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Science

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Until Proven Safe: The History and Future of Quarantine
Nicola Twilley, Geoff Manaugh  | Picador

Until Proven Safe: The History and Future of Quarantine

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

63% off est. retail
"Until Proven Safe" could really resonate with you if you're interested in public health and its evolution. The book is a timely exploration, especially given recent global events, and it thoughtfully examines the impact of quarantine throughout history. This isn't just a retrospective account; it also prompts consideration of our future preparedness in the face of new diseases, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the intersections of history, science, and policy.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Just Arrived
Jeffrey Keeten, Yuval Noah Harari  | Vintage

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$6.90

75% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the story of humanity and want to understand how we became the dominant species on Earth, "Sapiens" is the perfect book for you. Through a captivating narrative, Harari takes you on a journey spanning thousands of years, examining what makes us unique as a species. From our ability to create powerful myths and cooperate in large numbers, to the impact we've had on the planet, "Sapiens" offers a thought-provoking perspective that will challenge and inspire you in equal measure.
Ship Beneath the Ice: The Discovery of Shackleton's Endurance
Mensun Bound | Macmillan

Ship Beneath the Ice: The Discovery of Shackleton's Endurance

$16.90

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$16.90

46% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by tales of exploration and human endurance, "Ship Beneath the Ice" might just resonate with you. It's not just the gripping story of Shackleton's ship, but also a contemporary adventure of finding Endurance against all odds. The blend of historical intrigue and modern exploration is a tribute to the relentless human spirit – appealing to history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
Polyhedra
Peter R. Cromwell | Cambridge University Press

Polyhedra

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$11.90

87% off est. retail
This is a wonderful pick if you enjoy mathematics with both visual elegance and intellectual depth. Cromwell makes polyhedra feel alive, showing how these shapes connect centuries of ideas in geometry, symmetry, and abstraction. Readers who like seeing rigorous maths grounded in history and illustration will find it especially satisfying and surprisingly captivating.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses - Thryft
Tom Standage | Bloomsbury

A History of the World in 6 Glasses

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$9.90 $3.90 61% off

85% off est. retail
Imagine sipping on a drink while time-traveling through humanity's milestones—this is what Tom Standage's "A History of the World in 6 Glasses" offers. It's a creative take that will quench your thirst for knowledge about how agriculture, politics, and global trade are tightly interwoven with the evolution of our favorite drinks. It's for everyone who enjoys a blend of history with the everyday pleasures of eating and drinking.
Comm Check...: The Final Flight of Shuttle Columbia
William Harwood, Michael Cabbage  | Free Press

Comm Check...: The Final Flight of Shuttle Columbia

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.26

$9.90

65% off est. retail
If you're drawn to real-life disaster stories with depth, this is the kind of book that stays with you. It goes beyond the tragedy itself and shows how small decisions, pressure, and missed warnings built toward something catastrophic. Readers who like space history and behind-the-scenes accountability will find it both heartbreaking and quietly infuriating.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Bill Bryson | Doubleday

At Home: A Short History of Private Life

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

"At Home" is an entertaining and illuminating journey into the history of everyday life, from the comfort of one's own home. Through the lens of his old rectory in Norfolk, author Bill Bryson explores the origins of architecture, electricity, food preservation, epidemics, and more. His research is extensive and his storytelling is witty, ensuring that readers will not only learn something new, but also be thoroughly entertained.
The Murder Room: The Heirs of Sherlock Holmes Gather to Solve the World's Most Perplexing Cold Cases
Michael Capuzzo | Gotham

The Murder Room: The Heirs of Sherlock Holmes Gather to Solve the World's Most Perplexing Cold Cases

$39.90

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$39.90

If you're intrigued by the interplay of mystery and gourmet cuisine, "The Murder Room" offers a compelling blend. The Vidocq Society, with its top-notch forensic experts, effectively feels like a modern-day roundtable of Sherlock Holmeses. Imagine getting a front-row seat to cold case breakthroughs while breaking bread—an intellectual and gastronomic adventure for true crime aficionados.
Civilizations
Felipe Fernández-Armesto | Key Porter Books

Civilizations

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$11.90

If you like big-idea history that makes you rethink how societies rise, connect, and define themselves, this could be a rewarding read. Felipe Fernández-Armesto is known for taking a broad, global view, so the book likely feels more expansive than standard region-by-region history. It’s the kind of read that can leave you seeing civilization itself as a more surprising, contested, and human story.
Thunderstruck
Erik Larson | Crown

