Beginnings: The Story of Origins--Of Mankind, Life, the Earth, the Universe

This volume falls somewhere between a history of science for young people and a compendium of scientific trivia. Asimov, author of A History of Physics and countless other books, discusses originsfrom human flight to viruses, earth and the solar system. He examines the beginning of civilization and the evolution of life, from single-cell organisms to modern humans. Though treated briefly, each topic is well-organized and smoothly written; Beginnings would serve nicely as a launching pad for a neophyte's interest in the sciences. Notably lacking, however, is a list for further reading. (October 19)