Icon News & Events
‘In discussions of everything from jet engines to jet lag, Clegg both fascinates and informs. If straightforward science can dispel fear of flying, there will soon be fewer people shaking in their seats.’
Posted on 2011/11/24 in General, tagged as
Brian Clegg’s Inflight Science is reviewed today in American Science magazine Science News. ‘Besides providing loads of info about how airplanes work,’ writes reviewer Sid Perkins, ‘the book includes several experiments that passengers can conduct right on their tray tables —illustrating scientific principles for the keenly observant and offering blessed distraction for the chronically nervous. Readers can test Galileo’s theory of relativity (yes… Read more »
‘I heart The Etymologicon’
Posted on 2011/11/23 in General, tagged as
Gretchen Wheeler of Waterstones Coventry University has just sent us this lovely image of her shelf-talker expressing her love forMark Forsyth’s book… Have you read the book? Send us your review to info@iconbooks.co.uk and we’ll publish it here.
‘Beware: money is always a warning!’
Posted on 2011/11/23 in General, tagged as
Mark Forsyth’s peculiar twists of popular book jackets today continue with two books from exalted British men of letters – George Orwell and Martin Amis, whose classic blackly comic novel of 80s hubris has been given a particularly apposite adjustment, as you can see left. For the Orwell book, and further explanation, head over to Bookhugger. For more on Mark’s book The Etymologicon, click here.
‘Lose Control at the Manifestation of God’ or ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’?
Posted on 2011/11/22 in General, tagged as
Etymologicon author Mark Forsyth’s book title experiments continue apace today with books from Truman Capote, Margaret Atwood and Leo Tolstoy. See more over at Bookhugger here.
Have you read Emily Brontë’s Coughing in Heaven, or The Breadbin of Curves by Tolkien?
Posted on 2011/11/21 in General, tagged as
Etymologicon author Mark Forsyth is exploring the etymological roots of various famous book titles for literary site Bookhugger this week. As you can see here, today he explains how Wuthering Heights or The Lord of the Rings might otherwise be known… Stay tuned for more during this week and a very exciting Etymologicon-themed competition on Friday.
Martin Bell reads his Epitaph
Posted on 2011/11/18 in General, tagged as
We’ve recently published For Whom the Bell Tolls by Martin Bell. He’s a man best know for being a BBC war reporter, and then Britain’s first independent MP for 50 years when he was elected to Parliament in 1997. His new book though announced a third career for Martin – that of a poet – and For Whom the Bell Tolls includes verse that he wrote when he was 19, doing his National Service, as well a poems on the big news events of 2011, in particular… Read more »
‘The MUST HAVE stocking filler for this Christmas’
Posted on 2011/11/17 in General, tagged as
Just spotted by an eagle-eyed Icon staffer – this lovely card in Waterstones Picadilly extolling the virtues of The Etymologicon..
New website from John Farndon
Posted on 2011/11/17 in General, tagged as
John Farndon, whose titles for Icon include the bestselling Do You Think You’re Clever? and the follow-up to that book, The World’s Greatest Idea, has a sparkly new website. It’s here – www.johnfarndon.com – so please do take a look!
‘If you like words, it’s for you.’
Posted on 2011/11/16 in General, tagged as
Brian Clegg, author of Icon’s bestselling title this year so far, Inflight Science, has some nice things to say about The Etymologicon on his blog. ‘As the name sort of suggests,’ he writes ‘this is a book about where words come from, which as a writer I’m a sucker for – but anyone should find it fun. It’s light, entertaining and fascinating. Did you know for instance that ‘pool’ as in pooling resources and playing pool has nothing to do with wat… Read more »
Johnny Ball – the man, the legend! #johnnyballisalegend
Posted on 2011/11/15 in General, tagged as
Johnny Ball has probably inspired more people to love science and maths than all your Brian Coxes, Stephen Hawkings and Richard Dawkinses combined. Anyone over the age of about 30 has a special place in their heart for the TV presenter who showed, through his long-running BBC and ITV series in the 1980s, that science and maths needn’t be dull or difficult but are in fact the most exciting subjects you’re ever likely to encounter. So, to celebrate… Read more »