Thunderstruck

$23.90

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$23.90

"Thunderstruck" artfully marries the wonders of technological innovation with the dark intrigue of a notorious crime, sowing a narrative that thrives on the contrast between Marconi's groundbreaking work and Crippen's grim deeds. Larson's talent for interweaving historical advancements with human narratives will make you feel intimately connected to the events that shaped modern communication and the captivating chase across the Atlantic. This book is a ticket to travel back in time, experiencing both the awe of invention and the thrill of the chase.
Breath From Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever
Bijal P. Trivedi | Benbella Books

Breath From Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.44

$10.90

If you're moved by tales of resilience and medical breakthroughs, "Breath from Salt" will captivate you. It's not just the story of a devastating genetic disease but a narrative of how relentless determination by patients, families, and scientists reshaped the future of medicine. Reading it, you'll feel the weight of the struggle and the exhilaration of progress in genetic therapies that once seemed like distant dreams.
What Is an Archaeologist?
Ages 7-10
Libby Romero | National Geographic Kids

What Is an Archaeologist?

$6.90 $4.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$6.90 $4.90 29% off

67% off est. retail
If you've ever fantasized about unearthing ancient secrets, "What Is an Archaeologist?" by Libby Romero is right up your alley. This National Geographic Kids book immerses you in the gritty, thrilling reality of archaeologists, who are the detectives of history. It's perfect for fostering a young reader's curiosity about the past and the exciting tools and techniques used to discover it.
The History of the World in Bite-Sized Chunks
Emma Marriott | Michael O'mara

The History of the World in Bite-Sized Chunks

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.55

$14.90

If you're often daunted by thick history tomes, this book could be the perfect antidote. Emma Marriott's "The History of the World in Bite-Sized Chunks" distills vast historical periods into manageable portions. It's an engaging way to fill gaps in your knowledge or refresh what you may have forgotten since school days, and it's well-suited for anyone with an interest in world history but with limited time to dedicate to more voluminous works.
E=Mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
Ralph L. Fowler, David Bodanis  | Walker And Company

E=Mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

If the sheer ubiquity of E=mc² baffles you, and its deep impact on our world intrigues you, "E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation" is your must-read. David Bodanis makes the profound accessible, transforming a symbol of complexity into a compelling narrative of human endeavor and intellectual triumph. This isn't just for science buffs; it's a book that anyone curious about the forces shaping our universe would thoroughly enjoy.
The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's Online Pioneers
Tom Standage | Berkley Trade

The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century's Online Pioneers

$14.26

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$14.26

34% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how today's hyper-connected world came to be, "The Victorian Internet" is an engaging tale that will deepen your appreciation for modern technology. Tom Standage offers a surprisingly relatable historical account that makes you reconsider your own use of technology by revealing the telegraph's transformative role in society – very much the social media of its day.
Volcano - DK Experience
Palmer Douglas Rooney Ann | Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd

Volcano - DK Experience

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$10.90

If you're fascinated by the raw, untamed power of nature, "Volcano" by Anne Rooney is an adventure that beckons. Its vivid digital imagery will transport you right into the heart of an eruption, combining gripping first-hand accounts with hard facts. Perfect not only for satisfying a curious mind but also as an engaging educational resource, it's accompanied by a gigantic pull-out poster to visualize what you've learned.
12 Books That Changed the World
Melvyn Bragg | Sceptre

12 Books That Changed the World

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.53

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Recommendation: - This book is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to explore the hidden influence of literature on society. Melvyn Bragg artfully reveals the lesser-known stories behind famous works, showcasing the transformative power of books. From revolutionary feminist texts to ground-breaking scientific treatises, 12 Books That Changed the World will transport you through time and leave you in awe of the written word's immense impact on human progress.
A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts
Andrew Chaikin | Viking Adult

A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.49

$9.90

80% off est. retail
If you’ve ever wanted the Apollo missions to feel vivid and personal rather than distant and technical, this is a wonderful pick. It gives you the scale, danger, and brilliance of the program without losing the people inside the spacesuits. Readers often love how it turns a familiar historical milestone into something dramatic, intimate, and genuinely awe-inspiring.
Millikan's School: A History of the California Institute of Technology - Thryft
Judith R. Goodstein | W W Norton & Co Inc

Millikan's School: A History of the California Institute of Technology

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

90% off est. retail
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science education and the development of one of the world's most renowned universities. Through detailed accounts of the contributions of its faculty and graduate students to various fields, readers gain insight into the growth of Caltech, and its crucial role in shifting the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything
Dan Falk | Bpr Publishers,

Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$13.90

This is a great pick if you like science books that make huge, mind-bending questions feel approachable rather than intimidating. Dan Falk takes the search for a theory of everything and gives it a human, curious energy, so it feels less like a lecture and more like joining an ongoing adventure. Readers who enjoy physics, cosmology, and the thrill of seeing how everything might connect will likely find it both smart and genuinely exciting.
The Hidden History of the Human Race
Michael A. Cremo, Richard L. Thompson  | Govardhan Hill Publishing

