Science at the Extreme: Scientists on the Cutting Edge of Discovery

by Peter Lane Taylor

Book Overview

The experiences of nine extreme scientists show that there is a special breed of scientists that will go anywhere, from scuba diving in crushing glaciers to hanging from suspension bridges, to get the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071354190
• ISBN13: 9780071354196
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding!

More than just a "coffee table" book, this is a fascinating journey into the world of "extreme science". The photography is outstanding and the commentary articulate, educational and approachable. A great "maiden voyage" from Peter Lane Taylor. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

Outstanding book by a new author

Taylor has done a superb job with his first book. Each chapter is captivating and full of new information. Instead of glossing over the sometimes difficult technical material which is discussed in this book, Taylor writes in a way that shares the depth and rigor of the research that is the subject of 'Science at the Extreme'. Both the writing and the photography in this book are engaging and instructional; and in each chapter, the reader's appetite for 'extreme science' grows stronger. It is encouraging to see a book that does such an exceptional job of bringing together the popular culture ingredients common in National Geographic and the Discovery Channel, with the rigorous components of scientific research that exist at the National Science Foundation and in academia-at-large. 'Science at the Extreme' is just the kind of work that is needed to reinvigorate student interest in science in America, although it certainly does not appear to be the objective of the book. I have no doubt that high-schools and colleges will have to start offering 'Science at the Extreme' classes after students get a hold of this book.I'm already looking forward to Taylor's next offering, although he has a tough act to follow since the bar has been set so high with 'Science at the Extreme'.The only thing missing in 'Science at the Extreme' is an order form for buying large-size prints of Taylor's inspiring photographs...

The diving aspect

I was very much impressed with the chapter on cave diving and the excellent leadership of the WKPP. These guys and gals are a very select few diving to depths of 300ft with total dive time of 15 plus hours. The research of florida caves is extensive and the surface has only been scraped. The dedication and team development of the WKPP is beyond anything on the planet.