The Magic of Reality: Illustrated Children's Edition - Softcover

"It's the clearest and most beautifully written introduction to science I've ever read . . . Explanations I thought I knew were clarified; things I never understood were made clear for the first time." (Philip Pullman)

"I wanted to write this book but I wasn't clever enough. Now I've read it, I am." (Ricky Gervais)

"Prodigiously illustrated and beautifully designed ... I cannot think of a better, or simpler, introduction to science." (Guardian)

"From the first sentence it reads with the force and fluency of a classic ... a luminous, authoritative prose that transcends age differences." (The Times)

"With fabulous illustrations by Dave McKean, Richard Dawkins' The Magic of Reality is an outstanding science book. Written in a simple. conversational style that will appeal to adults as well as teenagers, it really does explain complex subjects clearly. Every home should have a copy of this beautifully produced book." (Marilyn Brocklehurst The Bookseller)

What are things made of?
What is the sun?
Is there really life on other planets?
Why do bad things happen?

Throughout history, people have invented fascinating stories to explain the world we live in. Have you heard the tale of how the sun hatched out of an emu’s egg? Or what about the great catfish that carries the world on its back? Has anyone ever told you that earthquakes are caused by a sneezing giant? These fantastical myths are fun – but what are the real answers to such questions?

Professor Richard Dawkins has teamed up with renowned illustrator Dave McKean to take you on an amazing journey from atoms to animals, pollination to paranoia, the big bang to the bigger picture. See the wonder of science come alive in this beautifully illustrated guide to the greatest questions on earth – and some of the answers to them.