What are things made of? What is the sun? Why is there night and day, winter and summer? Why do bad things happen? Are we alone? Throughout history people all over the world have invented stories to answer profound questions such as these. Have you heard the tale of how the sun hatched out of an emu's egg? Or what about the great catfish that carries the world on its back? Has anyone ever told you that earthquakes are caused by a sneezing giant? These fantastical myths are fun - but what is the real answer to such questions? "The Magic of Reality", with its explanations of space, time, evolution and more, will inspire and amaze readers of all ages - young adults, adults, children, octogenarians. Teaming up with the renowned illustrator Dave McKean, Richard Dawkins answers all these questions and many more. In stunning words and pictures this book presents the real story of the world around us, taking us on an enthralling journey through scientific reality, and showing that it has an awe-inspiring beauty and thrilling magic which far exceed those of the ancient myths. We encounter rainbows, our genetic ancestors, tsunamis, shooting stars, plants, animals, and an intriguing cast of characters in this extraordinary scientific voyage of discovery. Richard Dawkins and Dave McKean have created a dazzling celebration of our planet that will entertain and inform for years to come.

Prizes

A stunning collaboration between a world-famous scientist and outstanding illustrator

About the Author

Richard Dawkins is the former Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University (1995-2008). His many bestsellers include The Selfish Gene and The God Delusion. Dave McKean has illustrated many award winning books and graphic novels, including Coraline by Neil Gaiman, and the Newberry and Carnegie Medal winning The Graveyard Book. He has created hundreds of album, comic and book covers, and has designed characters for two of the Harry Potter films. He has also directed two feature films, MirrorMask and Luna.

Reviews

"I wanted to write this book but I wasn't clever enough. Now I've read it, I am"

--Ricky Gervais

Dawkins's (evolutionary biology, emeritus, Oxford Univ.; The God Delusion) new, heavily illustrated (almost graphic novel-like) book addresses the most basic topics in science, the kind that children most often ask questions about. Each chapter focuses on one of these primary questions, with Dawkins exploring first the myths that once provided an answer, falsely but beautifully, and then using science to answer the same question, now truthfully and with equal (if not greater) beauty. Several full-color pictures and many black-and-white illustrations appear extensively throughout the book. Among the subjects covered: What is an earthquake? What is a miracle? What is the sun? What is a rainbow? Are we alone? When and how did everything begin? Verdict This is a book designed to appeal to young adults, younger children, and parents who want to instill an interest in science in their children. An intriguing introduction to science that will attract a wide audience.-Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll.-Penn Valley Lib., Kansas City, MO (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.