Timelines of Science

How science changed the world one discovery at a time.

Timelines of Science takes you on an astonishing journey back through the ages, showing how dedication, disasters, and eureka moments have brought us antibiotics, electricity, space exploration, and so much more.

Packed with fascinating facts, amazing images, and some seriously staggering science, this book shows how thousands of years of human endeavour have expanded our knowledge and shaped our lives.

Find out why the fruitless search for a potion of eternal life led to the birth to chemistry. See how the invention of magnifying lenses opened new windows into the cosmos and microcosmos. And learn how happy accidents led to the discovery of X-rays, batteries, pulsars, and even the big bang.

Timelines of Science is not just about science - it's also a book about people. The stories of discovery are told through the lives of extraordinary men and women who often dared to challenge conventional wisdom in their trailblazing pursuit of scientific truth. The timelines show how each scientist "stood on the shoulders of giants", building on the work of previous luminaries, while - in some cases - bitterly trying to overturn their rivals' or predecessors' theories.

Filled with dazzling illustrations, spectacular photography, and easy-to-follow storytelling that cuts through technical jargon, Timelines of Science is guaranteed to capture the imagination of children of all ages and abilities.