Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Free Press (2012), Edition: Reprint, 272 pages
Description
The author of "The God delusion" addresses key scientific questions previously explained by rich mythologies, from the evolution of the first humans and the life cycle of stars to the principles of a rainbow and the origins of the universe.
Media reviews
as Richard Dawkins confirms again and again in this book – his first for "a family audience" – science composes stories as thrilling as Homer, as profound as Job, and as entertaining as anything by Kipling.
User reviews
LibraryThing member JeffV
A year or so ago; right-wing nutjob Bill O'Reilly, amidst one of his bizarre tirades, pretty much admitted to being utterly clueless as to the state of science and assumed his followers were as clueless as he. And judging by the imbeciles his party has trotted forth since Bush Sr. became a
The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins seems like it was written for the likes of Bill O'Reilly. By and large, modern scientists have reacted to the rise of right-wing sponsored ignorance by ignoring it...and just ask NASA....that's not working too well for us. And us is a growing collective -- it's not just American anti-intellectual fundamentalists gaining ground, but to a lesser extent, those in Great Britain and Europe as well. Between growing fundamentalist influence and a corresponding lack of science education, millions are functionally illiterate when it comes to science. And that has grown to a dangerous number, jeopardizing the future of humanity in the process.
Dawkins suggests that scientifically vetted theories and truths are every bit as "magical" as mystical explanations offered by Creationists and other loony anti-intellectuals. He appeals to the romance of science, of the wonder of discovering truths, or at least viable theories that fit truths as we now know them. Sometimes he ventures beyond his particular areas of expertise -- admitting that he doesn't fully understand what he is about to relate. This is in the rarefied air that is quantum physics; few truly understand and even those who attempt to popularize it (such as Stephan Hawking) don't often succeed. Fortunately, such mea culpas are few and far between -- Dawkins speaks from a position of strength throughout most of the book.
Those familiar with Dawkins other work might not gain anything new from this book, but probably knows someone who ought to read it. And those of us inclined to take up the banner of science over fantasy might still find some persuasive arguments aimed at a more general audience (Dawkins last book on evolution was a little too intellectual to appeal to those who needed most to understand it, I think). For someone like myself who has been fighting the good fight, it's nice to have some weapons in the arsenal that are less polarizing from the get-go.
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one-termer; probably few of them have notice. Meanwhile, the rest of us got a great laugh at his expense. When he claimed that the tides were unknowable, even children who know better must have been rolling on the floor in laughter.The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins seems like it was written for the likes of Bill O'Reilly. By and large, modern scientists have reacted to the rise of right-wing sponsored ignorance by ignoring it...and just ask NASA....that's not working too well for us. And us is a growing collective -- it's not just American anti-intellectual fundamentalists gaining ground, but to a lesser extent, those in Great Britain and Europe as well. Between growing fundamentalist influence and a corresponding lack of science education, millions are functionally illiterate when it comes to science. And that has grown to a dangerous number, jeopardizing the future of humanity in the process.
Dawkins suggests that scientifically vetted theories and truths are every bit as "magical" as mystical explanations offered by Creationists and other loony anti-intellectuals. He appeals to the romance of science, of the wonder of discovering truths, or at least viable theories that fit truths as we now know them. Sometimes he ventures beyond his particular areas of expertise -- admitting that he doesn't fully understand what he is about to relate. This is in the rarefied air that is quantum physics; few truly understand and even those who attempt to popularize it (such as Stephan Hawking) don't often succeed. Fortunately, such mea culpas are few and far between -- Dawkins speaks from a position of strength throughout most of the book.
Those familiar with Dawkins other work might not gain anything new from this book, but probably knows someone who ought to read it. And those of us inclined to take up the banner of science over fantasy might still find some persuasive arguments aimed at a more general audience (Dawkins last book on evolution was a little too intellectual to appeal to those who needed most to understand it, I think). For someone like myself who has been fighting the good fight, it's nice to have some weapons in the arsenal that are less polarizing from the get-go.
