Best science book ever
On 19 October 2006, the Royal Institution of Great Britain named the 1975 short story collection The Periodic Table (short [story collection)|The Periodic Table], by Primo Levi, the best science book ever. After taking nominations from many scientists in various disciplines, authors, and other notable people, the Royal Institution compiled a shortlist of books for consideration. This shortlist was presented to the public at an event held at Imperial College and the audience voted to determine which book was "the best."
Shortlist
The Periodic Table by Primo Levi King Solomon's Ring by Konrad LorenzArcadia by Tom StoppardThe Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
The Double Helix by James WatsonThe Life of Galileo by Bertolt BrechtPluto's Republic by Peter MedawarThe Voyage of the Beagle by Charles DarwinThe Blank Slate by Steven PinkerA Leg to Stand On by Oliver SacksConsciousness Explained by Daniel DennettShadows of the Mind by Roger PenroseOn Growth and Form by D'Arcy Wentworth ThompsonInvention by Norbert WienerGödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas HofstadterMathematics, Form and Function by Saunders Mac LaneA Mathematician's Apology by G.H. HardyThe Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver SacksHow to Build a Time Machine by Paul DaviesMason & Dixon by Thomas PynchonSurely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard FeynmanThe Strategy of Conflict by Thomas SchellingThe Microbe Hunters by Paul de Kruif