The adventures of James Bond have thrilled readers since Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world's favourite secret agent.
Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond, and in Superspy Science Kathryn Harkup explores the full range of 007's exploits and the arms, technologies, tactics and downfalls of his various foes. From the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you, and - if your plan is to take over the world - whether it is better
to use bacteria, bombs, or poison - this book has all the answers and more.
Could our favourite Bond villains actually achieve world domination? Were the huge variety of weapons and technology in Bond's arsenal from both the films and books ever actually developed in real life? And would 007
actually escape all those close shaves intact? From the plots to the gadgets to the ludicrous ways that his life is threatened, Superspy Science takes an in-depth look at the scientific world of James Bond.
Whichever Bond is your favourite - and it really ought to be Daniel Craig - Harkup's book is a fun and comprehensive exploration of the not-so-gentlemanly spy's improbable exploits. Could someone die from being painted gold? Are nanobots really the next big thing in mass assassinations? And what's the best way to really get past a bunch of hungry crocodiles? Using science, practicality, and a good dose of wit to take apart the Bond machine, Harkup writes with clear and contagious affection for the franchise; peppered with just as much historical back story and film trivia as scientific analysis, the book also offers an appreciation for just how difficult it was to film those hungry crocs, for example.
If this book doesn't inspire a Bond movie marathon, then you're reading it upside down.
Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned author. She writes and gives regular public talks on the disgusting and dangerous side of science. Her first book was the international best-seller A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, which was shortlisted for a Mystery Readers International Macavity Award and a BMA Book Award. She has also written Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts, and her latest book, Licence to Kill: The Science of James Bond.
@RotwangsRobot
The adventures of James Bond have thrilled readers since Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world's favourite secret agent.
Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond, and in Superspy Science Kathryn Harkup explores the full range of 007's exploits and the arms, technologies, tactics and downfalls of his various foes. From the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you, and - if your plan is to take over the world - whether it is better
to use bacteria, bombs, or poison - this book has all the answers and more.
Could our favourite Bond villains actually achieve world domination? Were the huge variety of weapons and technology in Bond's arsenal from both the films and books ever actually developed in real life? And would 007
actually escape all those close shaves intact? From the plots to the gadgets to the ludicrous ways that his life is threatened, Superspy Science takes an in-depth look at the scientific world of James Bond.
Whichever Bond is your favourite - and it really ought to be Daniel Craig - Harkup's book is a fun and comprehensive exploration of the not-so-gentlemanly spy's improbable exploits. Could someone die from being painted gold? Are nanobots really the next big thing in mass assassinations? And what's the best way to really get past a bunch of hungry crocodiles? Using science, practicality, and a good dose of wit to take apart the Bond machine, Harkup writes with clear and contagious affection for the franchise; peppered with just as much historical back story and film trivia as scientific analysis, the book also offers an appreciation for just how difficult it was to film those hungry crocs, for example.
If this book doesn't inspire a Bond movie marathon, then you're reading it upside down.
Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned author. She writes and gives regular public talks on the disgusting and dangerous side of science. Her first book was the international best-seller A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, which was shortlisted for a Mystery Readers International Macavity Award and a BMA Book Award. She has also written Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts, and her latest book, Licence to Kill: The Science of James Bond.
@RotwangsRobot
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