The Hidden History of the Human Race

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$8.90

If you've ever been curious about the unorthodox side of human history, "The Hidden History of the Human Race" might just be the tome that reshapes your understanding. Cremo and Thompson peel back the layers of conventional archaeology to present a narrative brimming with enigmatic findings. Dive into this if you're up for a read that questions mainstream narratives and presents a paradoxical view of our past.
Tornado Alley: Monster Storms of the Great Plains
Howard B. Bluestein | Oxford University Press

Tornado Alley: Monster Storms of the Great Plains

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$10.90

This is a great pick if you want science that still feels wild and immediate. Bluestein writes with the authority of someone who has spent years chasing tornadoes, so you get both the history of tornado research and the pulse-racing reality of being out in the field. It’s the kind of book that makes the sky feel bigger, stranger, and far more alive.
The Turing Tests Expert IQ Puzzles
Eric Saunders | Arcturus

The Turing Tests Expert IQ Puzzles

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$9.90

40% off est. retail
If you enjoy brain teasers that stretch your intellect and provide a satisfying challenge, "The Turing Tests Expert IQ Puzzles" is for you. It's packed with various puzzles that are not only engaging but also crafted to improve your problem-solving skills. This book offers a gratifying way to keep your mind sharp and entertained.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea - Thryft
Gary Kinder | Atlantic Monthly Pr

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

88% off est. retail
If the fusion of history and deep-sea adventure tickles your fancy, "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea" might just be the treasure you're looking to unearth on your reading shelf. It's a compelling narrative that binds the tragic past with the thrill of modern discovery, telling a human tale through the lens of technological triumph. The juxtaposition of 19th-century gold rush fervor with 20th-century ingenuity creates a riveting account that transcends time—you're sure to be anchored to each page.
50 Years of Science in Singapore
Hock Lim, Lim Hock, Kok Khoo Phua  | World Scientific Publishing Company

50 Years of Science in Singapore

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$13.90

This is a great pick if you enjoy seeing how a nation’s scientific identity gets built over time, not just through discoveries but through institutions, policy, and people. It reads like a thoughtful map of Singapore’s research journey, with contributions from people who helped shape it themselves. You come away with both a strong historical overview and a real sense of pride in how science supported nation-building.
Indra's Pearls: The Vision of Felix Klein
David Mumford, David Wright, Caroline Series  | Cambridge University Press

Indra's Pearls: The Vision of Felix Klein

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.41

$10.90

89% off est. retail
This feels like discovering a secret garden where geometry, mythology, and computing all meet. It takes big mathematical ideas and makes them surprisingly tangible, guiding you toward creating intricate fractal images yourself. If you like books that are both intellectually rich and visually mesmerizing, this one has the thrill of seeing abstract thought turn into something beautiful.
More Than a Garden City
Lee Sing Kong

More Than a Garden City

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$10.90

If you're intrigued by sustainable urban development, "More than a Garden City" offers a deep dive into Singapore's transformation into a green metropolis. This book could resonate with you if you're interested in ecology, urban planning, or simply love stories of cities that harmoniously blend nature with modernity. It's a testament to visionary leadership and innovative environmental stewardship.
Perspectives in Linguistics
John T. Waterman | Univ. Chicago P

Perspectives in Linguistics

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

If you're intrigued by the evolution of language and its structures, "Perspectives in Linguistics" is a timeless classic that will guide you through the early theories shaping modern linguistic thought. It's a deep dive, perfect for anyone who appreciates the historical underpinnings of contemporary linguistics or is involved in language studies.
The Clock
Wil Mara | Franklin Watts

The Clock

$19.90 $11.90 40% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$19.90 $11.90 40% off

75% off est. retail
If you're curious about how a simple invention has drastically redefined our relationship with time, "The Clock" takes you on that journey. It offers a clear understanding of how our daily lives revolve around this pivotal device. A read that merges history with the profound shift in cultural practices, perfect for anyone who loves to ponder the subtle ways technology shapes our world.
To a Rocky Moon: A Geologist's History of Lunar Exploration
Don E. Wilhelms | University Of Arizona Press

To a Rocky Moon: A Geologist's History of Lunar Exploration

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.38

$9.90

82% off est. retail
If you love space history but want more than astronaut memoirs, this gives you the Moon from the scientists’ side of the story. It shines in the behind-the-scenes detail of how landing sites were chosen and how geology shaped the missions themselves. Readers who enjoy smart, authoritative nonfiction will likely find it deeply satisfying, especially because it makes lunar exploration feel both human and rigorously scientific.
Li, Qi and Shu: An Introduction to Science and Civilization in China
Just Arrived
Ho Peng Yoke | Dover Publications

