 30-seconds each. The succinct essays cover drugs, diseases and procedures as well as different technologies and landmark advances including dialysis, bionic organs and keyhole surgery.

Part of the 30-second series, this book summarizes 50 key ideas in paragraphs of about 300 words (with a picture) contributed by an expert in the field. The concise essays cover topics including his painting, geometry and engineering and are accompanied by ‘3-second biographies’ of significant figures and an extra ‘3-minute’ section that provides further context and insight.

The basics of genetics are explained in simple terms in this volume, before a closer look at how continued research in the field has increased scientific understanding of human health and led to benefits such as stem cell therapy and genome editing.

Discussing the early emergence of feminism but focusing on its development since the 1960s, these articles highlight the need for the movement, its challenges in areas including culture, the law, medicine and politics, and its impact around the world.

From Hollywood’s silent movies to Japan’s ‘Golden Age’ and the digital era, this overview introduces the major genres and the directors and stars who have shaped filmmaking movements around the world, including German Expressionism and French New Wave.

Following a history of beer, notes on how it is made and the different types, this book explores the drink’s place in cultures around the world and aspects of the brewing industry, concluding with advice on how best to appreciate it.

Part of the 30-second series, this book summarizes 50 key ideas in paragraphs of about 300 words (with a picture) contributed by an expert in the field. The concise essays range from the evolution of humans to the development of communication and social structures and are accompanied by ‘3-second biographies’ of significant figures and an extra ‘3-minute’ section that provides further context and insight.

Beginning with automata in the 18th century, this guide explores the remarkable development of robotics and AI. Their industrial, medical and educational uses are considered, and future possibilities such as uploading human consciousness to a computer.

The two titles included in this set are:On the Farm (Read more...) Things That Go (Read more...)

From a submarine exploring the depths of the ocean, to a fire engine zooming to the rescue and a rocket blasting into space, children can use the step-by-step instructions and stickers in this book to complete its 21 scenes, finishing the images with their own drawings. Age 4+

This book features 21 farmyard scenes, including chicks pecking at crumbs and a pig wallowing in a muddy puddle. Simple instructions show how to position the enclosed stickers on the background images and draw on details such as eyes and whiskers. Age 4+

Guiding the reader through the history, principles and techniques associated with the ancient art of Shiatsu, this illustrated volume offers various self-treatment remedies for ailments including anxiety, insomnia and back pain, plus guidance on stance, movement and breathing.

Written by a scientific journalist, this book looks at the mechanics of the interaction between man and bicycle. It is structured around a series of questions about subjects such as frame and wheel design, different muscle groups and the way that energy is transmitted from rider to road, with answers supported by infographics and illustrations.

Two authors who are sceptical of traditional assumptions about wealth and mass consumption argue that we should focus on social justice and well-being rather than fostering exploitation and income inequality. Harking back to thinkers such as Ruskin and Schumacher, they make a powerful case for an alternative view of issues including poverty, money creation, climate change and financial crises.

In sections on origins, genres, the essential elements of the music, rock culture, pop, classics and ‘rockin’ around the world’, here are 50 of the key styles, artists and events of rock in 30-second summaries and ‘3-Minute Jams’ on major artists.

How do forensic specialists identify and piece together clues to present a convincing case in court? This guide to scientific techniques explains the analysis of evidence ranging from drugs to digital devices, dental records to DNA. Foreword by Val McDermid.

With simple experiments and challenges, supported by colour diagrams and step-by-step instructions, this book introduces the skills and concepts that a range of science-based careers rely on, including measuring and recording data, how satellites send signals, and how our organs function. Age 8+

Each page of this book is designed to be coloured, cut or folded to create something ‘much more than a simple piece of paper’, including puppets, paper chains and, of course, some classic paper aeroplanes. Age 8+

Walking a dog provides regular exercise and this illustrated guide offers tips on training, agility and nutrition that will help both pet and owner enhance their health and fitness.

Over 40 festive-themed activities feature in this collection, which includes games and puzzles as well as templates and step-by-step instructions for a range of papercraft projects, from paper garlands to the more challenging advent calendar and Christmas crackers. Age 6+

Evolving from fish scales 500 million years ago, bone is a remarkable material that is capable of strength, lightness and flexibility; in a range of skeletal arrangements it can support the weight of an elephant or a bird in flight and provide the dexterity of a human hand. Through a series of line drawings and extended captions, this accessible introduction examines the different forms and structures that have evolved across the animal kingdom.

What is an exo-skeleton? How does a fly see? How can you avoid being bitten? From skin-shedding to egg-laying and the deadliest bugs of all, find out how insects tick. Age 8+