The Oxford book of modern science writing

An anthology showcasing the beauty and diversity of science writing from the 20th and early 21st centuries. Dawkins, a prominent evolutionary biologist and author, curates 83 excerpts from over 60 writers, spanning disciplines like physics, biology, cosmology, and neuroscience, to highlight the literary artistry and intellectual depth of scientific thought. The selections range from short passages to longer pieces, featuring luminaries such as Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Rachel Carson, and Carl Sagan, alongside lesser-known but eloquent voices.

The book is organized thematically into sections like "What Scientists Study," "Who Scientists Are," "What Scientists Think," and "What Scientists Feel," offering a broad perspective on the scientific endeavor. Notable inclusions are James Watson’s account of discovering DNA’s structure, Richard Feynman’s reflections on beauty in physics, and Oliver Sacks’ explorations of the human brain, each showcasing distinct styles—from poetic to analytical. Dawkins provides brief introductions to each piece, adding context and his own insights, though some critics note his introductions occasionally overshadow the texts with his personal views.

At 448 pages, the anthology avoids technical jargon where possible, making it accessible to lay readers while appealing to science enthusiasts. It aims to bridge science and literature, challenging the notion that the two are incompatible, and includes a diverse range of voices, though it has been critiqued for a slight bias toward British and American authors and a lack of representation from non-Western perspectives. Praised for its engaging compilation and Dawkins’ passionate curation, it remains a celebrated collection that celebrates science as a humanistic pursuit, ideal for readers interested in the intersection of knowledge and expression.