Asteroids, killer sharks, nuclear bombs, viruses, deadly robots, climate change, the apocalypse – why is Hollywood so obsessed with death and the end of the world? And how seriously should we take the dystopian visions of our favourite films? With wit, intelligence and irreverence, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks explore the science of death and mass destruction through some of our best-loved Hollywood blockbusters. From Armageddon and Dr Strangelove to The Terminator and Contagion, the...

Rick Peacock-Edwards has led different lives at different times, but through it all has used a bonus in life nowadays often overlooked: he has consistently enjoyed himself. One of three brothers of outstanding South African Battle of Britain pilot F/O S. R. "Teddy" Peacock-Edwards, his subtle and compassionate regard for a generation of wartime aircrew is clear: "As the proud son of one of the 'Few', their selfless daring has inspired me throughout my life. Importantly, they influenced my ...

He was hailed as a genius, a visionary who solved some of the most pressing industrial challenges of the early 20th century. But today, Thomas Midgley Jr. is remembered as the man whose inventions did more harm to the Earth's atmosphere than any single human before him.In this riveting biography, Thomas Midgley Jr.: The Man Who Accidentally Destroyed the Atmosphere, James G. Edwards II unravels the life, work, and legacy of a brilliant chemist whose groundbreaking innovations—leade...

'A wonderful book... Delightfully varied... As with all the best science writing, this book doesn't just give answers, it also asks interesting questions.' Daily Mail'Captivating and intelligent! Who knew death could be this much fun?' Richard OsmanAsteroids, killer sharks, nuclear bombs, viruses, deadly robots, climate change, the apocalypse - why is Hollywood so obsessed with death and the end of the world? And how seriously shou...

A history of the Folland Gnat, including many fascinating and untold stories told by the well-known and distinguished aviators who flew the aircraft.The Folland Gnat was used by the RAF mainly in the advanced training role, in the 1960s and 70s, where it proved to be an ideal lead-in trainer for high-performance aircraft such as the iconic Lightning, the first RAF supersonic fighter. It was also the aircraft used by the famous Yellowjacks formation aerobatic team, ...

As cofounder of Outreach Concern, Inc., one of the largest school-based counseling services in the country, Dr. Rick Capaldi developed a guide to raise kids into confident, independent adults. His "three Rs"—Read your child's environment, Regulate their emotional temperature, and Redirect their behavior—will help parents and teachers steer children toward emotional stability and success. This model has been effectively utilized in counseling over a half-million c...

**A Sunday Times Book of the YearA New Scientist Gift Pick"Bright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it." Dara O Briain**Can we resurrect dinosaurs, Jurassic Park-style? Are we living in The Matrix's digital simulation? Do aliens with acid blood exist somewhere in the universe? Will we ever go back and visit 1955? And just why were the original Planet of the Ape movies so terrible?In Science(ish), Rick Ed...

A veteran RAF fighter pilot reflects on his service in the sky during the Cold War, the Gulf War, and more in this exciting memoir.Rick Peacock-Edwards has led different lives at different times, but through it all, he has consistently enjoyed himself. One of three sons of outstanding South African Battle of Britain pilot F/O S R "Teddy" Peacock-Edwards, Rick has a compassionate regard for a generation of wartime aircrew: "As the proud son of one of the "Few," their...

In a near future where the boundaries between human intellect and scientific breakthroughs blur, "Call Me Al" unfolds the life-changing journey of Greg Nolan. Once an everyday man with a blue-collar background, Greg's existence is irrevocably altered by a revolutionary gene therapy meant to cure his brain condition. Instead, it elevates his cognitive abilities to extraordinary levels, propelling him into a reality filled with daunting challenges and complex moral questions.This com...

What happens when money stops meaning anything?The Money Delusion dives into the dramatic and devastating stories of nations that printed, borrowed, or gambled their way into ruin. From Weimar Germany's wheelbarrows of cash to Zimbabwe's trillion-dollar bills and Argentina's chronic collapses, this book unpacks how economic arrogance and political desperation triggered financial meltdowns that destroyed savings, starved populations, and shattered empires.More than just tales...

Can we resurrect dinosaurs, Jurassic Park-style? Are we living in The Matrix's digital simulation? Do aliens with acid blood exist somewhere in the universe? And just why were the original Planet of the Ape movies so terrible? In Science(ish), Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks confront all the questions that your favourite movies provoke. Inspired by their award-winning podcast, this popular (hopefully) science (definitely) book dedicates each chapter to a different sci-fi classic, and wi...

Teddy Peacock-Edwards emerges as a pivotal fighter pilot whose diverse wartime experiences defined resilience and leadership.The grandson of a prominent Edinburgh lawyer, and the son of a self-made farmer in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, Teddy Peacock-Edwards was born on 27 May 1915, in Kokstad, South Africa. He was one of eleven young men from Southern Rhodesia recruited into the RAF in 1938 and thence followed a multi-varied time in the RAF encompassing the...