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LibraryThing member DarthBrazen
Answers some of the most asked questions of the young and inquisitive mind. This book was refreshing and I will definitely be having my daughter read this once she gets old enough. Does not shove anti-religion in your face but also does not leave religion open as a viable option to explain the
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world. A very good read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Razinha
Ricky Gervais says of The Magic of Reality: “I wanted to write this book but I wasn’t clever enough. Now I’ve read it, I am.” I've found that Dawkins gets more readable the more he writes. Simpler than Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" (simpler, of course, because this
Recommended. Even for adults. Especially for children.
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was written for children and young adults, but I venture to say that a considerable percentage of the American voting population could learn something from this book), Dawkins does a wonderful job addressing myths and reality in a rational, non-confrontational way - atypical for the Dawkins of late...the non-confrontational, that is.Recommended. Even for adults. Especially for children.
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LibraryThing member themulhern
This book may have its flaws, but it breaks new ground. It is written for mature children and addresses the question of why to believe the scientific facts that we have been taught. There are interesting thought experiments, like the one where we put the photographs of our ancestors on an enormous
It is overt in its anti-religiosity. This makes it fit very well with Richard Dawins' previous efforts and I appreciate that he has chosen to reach out to children in this way. I believe that I would have found even greater value in this book as a child than I have as an adult.
In some places it is very English as in the discussions of Christmas pantomime or the play "Where the Rainbow Ends". I enjoy cultural differences and enjoyed them as a child, so this statement is not a criticism.
The reading by Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward is quite pleasant.
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bookshelf.It is overt in its anti-religiosity. This makes it fit very well with Richard Dawins' previous efforts and I appreciate that he has chosen to reach out to children in this way. I believe that I would have found even greater value in this book as a child than I have as an adult.
In some places it is very English as in the discussions of Christmas pantomime or the play "Where the Rainbow Ends". I enjoy cultural differences and enjoyed them as a child, so this statement is not a criticism.
The reading by Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward is quite pleasant.
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LibraryThing member dualmon
I love Dawkins, but this is remedial primer stuff. Not worth your time.
LibraryThing member klburnside
The Magic of Reality is a science book for children. In this book, Richard Dawkins claims that the scientific world is full of what he calls ‘poetic magic'. He defines this as something “deeply moving, exhilarating: something that gives us goose bumps, something that makes us feel more fully
This book is its unapologetic attempt to convert children to atheism. Dawkins’s attitude towards those with religious beliefs is often arrogant and condescending. I would have enjoyed the book more if he had focused on his scientific arguments and refrained from belittling the opposition to prove his point.
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alive.” Each chapter of the book focuses on a different area of science and begins with a question such as, “What are things made of?” or “Who was the first person?” or “When and how did everything begin?” Dawkins does an excellent job illustrating this magic in the world. From the tiniest subatomic particles right before my eyes, to galaxies unfathomable distances away, this book left me in awe of just about everything. The sheer magnitude of the universe, evolution, the structure of atoms—all of it is absolutely mind blowing. There were times I had to put the book down because contemplating the universe became too much. The book is also accompanied by beautiful illustrations weaving their way in and out of the text.This book is its unapologetic attempt to convert children to atheism. Dawkins’s attitude towards those with religious beliefs is often arrogant and condescending. I would have enjoyed the book more if he had focused on his scientific arguments and refrained from belittling the opposition to prove his point.
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LibraryThing member SashaM
Excellent explanations of common scientific theories well written for the intended audience (8-14 year olds). As an adult with a decent understanding of science I sometimes found it a little over-explained and occasionally Dawkins repeats himself to make a point stick. Even so I found a great deal
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of value in the book and definitely took note of several sections which would help to explain scientific theories to others. The section on evolution was particularly well explained. Show Less
LibraryThing member kmaziarz
Famous evolutionary biologist Dawkins teams up with well-known illustrator Dave McKean to examine many of the most fundamental questions in science including why the seasons occur, whether life on other planets is possible, what are the building blocks of matter, and how evolution really works.
