Yet another excellent book!
|
Although a slight detour from the norml type of Discworld book, I found the combination of the story (which was great) and the explanations of the real science behind the story to be absolutely fascinating and I learned stuff I never knew before while still being entertained in the good old Pratchett style!
I have now brought all three of these Science of the Discworld series and have already read them several times over as they were so enjoyable.
|
|
third time not quite the charm
|
The third in a series of discworld books that are half fiction and half fact. The fiction bits are based around the wizards and their misadventures in roundworld [earth] a world they accidentally created. The chapters of this are interdispersed with non fiction ones about science.
The trouble with this one is that the discworld section just feels over familiar and doesn't really grab. And the science chapters are variable. Some that tell the story of charles darwin and his work are engrossing. Others get into different areas that can be heavy going at times.
So not a bad book all in all, just not the strongest entry in the series
|
|
|
Should Darwin's Watch Really Have Three Pairs of Hands?
|
Even after reading 2½ of these `Science of Discworld' publications I remain ambivalent about them. In some ways I find the alternating chapters reminiscent of current TV styles in which they continually cut from one thread to another, just as you get interested in the current one! Continuity is sacrificed. It is almost tempting to read the alternate chapters as, in effect, separate books: read the odd chapters first, and then go back to the start and read the even!
The educational content is (mostly) approachable and, in itself, entertainingly written by the Ian Stewart & Jack Cohen pairing; and, I suppose, brings some valid knowledge to the younger audience via a vehicle they are likely to accept. That said, I had to read several sections at least twice to get some understanding (and still don't feel sure I've grasped it all - there are some sophisticated ideas covered!)
However, without doing much in the way of research, I question just how much input the various members of the writing trio have into the two aspects of the book. I also wonder how far the concept places limits on Mr. P's creativity and originality of thought. It seems to me that some of the reviewers have tended to forget that there are three authors collaborating here. I think it is a rare thing for such to result in little or no dilution of any one contributor's style.
As a result, I feel that Terry Pratchett's narrative lacks the punch found in his solo efforts. At any rate the snigger quotient has, thus far, been rather low in comparison with other novels from the author. Is it me just getting older and more jaded? I long for the rich cast of characters and the strange lands beyond the Unseen University. The story of the wizards' (mis)adventures in Roundworld lacks the usual flair and freshness - seemingly constrained by the `Science' theme, particularly as it is demonstrably not that of Discworld.
Yet, I keep reading them, finding something worthwhile in each, and wondering just how it will work out in the end; and what quirky path it will trace and which strange cast we will meet along the way.
As to whether the scientists are religion-bashing or not, well that is a debate that is probably best saved for a forum rather than a book review. Suffice it to say that the material covered is well-known as being contentious, with strong views held on both sides. The authors, in my view, try to tread a reasonable path, but are bound to step on a few sensitive toes in doing so!
So, on balance, not a great read. No snorts, sniggers or guffaws on every page. An intriguing publication to continue the series, but almost like writing by numbers (or formula) - somehow lacking in the atmosphere and unfettered fun of the main Discworld novels.
A 3 for effort, but could do better, boys.
|
|
|
A clear view of a mad world
|
|
The beauty of Terry Pratchett's work is that he has a very refreshing knack of taking usually quite sensitive subjects and stripping them down to their bare bones, looking at the bits and telling you exactly what is there. Without the blinkers. I love the respect he seems to give his readers. He seems to give you the facts and lets you get on and make your own decisions. This, like the othe two is not an easy read. It requires a certain level of concentration and ability to understand. I love the outlook he portrays on life in general and the fearlessness with which he seems to attack taboo subjects. His own lack of personal beliefs in his writing is easy to get along with and allows you te chance to create your own opinion. He has never failed to enlighten me with his philosophy and reason. He looks at humans as though they are rats in a maze. It's brilliant! Very humbling and down to earth. A good kick in the pompus, self righteous arse that is human perception of just how great we think we are...
|
|
|
Pratchett ditches satire and embraces propaganda
|
So, here is part three of The Science of Discworld. In which the current state of the theory of evolution is explained in chapters interleaved with a story of the further interferences of Discworld in our own universe, which they kindly created by mistake.
Is this as good as Terry Pratchett's previous books? Well, it depends what you mean. Is it funny? Yes. But, how can I put it, Terry is becoming a very environmentally friendly comic writer, conserving his remaining supply of original material for future books by filling this one with recycled jokes from his past works. Lets face it, the seam of wise cracks about fat lazy university professors was exhausted some time ago. Is it informative? Yes, there is a good amount of information on the current state of the Theory of Evolution and related topics like the current state of knowledge about human DNA. If you went to school, or even University more than 10 years ago you will find that things have moved on quite a bit.
But there is something about this book the spells trouble if the author continues down the path taken here.
Terry Pratchett has lost his grip on what satire is, and has instead given us 300 odd pages of propaganda. Harsh words? No. Satire is a turning of the tables, a dethroning of the rich and powerful, an upsetting of the status quo to liberate those who are oppressed by it. But when the same comic artillery is deployed in favour of the powerful and the status quo it is just propaganda.
It isn't as if Pratchett is setting up 6 day creationism against science. This book is actually based on a premise that people who believe that God works through evolution are dangerous and that godless evolution must triumph if the world's population is to be saved. Maybe you think I'm taking this too seriously. After all, it's just a story. But it isn't just a story, this is the line Pratchett takes in the scientific and historical sections of the book.
Beyond that the logic of the arguments here defeat each other. As the book points out, one of the great strengths of Victorian England was that diversity flourished in it, and that is one of the reasons it was such an inventive time. What Pratchett also knows is that the diversity existed because no one world view predominated at the time. So what does Pratchett propose? To end the diversity of world views by making a godless scientific one the only show in town.
The move from satire to propaganda is a wrong turn. There is still much of the old Pratchett here, but the new model is no laughing matter.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada