The Royal Society was founded in 1660 to pioneer scientific discovery and exploration. The oldest scientific academy in existence, amongst its alumni are some of the most eminent scientists in history including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. This illustrated book, published in 2011 to mark the Society's 350th anniversary, and edited by Bill Bryson (himself an Honorary FRS), is a series of essays from twenty notable individuals in science such as Richard Dawkins, Margaret Atwood, Richard Holmes, Martin Rees, Richard Fortey, Steve Jones, James Gleick and Neal Stephenson. The overarching theme is "... that the history of scientific endeavour and discovery is a continuous thread running through the history of the world and of society – and is one that continues to shape the world we live in today." A bit of a curates egg - some of the essays are readable and interesting, others less so, but the overall impact is impressive. Lots about climate change (inevitably), and quantum physics, but also interesting topics such as cosmology and the civil engineering of bridge building. Hard work, but I am glad I have read it.

Published July 2011. Read on Kindle.