The Science Of Discworld
Written by Terry Pratchett, Ian Stewart, and Jack Cohen
Paperback, Priced £6.99
Out Now

I am usually deeply suspicious of these kind of books. Not having a mathematical mind, such books tend to drift into impossible levels of complexity. Also, scientists as a general rule utterly fail as writers of entertaining books.

It was a matter of some surprise, then, that I found The Science Of Discworld to be as good a read as it was. The tiny text necessary to fit the content between the covers didn't even spoil the experience.

The science is hung around a story which sees the wizards of Unseen University, particularly those in the high energy magic facility, accidentally create a miniature cosmos. Floating within this cosmos is an impossible planet. A spherical planet. Roundworld.

Earth.

This is real science. Big Science. The fun stuff of proper sci-fi. So BIG, so theoretical (in places), that it becomes easier to wrap one's head around. This is especially the case as the writers of the science bit, Messrs Stewart and Cohen, make it interesting, accessible and funny.

It is unfortunate that this book will likely be placed in the wrong section of bookshops everywhere. One this good should be on the national curriculum…

7.5/10

Reviews by Iain Lowson