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teachinsci's review against another edition
4.0
This book was obviously the product of someone who enjoys Dr. Who and who spent a good amount of time interviewing people who knew the physics and other topics which he discussed. Most of the chapters seemed to be fairly accurate as far as the science (at least up to the time the book was written) and it certainly made me want to go and finish watching all the classic Doctor Who that I can find (which I did whenever I took a break from the book). All-in-all well done, though I would love to see it updated to include the science of topics through the 12th doctor.
My favorite chapter had to be number 32 (some of the chapters were very short) about the multiverse. I knew a goodly amount about most of the other topics, but had not realized that I knew so little about the theories behind the multiverse and this book definitely made me want to study more of it.
My favorite chapter had to be number 32 (some of the chapters were very short) about the multiverse. I knew a goodly amount about most of the other topics, but had not realized that I knew so little about the theories behind the multiverse and this book definitely made me want to study more of it.
callysutherland's review against another edition
3.0
Good, well written, and not too long, bumbling or spouting, but I had the distinct impression that most of this book went in one eye and out the other.
Sadly, I'm just not that into physics, and an awful lot of this book went into describing how to make something fit into something else that was much smaller than itself, and how time travel could work. I was interested, but I couldn't honestly now tell you the answer.
Happily, there was an (all too brief) section all about biology, where Paul Parsons chose a selection of monsters and explained how they might work, such as how the Slitheen might be able to fit into the empty skin of a person considerably smaller than them, and why this would cause quite so much gas. There was even a brief overview of The Doctor's two hearts and regeneration, which was very interesting.
Sadly, however, too much physics interspersed with too little biology. If that's what you are interested in, then read this book. If not, however, keep enjoying the TV shows - you never know, something like that might come along some day...
Sadly, I'm just not that into physics, and an awful lot of this book went into describing how to make something fit into something else that was much smaller than itself, and how time travel could work. I was interested, but I couldn't honestly now tell you the answer.
Happily, there was an (all too brief) section all about biology, where Paul Parsons chose a selection of monsters and explained how they might work, such as how the Slitheen might be able to fit into the empty skin of a person considerably smaller than them, and why this would cause quite so much gas. There was even a brief overview of The Doctor's two hearts and regeneration, which was very interesting.
Sadly, however, too much physics interspersed with too little biology. If that's what you are interested in, then read this book. If not, however, keep enjoying the TV shows - you never know, something like that might come along some day...
iamleeg's review against another edition
2.0
This book is a scattershot overview of doctor who (classic and modern) with sometimes tenuous links to science or engineering that was current at time of writing. Unfortunately neither side is treated with enough depth to be satisfying.
hzb333's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a good survey of science and a good introduction to Dr. Who. It's interesting and entertaining.
carrionlibrarian's review against another edition
2.0
The balance between hard science and common interest content was excellent for the most part. The sections dealing with biology and cloning act as an excellent complement to high school biology. The astronomy sections also did a good job of keeping complex topics understandable (though the section of how exactly the TARDIS could work was a little advanced even with my first year university physics). Of particular interest to me was the bits covering cybernetic implants; Some of the real life examples, like the fellow with the implants that allowed him to navigate his lab without sight, sound like science fiction themselves.
Towards the end of the book the ties to Doctor Who got a little tenuous. For instance an entire chapter on black holes is set up by a handful of sentences about the Eye of Harmony.
In addition, despite being updated twice since it’s initial publication in 2006 the focus is still primarily on classic Doctor Who. The 10th doctor era feels tacked on and the 11th doctor isn’t mentioned at all. This can be double-edged sword: Teens may feel alienated by a lack of the doctors they’re most familiar with, but others interested in the history of the series will eat this book up.
Towards the end of the book the ties to Doctor Who got a little tenuous. For instance an entire chapter on black holes is set up by a handful of sentences about the Eye of Harmony.
In addition, despite being updated twice since it’s initial publication in 2006 the focus is still primarily on classic Doctor Who. The 10th doctor era feels tacked on and the 11th doctor isn’t mentioned at all. This can be double-edged sword: Teens may feel alienated by a lack of the doctors they’re most familiar with, but others interested in the history of the series will eat this book up.
amysutton's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting read. The author covered many scientific topics, a lot focusing on astronomy and physics but also getting into some fun biology and quantum theory. Most of the examples were very briefly covered, so the "science talk" didn't get too deep (which is either good or bad depending on who you are and how interested you are in each independent topic). Yet everything flowed well and seemed to be well researched.
sadhorse_kaishain's review against another edition
4.0
Like most science related books that aren't textbooks, this book was more informative than educational. In a similar fashion to Michio Kaku's Physics of the Impossible, it discussed several technologies in the Who universe and the possibility of them being created by humans, as well as giving examples of real world science and technology that are related. The book also covered some topics not related to technology, but rather the nature of our universe.
Throughout the book there are bits of information and quotations from the show. There are also several chapters dedicated to some of the alien/non-human species in the show and analyses of their technologies.
Overall it was quite an entertaining book, but most likely would only appeal to a small group of people.
Throughout the book there are bits of information and quotations from the show. There are also several chapters dedicated to some of the alien/non-human species in the show and analyses of their technologies.
Overall it was quite an entertaining book, but most likely would only appeal to a small group of people.
reginacattus's review against another edition
4.0
This easily-accessible book has all the hallmarks of a book written by someone who knows what he's talking about (or at least has had a very good discussion with someone else who does). It is, of course, super-nerdy, but it isn't patronising in the slightest, which is a refreshing change. This is a non-fiction book about fiction, and although it's almost exclusively theoretical, you can't really expect any more from it, given that Doctor Who, and all those characters and worlds, is a work of fiction. Bearing in mind that this edition is about a decade old, a lot of the science still holds true, while other parts (such as the touted nanobots) haven't really caught on or kept up with their deadlines. The funniest part was reading about the [then] current debate over Pluto's planet status.
In any case, this book is a must-read for any hard-core Whovians out there who want a little proof that maybe, somewhere out there in the multiverse, the Doctor is gadding about in his TARDIS saving worlds.
In any case, this book is a must-read for any hard-core Whovians out there who want a little proof that maybe, somewhere out there in the multiverse, the Doctor is gadding about in his TARDIS saving worlds.
senevilla's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book! If you love Doctor Who and science, you may not be able to put this down. (Even if you've read it 3 times already.)