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Author: James, Tim

History of science

Published on 6 March 2025 by Little, Brown Book Group (Robinson) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 224 pages, 15 black and white illustrations
197 x 130 x 17 | 184g

Nominated for the best popular science book of 2024 by Smart Book.

‘Who said science was dry? Certainly not Tim James’ New York Post ‘James writes with infectious enthusiasm and optimism’ Kirkus Reviews ‘A science teacher by profession, Mr. James knows how to get his audience’s attention’ Wall Street Journal ‘Humorous, yet deep’ Professor Charles AntoineA rip-roaring adventure through science gone wrong, and accidentally changing humanity (mostly) for the better.

We may imagine that science is a process of breakthroughs and light bulb moments. But in reality, science goes wrong 99% of the time.

Almost every idea a scientist comes up with is quickly disproved by a failed experiment or rival research. Science moves at a rate of inches per decade and we often like it that way. But occasionally, just occasionally, a complete fluke happens and changes everything as we know it. From an untimely sneeze in a petri dish leading to the groundbreaking creation of antibiotics, to the incredible discovery of microwaves via melted chocolate, Accidental is a rip-roaring adventure through science gone wrong, and accidentally changing humanity for the better.