Science and Nature
Librarians at Seattle Public Library created this list of recent adult nonfiction books about science and the natural world, written in an engaging and accessible style for the layperson. (July 2022)
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Fear of A Black Universe
A compelling introduction to theoretical physics, emphasizing the importance of outsider ideas and incorporating reflections on the author’s experiences as a Black scientist.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Super Volcanoes
A volcanologist guides readers through the science and history of volcanoes on earth as well as on other planets.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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30 Animals That Made Us Smarter
A biologist and hit BBC podcaster examines how numerous wildlife behaviors have stimulated human innovations.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Impact
A cosmochemist describes – with humor – how meteors have influenced everything from possibly the origins of life on earth to niche aspects of popular culture.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Nature Obscura
A Seattle naturalist takes a close look at the wonderful range of plants and animals thriving in an urban landscape.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Art of More
A far-reaching history of mathematicians – from ancient Egyptian priests to contemporary computer scientists – and how their discoveries have shaped civilization.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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A Natural History of the Future
A biologist looks at probable impacts of global warming, and how humans can best adapt to climate changes through better understanding of biology and the natural world.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Islands of Abandonment
A Scottish journalist travels the world visiting sites polluted and abandoned by humans, documenting vital new ecosystems that have developed.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Otherlands
An evolutionary biologist investigates the fossil records for 16 extinct ecosystems, revealing a plethora of strange life forms and landscapes.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Sounds Wild and Broken
A biologist explores the planet’s acoustic diversity, and current threats to wild sounds in numerous environments.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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