Absinthe & Flamethrowers

by William Gurstelle

Dedicated to the risk-takers among us, Gurstelle’s book shares insights ranging from the science of the alcoholic drink known as absinthe to step-by-step instructions for creating your very own flamethrower. SC. 224pp. 2009.

The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics

by James Kakalios

Kakalios touches on classic sci-fi ideas to inform a delightful tour of the quantum framework—including everything from Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle to spintronics—and the real-life wonders it has made possible. HC. 336pp. 2010.

Armageddon Science

by Brian Clegg

Clegg assesses a range of serious dangers that a variety of scientific pursuits pose to humanity, including the threat of nuclear devastation, global warming, biohazards, cyberattacks and several others. HC. 288pp. 2010.

Atomic Awakening

by James Mahaffey

In his incisive history of nuclear science, Mahaffey offers an essential look at the development of this technology in the 20th century and how it will overcome its negative connotations to shape the 21st. HC. 368pp. 2009.