Nature of Things

“We may like to consider ourselves civilized , but it is largely our material wealth that has given us civilization… We created them, and they, in turn, made us what we are today.”

We live in a world of materials. We are surrounded by everyday miracles of design and engineering. Think of steel: We put it in our mouth, use it against unwanted hair, and ride in it. Our most loyal friend, but we don't know how it works. Why is glass transparent? What gives a tire its flexibility? Why do paper clips bend? Why does a material look the way it does, why does it behave the way it does?
Mark Miodownik takes us into the inner world of materials. From the porcelain that saved its inventor from execution to the foam in our shoes, from the paper in your hand to concrete, the scapegoat of our civilization, it reveals how these miracles that shape our lives were born, the incredible stories behind their discoveries, and what this whole journey tells about the skill and creativity of the human race.
What makes The Nature of Things unique is that it is published in 20 languages.
What turned it into a popular science classic is Miodownik's obsessive passion and his ability to convey this passion to us through words. Not only to the objects around us,
It also changes our perspective on the world.

ROYAL ACADEMY SCIENCE BOOK AWARD

I woke up because of this book.
- OLIVER SACKS -

Miodownik writes so well that it makes even concrete sparkle.
- FINANCIAL TIMES -

Expertly written and extremely enjoyable.
- OBSERVER -

(From the Promotional Bulletin)

Dough Type: 2nd Dough

Number of Pages: 280

Size: 14 x 21

First Printing Year: 2019

Number of Printings: 1st Edition