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 ...
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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.
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Add this copy of The Illustrated Magic of Reality: How We Know What's to cart. $1.49, very good condition, Sold by Hippo Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toledo, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Add this copy of The Illustrated Magic of Reality: How We Know What's to cart. $1.49, good condition, Sold by Hippo Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toledo, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
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Seller's Description:
Good. All pages and cover are intact. Possible slightly loose binding, minor highlighting and marginalia, cocked spine or torn dust jacket. Maybe an ex-library copy and not include the accompanying CDs, access codes or other supplemental materials.
Add this copy of The Illustrated Magic of Reality: How We Know What's to cart. $1.49, fair condition, Sold by Hippo Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toledo, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
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Fair. Noticeably used book. Text is legible but may be soiled and have binding defects. Heavy wear to covers and pages contain marginal notes, underlining, and or highlighting. Possible ex library copy, with all the markings/stickers of that library. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, and dust jackets may not be included.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $2.00, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $2.00, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $2.00, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $2.00, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
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Add this copy of The Illustrated Magic of Reality: How We Know What's to cart. $2.00, good condition, Sold by Discover Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toledo, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
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Good. All pages and cover are intact. Possible slightly loose binding, minor highlighting and marginalia, cocked spine or torn dust jacket. Maybe an ex-library copy and not include the accompanying CDs, access codes or other supplemental materials.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $2.00, good condition, Sold by Owls Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toledo, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2011 by Free Press.
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Seller's Description:
Good. All pages and cover are intact. Possible slightly loose binding, minor highlighting and marginalia, cocked spine or torn dust jacket. Maybe an ex-library copy and not include the accompanying CDs, access codes or other supplemental materials.
Dawkins has written this book specifically for children in middle school though adults without a strong background in science could also befit from it. As a professor, author, lecturer, and promoter of science, reason, and critical thinking, Dawkins has written this book to help dispel all-too-common myths on the creation of the earth, what causes earthquakes, what rainbows are, evolution, and several other topics that that ancient texts have so clearly misunderstood.
Most chapters begin with creation myths for the topic discussed and it's not difficult to see how earlier fiction got so many things wrong with such a limited understanding of the natural world. The focus then shifts into how science, logic, and reason have helped us to better understand the topics. Each subject is explored in way that helps the reader to differentiate between the "old" understanding of myth and superstition and what we know now.
As an educator, Dawkins has thoroughly researched the topics but openly admits in a few places where he has reached the limit of his understanding as the material extends outside of his scope of knowledge. Instead of fabricating some explanation, he encourages the reader to further explore the topic to better their understanding.
Considering the intended audience, the author provides enough detail to covey a good understanding without getting too deep into each subject.
This is an excellent book for readers between 10 and 15.
Marina B
Nov 7, 2013
College course reading
This book was purchased as mandatory reading for a Freshman level psychology class for my daughter. She said the author states that he is Atheist which is contradictory to our beliefs, and she advises me that while some of his scientific observations could be valid, other thoughts the author had seemed off. Not something she would enjoy reading again.
