In clear, readable prose, the books in this series center their surveys on seven or eight pioneers in their fields, including Tycho Brahe (observational astronomy), William Herschel (deep space), James Marsh (toxicology), and Alec Jeffreys (DNA fingerprints). Varied black-and-white illustrations, photos, and other marginalia extend the text. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: Astronomy and Forensics.]

Gr 5-8-This book traces the development of astronomy as a scientific discipline through profiles of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, and Herschel. After an introduction on the beginnings of the science, each successive chapter is devoted to the work of one man and includes a brief glimpse into his early life. Sections entitled "The Breakthrough" recount the events surrounding the work that contributed to the advancement of astronomy; "The Result" discusses the impact of that work. A concluding chapter treats progress since the time of Herschel. The easy-to-read, interesting text occupies about two-thirds of the page. The wide margins include additional biographical or astronomical information and definitions of relevant terms. The plentiful black-and-white photographs and illustrations are of average quality. This title is useful for research, and students may also be encouraged to check out biographies of the individuals profiled.-Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.