Li, Qi and Shu: An Introduction to Science and Civilization in China

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$11.90

41% off est. retail
This is a great read if you love seeing how a whole civilization made sense of the world through interconnected ideas. It brings Chinese thought alive not as abstract theory, but as something shaping astronomy, mathematics, alchemy, and the search for immortality. Readers who enjoy big-picture intellectual history will find it rich, unusual, and quietly mind-expanding.
The European Miracle: Environments, Economies and Geopolitics in the History of Europe and Asia
Eric Lionel Jones | Cambridge University Press

The European Miracle: Environments, Economies and Geopolitics in the History of Europe and Asia

$17.90

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$17.90

If you're curious about the underpinnings of our modern world, "The European Miracle" might just satisfy that itch. Eric Jones offers a compelling analysis, grappling with the intriguing question of why Europe, a late-comer in history's grand stage, surged ahead in state and economic development. It's a fascinating investigation for anyone interested in the historical interplay between natural environments, political systems, and their pivotal roles in shaping civilizations.
Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis - Thryft
Deborah Hayden | Basic Books

Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis

$12.53

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$12.53

Was Beethoven experiencing syphilitic euphoria when he composed "Ode to Joy"? Did van Gogh paint "Crows Over the Wheatfield" in a fit of diseased madness right before he shot himself? Was syphilis a stowaway on Columbus's return voyage to Europe? The answers to these provocative questions are likely "yes," claims Deborah Hayden in this riveting investigation of the effects of the "Pox" on the lives and works of world figures from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries. Writing with remarkable insight and narrative flair, Hayden argues that biographers and historians have vastly underestimated the influence of what Thomas Mann called "this exhilarating yet wasting disease." Shrouded in secrecy, syphilis was accompanied by wild euphoria and suicidal depression, megalomania and paranoia, profoundly affecting sufferers' worldview, their sexual behavior and personality, and, of course, their art. Deeply informed and courageously argued, Pox has already been heralded as a major contribution to our understanding of genius, madness, and creativity.
A History of Pi
Petr Beckmann | Hippocrene Books

A History of Pi

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$9.90

"A History of Pi" might resonate with you if you have an appreciation for both the evolution of mathematical thought and the socio-historical contexts that shape scientific progress. Petr Beckmann offers more than just a chronology of a mathematical constant; he provides insights into the eras that allowed pi to flourish or flounder, painting a broader picture of human endeavor and its challenges. If you're curious about how a number can encapsulate entire epochs of history, this could be an enlightening read.
Big History
Sold out
D.K. Publishing, Jack Challoner, Elsa Bohan  | Dorling Kindersley

Big History

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$8.90

If you're someone who marvels at the sheer scale of existence, "Big History" is for you. It's not just about what happened, it's about weaving the interconnections between events and disciplines, offering a panoramic view that isn't confined to one subject. Imagine standing on a mountaintop, seeing where we've been and where we might be headed — this book is that view for history and human progress.
The Oracle: The Lost Secrets and Hidden Message of Ancient Delphi - Thryft
Sold out
William J. Broad | Penguin Press (london)

The Oracle: The Lost Secrets and Hidden Message of Ancient Delphi

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

85% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the interplay between ancient wisdom and modern science, "The Oracle" is a compelling read. William J. Broad masterfully bridges the gap by revealing how scientists used historical texts and geological advancements to demystify the Oracle of Delphi. It's a true detective story that combines mythology, history, and science to solve one of the ancient world's lingering puzzles.
The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World
Sold out
Larry Zuckerman | North Point Press

The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

Goodreads rating: 3.61

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

69% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how something as unassuming as the potato could revolutionize the world, this book is a treat. Larry Zuckerman peels back the layers of history to reveal the potato's surprising and multifaceted role in shaping our past. It's a narrative that's rich with detail yet digestible, perfect for anyone interested in food history or the underappreciated catalysts of societal change.
About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks - Thryft
Sold out
David Rooney | Penguin

About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

$4.70

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$4.70

76% off est. retail
The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world?In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction.This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.
Salt: A World History
Sold out
Mark Kurlansky | Penguin Books

Salt: A World History

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$8.90

66% off est. retail
Salt is a unique history book that explores how this one ingredient has shaped civilization from the beginning. It's a fascinating read that's full of intriguing details, colorful characters, and surprising facts. Whether you're interested in history, food, or just looking for a great read, Salt is sure to captivate you and leave you with a new appreciation for this essential ingredient.