This title from the Ponderables series consists of 100 entries on milestones in physics, from the dawn of science to today. Entries range in length from a half page to two pages and examine scientific breakthroughs that greatly influenced the world. The information is accessible and interesting, while an appealing layout features illustrations and photographs on every page. The book concludes with an overview of physics, profiles of key scientists, a bibliography and other resources, and an index. A pocket attached to the inside of the back cover contains a pullout chart with a time line on one side and pertinent quick-reference information on the reverse. This highly browsable title is well suited to the casual reader with an interest in the topic.--Ostergard, Maren Copyright 2014 Booklist

Aimed at those who may find the history of science compelling but have not themselves studied it, this series installment summarizes thousands of years of human understanding of the physics of how the world works-in an attractive, coffee-table style volume. Each of the 100 entries names a concept; gives an extremely broad, sometimes multi-century explanation of its origins; and describes the idea in half a page to a spread. UK author Jackson concludes with a look ahead, a summary of what we know, and some major questions we still need to answer. While the overall progression of entries is chronological, each one can treat decades, especially in the early sections (e.g., "Understanding Magnets" covers the topic from the fourth century BCE to 1600 CE). The arrangement of entries-within the broad categories "The Dawn of Science," "The Scientific Revolution," "From Classical to Modern Physics," "The Subatomic Age," and "Modern Physics"-can thus in fact be unintuitive. Copious illustrations and a foldout time line make for a visually appealing layout and add helpful background information. VERDICT This broad overview for the general reader-and for YA and high school students-can serve as a springboard to deeper study for those whose interest it piques. Recommended.-Marcia R. Franklin, St. Paul (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 5 Up-The newest addition to this science series that includes Mathematics, The Elements, The Universe (all Shelter Harbor, 2012) tackles physics in an easy-to-read and understand format, breaking down the discoveries made over centuries to explain the universe-from force and motion to quantum theory. The questions pondered and the scientists who sought answers and made discoveries are presented. Short summaries are paired with colorful illustrations and photographs that guide readers to appreciate how each discovery led to a greater understanding of the universe. Brief biographies of each scientist in the book are included for easy reference with birthdate, birthplace, and date of death along with the importance of their discovery. An extensive 12-page, foldable time line is tucked in the back cover, with 1000 milestone facts from 600 BCE to present day in color-coded categories that include culture, world events, science and invention, and physics. Avid scientists might find the explanations of theories simplistic, but typical readers will find the information fascinating and gain a greater understanding of how discoveries are made and how they lead to others.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.