The Geek Atlas:
28 Places Where Science and Technology Come Alive
By John Graham-Cumming, O’Reilly
May 2009
Pages: 542
ISBN 10: 0-596-52320-3 ISBN 13: 9780596523206



I don’t often review books on Byte-Sized, but this was one I just couldn’t resist!

Geek Atlas is a travel guide for the science fans, the space nuts, the technology nerds … in other words – you. With 128 destinations around the globe detailed for their scientific and technological discoveries, the Atlas is truly a literary journey.

All fun aside, the Geek Atlas is the best supplement to a (must have) Rick Steves’ travel guide that I’ve ever come across. You can, as advised, “travel to Munich to see the world's largest science museum, watch Foucault's pendulum swinging in Paris, or ponder a descendant of Newton's apple tree at Trinity College, Cambridge.” And that’s just a peek at the wealth of travel guidance this book supplies.

That’s not to say reading it for fun is out of the question. Breezing through the first two chapters alone, I gained a greater insight for obscure scientific discoveries. Some went over my head, but I was engrossed in the explanation and history of an area based solely on its claim to geek fame. And – this is not an exaggeration – I know understand the mechanics of LOST so much better just from reading a section on mechanical physics.

After I was done, I handed my copy to my dad (the master geek) and have yet to get it back – if that’s any indication of what a great read it is.

O’Reilly is always the most trusted name in technology book (at least in my house), and the publisher doesn’t disappoint with Geek Atlas. It’s a great gift idea for your favorite travelling geek, so check it out before you miss out on a prime sight-seeing opportunity!

The Geek Atlas, $29.99
Buy online at http://www.amazon.com/