The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing is an anthology of scientific writings, arranged and introduced by Richard Dawkins of the University of Oxford. Published first in March 2008, it contains 83 writings on many topics from a diverse variety of authors, which range in length from one to eight pages. All inclusions are dated post-1900, and include poetry, anecdotes, and general philosophical musings.
Contents
The book is divided into four segments. The following is a list of pieces included in each segment.
'Science and Literature', 'Darwin's Illness', 'The Phenomenon of Man', the postscript to 'Lucky Jim', and 'D' Arcy Thompson and Growth and Form' by Peter Medawar
The book received extremely favourable reviews, with New Scientist proclaiming that "if you could only ever read one science book, this should probably be it".[2] Peter Forbes of The Independent praised Dawkins' inclusions, stating that "every reader is likely to make a discovery or two".[3] Steven Poole in The Guardian described it as "a beautiful volume" and "a labour of love" on Dawkins' part.[4]
A number of science bloggers did criticise the lack of women scientists included in the book.[5]
