Abstract

Though the oldest form of printed medium, the book retains unique value in scientific and technical popularization. The writing of such popular books is discussed from the viewpoint of the author whose approach, in this case, is to use the technique of the interview to translate science into language accessible to the layman. Experience in research, in handling controversy, and in skirting the dangers of the dubious breakthrough and the time tags that build obsolescence into a manuscript is also related.