How to Speak Science

Bruce Benamran Virgin Books £12.99 PB

When I picked up How to Speak Science I assumed it was going to explain how to use scientific language in some way, or perhaps how to understand scientific concepts, written in a way a complete beginner could understand. What I found was something a little different. At first glance the book’s contents seem both impressive and daunting, covering a wide range of topics from matter, light and the Solar System to quantum mechanics and general relativity. In parts it strays more towards the history of science, with lots of discussion about the people involved and the sequences of events. The author has a fairly light-hearted conversational style, replete with asides and tangential comments. That can make the book a little hard to follow at times, but it is possible if you pay attention. A number of the asides are useful little analogies, some of which are as fascinating as the concepts themselves. After all, when reading about our understanding of light you don’t necessarily expect to find yourself reading about the structure of the eye, airline security and pirates, or about the sixth (let alone ninth) sense!

There are a fair few attempts at humour scattered throughout, including some running jokes, though they tend to be aimed at a US audience (I’m not sure how many UK readers will be familiar with People Magazine, but maybe that’s just me).

Overall How to Speak Science is an enjoyable read, though the numerous asides and distractions might make it hard to follow for those coming to the subject completely fresh. Because, despite the book’s title, it probably helps to have a little understanding of physics before you embark on reading it.

DR CHRIS NORTH is Ogden Science Lecturer and STFC Public Engagement Fellow at Cardiff University