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Dawkins presents many of these ideas from a religious or mythological perspective first before delving into the real science. His writing is straightforward enough for most pre-teens or teens to grasp the concepts he’s presenting, but not so simplistic that average adults will feel that Dawkins is talking down to them. McKean’s illustrations, beautiful and complex as always, do a wonderful job of both explicating the concepts Dawkins is presenting and also demonstrating Dawkins’ central theme: that scientific truth is beautiful and magical enough on its own without any need for mythical or supernatural trappings. Show Less
LibraryThing member stevetempo
A different kind of Dawkins book.. This was popular science aimed at the younger person. I found it ok, It reminded me of Asimov's science popularization's which I've read widely. Dawkins describes our current understanding of the natural world in a rational way, while contrasting individual topics
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with their associated myths and mythologies from the past. In This I believe he hopes to convey the value of rational thought and the scientific method over unsupported beliefs. Show Less
LibraryThing member knightlight777
Overall a fascinating read on a fascinating subject. The book is formatted in like a coffee table book fashion with colorful graphics on each page. After reading the book I was a bit surprised that the book was recommended as a good read to introduce young people to science. Not being a young
The point of the book is to try an enlighten on how superstition and oops, religious myth has shaped beliefs on matters to this day that science can and does explain readily. Blasphemous to true believers of course. As is all too apparent belief systems trump reality in many instances. So the book reinforces those who choose to see reality for what it is and believers in myth and fantasy to continue to do so despite the evidence. And life goes on.
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person myself I still got the message, the science is explained in generally simplistic terms.The point of the book is to try an enlighten on how superstition and oops, religious myth has shaped beliefs on matters to this day that science can and does explain readily. Blasphemous to true believers of course. As is all too apparent belief systems trump reality in many instances. So the book reinforces those who choose to see reality for what it is and believers in myth and fantasy to continue to do so despite the evidence. And life goes on.
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LibraryThing member br77rino
Lots of big color pictures and graphs. I'm not sure who the target audience is.
LibraryThing member trueneutral
Richard Dawkins is a biologist, but he also loves writing books about evolution, science and atheism. In this case, he's writing in a lighter style, obviously targetted at a younger audience. He gives religion equal treatment to other myths and legends and, while this might be upsetting to some
He takes popular myths, gives a bit of background about them, especially rationalizing why people tended to believe in them and then explains the phenomena and why they are just myths and not reality. The science is good, although sometimes his explanations are a bit convoluted (especially because he's trying to keep it simple and not use too many complicated terms or notions) - which is ok for me as a grown-up. I have a feeling certain parts of the book would bore a young reader or confuse them, but this book is ideally read by a parent together with the kids so that things can be explained when they get too confusing.
Overall a great read and highly recommended for those wanting a "lighter" Dawkins experience. (I'm still slowly working through his [The Selfish Gene] book on genetics).
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people, I think he does a good job at not being too pushy. He takes popular myths, gives a bit of background about them, especially rationalizing why people tended to believe in them and then explains the phenomena and why they are just myths and not reality. The science is good, although sometimes his explanations are a bit convoluted (especially because he's trying to keep it simple and not use too many complicated terms or notions) - which is ok for me as a grown-up. I have a feeling certain parts of the book would bore a young reader or confuse them, but this book is ideally read by a parent together with the kids so that things can be explained when they get too confusing.
Overall a great read and highly recommended for those wanting a "lighter" Dawkins experience. (I'm still slowly working through his [The Selfish Gene] book on genetics).
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LibraryThing member g33kgrrl
This book had beautiful, absolutely amazing illustrations and good explanations for a variety of scientific and natural phenomena. I loved reading it.
LibraryThing member PIER50
An ok book aimed at teenagers. No great depth, but an ok read.
LibraryThing member nmarun
This is the fourth book of Richard Dawkins that I have read - God Delusion, Blind Watchmaker, Selfish Gene and now Magic of Reality.
