The fact that Oxford University Press seeks out world-renowned experts in their fields to write the volumes of the press’ Very Short Introductions series is not surprising. However what really makes the extra bit of difference is that the authors also have to be an exceptionally skilled writers, capable of explaining often complex subjects clearly and succinctly to a general but admittedly curious readership, in order to make the grade.
Savannas are far more common that you may realize. For instance, did you know that they make up roughly half of the surface area in the tropics and sub-tropics? That they cover approximately 45% of South America and nearly 50% of Africa?
If you’re like me, you likely have only the bare minimum of an idea as to just what crystallography is. “Something to do with crystals” is just about the sum total of my own present understanding of it. However I also have gathered that it is the underlying field of study that has made an astonishing number of discoveries possible.
Bringing commonly overlooked details of the astronomer’s life and work to the attention of a wider audience in an accessible format is at the heart of the new “Copernicus; A Very Short Introduction” by Owen Gingrich. In a mere 120 pages, a more full and nuanced understanding of The Copernican Revolution as well as the life and times of Copernicus himself is made available to any interested reader.