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 ...
Read More
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.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by Black Swan.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know Whats Really True to cart. $5.04, very good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by Black Swan.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $5.29, good condition, Sold by Goldstone Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ammanford, CARMS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by Black Swan.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know Whats Really True to cart. $5.29, very good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by Black Swan.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know Whats Really True to cart. $5.29, very good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by Black Swan.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. YELLOW PAGES **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know Whats Really True to cart. $5.29, good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2012 by Black Swan.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $7.99, very good condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Pages are clean with no markings. May show minor signs of wear or cosmetic defects marks cuts bends or scuffs on the cover spine pages or dust jacket. May have remainder marks on edges.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $8.60, fair condition, Sold by Orion Tech rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Arlington, 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. $8.73, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Add this copy of The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True to cart. $8.87, good condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2012 by Free Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
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.