There is one thing common in all these four books (something tells me you can include other books to this list as well) - he encourages an attitude to think on your
Coming to this book, there were some parts of the book that I felt were obvious and not new while I read through it. But that probably is because I have read quite a few books on Evolution, Universe and other Science-related issues. Though they were a repetition for me, I definitely liked the way the author put them in words. A few years ago I picked up the book The Energy of Life - Guy Brown just for general reading purposes, but it in turn spawned an insatiable interest in me to know the how/what/why of things. This book has the potential to do the same.
There are many chapters of the book that I like, but the one that stands out for me was the part where they talk about how the Immune system works and it's impact on the body.
I recommend this book for anyone.
There is one thing common in all these four books (something tells me you can include other books to this list as well) - he encourages an attitude to think on your
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own.Coming to this book, there were some parts of the book that I felt were obvious and not new while I read through it. But that probably is because I have read quite a few books on Evolution, Universe and other Science-related issues. Though they were a repetition for me, I definitely liked the way the author put them in words. A few years ago I picked up the book The Energy of Life - Guy Brown just for general reading purposes, but it in turn spawned an insatiable interest in me to know the how/what/why of things. This book has the potential to do the same.
There are many chapters of the book that I like, but the one that stands out for me was the part where they talk about how the Immune system works and it's impact on the body.
I recommend this book for anyone.
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LibraryThing member adam.currey
As the subtitle says, "how we know what's really true" - this book is about exploring the scientific method and how we know the things we know. It explores several specific questions about the world, discussing first myths that have answered the question historically and then the scientific
Intended as an educational tool aimed at children or teenagers, it's also fine for adults as an introduction to these concepts. The language is accessible but does come across as slightly condescending at times.
The book is richly illustrated on every page and is quite beautiful to look at, although I found the varying colour of text and background made it somewhat difficult to read - the text can change from black on white to white on black to black on yellow from one page to another.
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answer.Intended as an educational tool aimed at children or teenagers, it's also fine for adults as an introduction to these concepts. The language is accessible but does come across as slightly condescending at times.
The book is richly illustrated on every page and is quite beautiful to look at, although I found the varying colour of text and background made it somewhat difficult to read - the text can change from black on white to white on black to black on yellow from one page to another.
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LibraryThing member Melina_Hiatt_Easter
Like "What If," this book answers those burning questions you've always had using scientific explanations. In this book, students will enjoy the unbelievable facts as well as the little experiments Richard Dawkins employs to explain concepts. Thinking like a scientist, students will discover what
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makes the world really tick. Show Less
LibraryThing member mbmackay
The intended audience of this book is teenagers with some grounding in science. Dawkins considers a range of basic scientific issues - the Big Bang, rainbows etc. For each topic he starts with the legends, myths or religious stories that provide an "explanation" for the issue, and then follows with
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the actual scientific explanation. In each case he is at pains to highlight the "magic" of the real story, and how it outshines, in every sense, the myths and half-truths of religious teaching. Well done. Read January 2012. Show Less
LibraryThing member 5hrdrive
Good points, clear explanation, but man he can be condescending. I get it Richard, science is really all we need, now please stop talking to me like I'm four!
LibraryThing member Daumari
Gorgeous book, Dawkins answers many of the basic questions children and adults have- who was the first person? What is day and night? Why do bad things happen? with the power of science. Chapters typically start with several myths from different cultures that people have used to explain phenomenon
My only quibbles are minor- Dawkins using British spelling and lingo, which make sense since he *is* a British scientist... but I digress.
The art is excellent; Dave McKean has previously done work for Neil Gaiman's Coraline, covers for Sandman, etc.
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before patiently explaining *why* things work as we know them- or, the magic of reality. It is a far, far better thing to find out why things work than to just toss them to the supernatural because that's giving up. My only quibbles are minor- Dawkins using British spelling and lingo, which make sense since he *is* a British scientist... but I digress.
The art is excellent; Dave McKean has previously done work for Neil Gaiman's Coraline, covers for Sandman, etc.
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LibraryThing member fionaanne
A high school level introduction to science and critical thinking.
