7 of the most popular science books of all time

A primer on the infinite of knowledge waiting to be learned.

  • Chaos theory, evolution and the cosmos make for an eye-opening read.
  • Carl Sagan paints a sagacious picture of humanity's place in the universe.
  • Great scientists give us a glimpse into their minds and their theories.
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10 Golden Age science fiction novels

Transport yourself to other worlds and states of mind.

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  • The early 20th century saw explosive growth for the science fiction genre.
  • A wide range of these books would go on to become classics.
  • These great works explore the strange, zany and absurd profundities of our existence.
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How to use a thesaurus to actually improve your writing

Looking up big, fancy words won't make your writing better. But a thesaurus can help – if you use it like this.

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  • Using a thesaurus to find larger or more impressive words is misguided, says Martin Amis. Instead, use a thesaurus to find words with the perfect rhythm for your sentence.
  • For example, the Nabokov novel "Invitation to a Beheading" was originally called – not for very long – "Invitation to an Execution". Nabokov nixed the repetitive suffix.
  • A dictionary is also a writer's best friend; looking up words has a rejuvenating effect on your mind, says Amis. "When you look up a word in the dictionary you own it in a way you didn't before. You know what it comes from and you know its exact meaning."
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Edgar Allan Poe, poet, essayist... cosmologist?

Not so much.

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  • In 1848, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a book outlining his theory of everything.
  • Modern readers will find many familiar concepts, including the Big Bang and multiple universes.
  • While it has little real scientific merit, it does have a solution to Olbers' Paradox.
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10 must-read classic books for beginners

Your gateway to enjoying literature.

Extravagant Library (Photo: Getty Images)
  • Classical literature constitutes a notable piece of work that has enduring quality over the years.
  • The ranks of classics encompasses a small number of works over many languages.
  • These works are accessible and timeless.
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