In Particle Physics: A Very Short Introduction, best-selling author Frank Close provides a compelling and lively introduction to the fundamental particles that make up the universe. The book begins with a guide to what matter is made up of and how it evolved, and goes on to describe the fascinating and cutting-edge techniques used to study it. The author discusses particles such as quarks, elec…
"Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse?" If the question caused you to search your memory, the correct answer would have been "no." A common response is: "Yes--I saw one, it was about 90% partial eclipse where I lived." A 90% partial eclipse is indeed a remarkable phenomenon, but true totality leaves all else in the shade, in all senses of the phrase. Ask the question of anyone who has exper…
In June 2018, in preparation for writing this chapter, I undertook two distinct searches. The first was of Oxford college and faculty libraries (around 40 in all), using the search tool SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online). The second, of local charity shops around Oxford, I undertook on foot. In both I was looking for copies of historical novels by British women writers of the mid-…
Our tastes as consumers and fans are reflected back to us whenever we open our closets. We immediately see our go-to clothing labels, often represent-ing years of fannish brand loyalty. We rifle through leaning towers of folded T-shirts featuring an eclectic mix of fan-designed and licensed imagery ref-erencing beloved media objects. As we move through the world, these forms…