Knowledge of the basic ideas and principles of science is fundamental to cultural literacy. But most books on science are often too obscure or as well specialized to accomplish the general reader much good.

Science Matters is a rare exception-a research book for the overall reader that’s informative a sufficient amount of to be always a popular textbook for introductory classes in senior high school and college, and yet well-written a sufficient amount of to charm to general readers uncomfortable with scientific jargon and complicated mathematics. And today, revised and extended for the very first time in nearly two decades, it is up-to-date, so that visitors can appreciate Hazen and Trefil’s refreshingly accessible explanations of the very most recent developments in research, from particle physics to biotechnology.