LibraryThing member SwitchKnitter
I only read parts of this book and skimmed the rest, since I already knew most of it. But I intend to buy this book for my 10 year old niece. It's a great introduction for kids to real science, and it explains evolution incredibly well.
LibraryThing member Andy_Dingley
A tricky book to review, because it walks a narrow line between simplicity and complexity. The style is very 'young' (and well done). An illustration across every page and text that is clearly worded. But don't be misled: there's more depth to the content here than might be apparent. Unsurprisingly
The question is, what age group does this work best for? There's no simple answer to that. "Curious young minds" would be the only one, and that will depend on who's reading it. Some older kids who might appreciate it might be a little reluctant to take it as seriously as it does really deserve.
One thing it doesn't cover (despite the cover tagline) is "How we know what's really true". Epistemology and scientific method isn't part of this. It tells us how we learned a few things, such as dating rocks and evolutionary change, but it doesn't address some logical questions, such as "What is a scientific hypothesis?" and "How do we prove that the Earth is round?"
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for Dawkins, the answer to most questions would be "evolution" and that's well covered.The question is, what age group does this work best for? There's no simple answer to that. "Curious young minds" would be the only one, and that will depend on who's reading it. Some older kids who might appreciate it might be a little reluctant to take it as seriously as it does really deserve.
One thing it doesn't cover (despite the cover tagline) is "How we know what's really true". Epistemology and scientific method isn't part of this. It tells us how we learned a few things, such as dating rocks and evolutionary change, but it doesn't address some logical questions, such as "What is a scientific hypothesis?" and "How do we prove that the Earth is round?"
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LibraryThing member leforestiere
Written for children from about 12 years on - witch I do question. but nontheless also for adults interesting, even if you think that you know all about everything. very important the main message: the magic about scientific reality!
LibraryThing member datrappert
Dawkins uses several simple questions, such as "Why are there so many different kinds of animals?", as starting points for providing simple, clearly reasoned discussions of evolution, the creation of the universe, and other scientific "magic". He starts out most chapters by discussing some of the
BTW, I read the trade paperback edition. It has only black and white illustrations for each chapter. I believe there is an edition with better, more numerous color illustrations. I would highly recommend purchasing that version for a few dollars more. There were a few times reading then when I wished for a clear illustration to help illuminate the point Dawkins was making.
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myths that have grown up to explain things, then shows how the scientific method has revealed far more accurate--and to Dawkins, more magical--explanations. In discussing these myths, he makes no differentiation between those of the ancients and those of currently popular world religions. Jesus is described only as "a Jewish preacher." I'm sure Dawkins smiled every time he wrote that phrase. I'm a nonbeliever myself, so none of this bothers me, but I do think Dawson at times displays a misunderstanding of faith in general. He debunks the Miracle of Fatima, for instance, by saying that if the sun had actually zoomed down closer to the earth, everyone would have been incinerated. But for the faithful, that is beside the point. If their god could make the sun do that, then their god could also make it happen without harming anyone or without the sun appearing to move for anyone not at Fatima! Still, Dawkins is a patient teacher, reiterating the advantages of the scientific method in each chapter and making the essential point that scientists are always seeking the truth, and if that means dispensing with an old theory when a better one takes its place, so be it. My biggest annoyance with the book, and what keeps it from earning five stars, are the times when Dawkins cites some sort of exception or special case to what he is talking about, but says it would take too long to explain it, then moves on without even a brief aside that would at least point readers in the right direction to find out more information. I would recommend this book mainly for middle schoolers. I read it to see if it would be suitable as the next science book for my 12-year old homeschooled daughter to read. It passed the test.BTW, I read the trade paperback edition. It has only black and white illustrations for each chapter. I believe there is an edition with better, more numerous color illustrations. I would highly recommend purchasing that version for a few dollars more. There were a few times reading then when I wished for a clear illustration to help illuminate the point Dawkins was making.
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Awards
Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize (Shortlist — 2012)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011
Physical description
272 p.; 8.38 inches
ISBN
9781451675047
Other editions
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