The Magic of Reality: How We Know What's Really True
Know What's Really True: The Magic of Reality is Richard Dawkins and Dave McKean’s illustrated exploration of scientific explanations for questions about the world. It ranges across topics including space, time, evolution, weather and life, contrasting scientific accounts with myths and stories from different cultures.
At a glance
- Explains subjects such as space, time and evolution through scientific accounts.
- Sets scientific explanations alongside myths and stories from around the world.
- Illustrated by Dave McKean, with themes including rainbows, ancestors, tsunamis, stars, plants and animals.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers a wide range of natural-science questions in one book.
- The illustrations and accessible approach may help make complex ideas easier to follow.
Technical specifications
7 specifications| Publisher | Bantam Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 15 Sept. 2011 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 272 pages |
| Weight listed | 1.08 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.2 x 2.9 x 25.7 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for an illustrated introduction to scientific explanations of the natural world.
- Families and readers across age groups interested in science, myths and questions about how the world works.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a specialist textbook or a narrowly focused treatment of one scientific subject.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
61% 61% - 4 stars
24% 24% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback highlights accessible writing, readable explanations, illustrations and discussion of myths and stories. These strengths suit readers looking for an approachable, visually supported survey rather than a single-topic reference. Opinions are not uniformly positive, with some customers finding the book disappointing.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the accessible writing and readability.
- Customers value the illustrations and the discussion of myths and stories.
Mixed feedback
- Some customers describe the book as disappointing.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects does The Magic of Reality cover?
The listing describes discussions of space, time, evolution and questions about the sun, seasons, rainbows, tsunamis, stars, plants and animals.
Does this book use illustrations?
Yes. The listing credits Dave McKean as illustrator and describes the book as presenting its explanations in words and pictures.
Who might enjoy this book?
It is presented for readers of different ages who are interested in scientific explanations and the myths people have told about the world.
How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 272 pages.
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