How to by Randall Munroe has the subtitle: “absurd
scientific advice for common real-world problems.” The book applies hard
science, predominantly basic physics, to real problems like how to throw a pool
party or how to cross a river, and also absurd ones like how to build a lava
moat or how to power your house on Mars. In all cases, the science is followed
to extreme limits.
For example, the chapter on how to take a
selfie introduces an informative discussion of wide-angle lenses.
How to be on time is an excuse to explore time
zones and leap seconds.
An excellent book to read in short pieces. Most
chapters are under ten pages with illustrations.
I highly recommend the book to anyone interested
in science. Usually, basic math and science are sufficient to follow the author’s
line of reasoning to its fascinating extreme.
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