Darwin, Hawking, Dawkins… New Scientist readers voted for the 10 popular science books that helped changed the world
HALF a century ago, biologist Rachel Carson sent shock waves through US society. By the time her book Silent Spring hit the shelves on 27 September 1962, it had already sparked fierce debate. In the weeks before publication, President John F. Kennedy had to field questions about the widespread use of pesticides, an issue he noted had become a central scientific concern – thanks to “Miss Carson’s book”.
As well as bringing scientific ideas to a broader audience, piquing fascination and providing…
