I might be unusual in the sense that in my teens I absolutely adored Asimov as a writer of non-fiction rather than as a sci-fi author.<p>For the current generation, I never miss a chance to mention Gamow's non-fiction.<p>It's unfortunate that works of great non-fiction writers evaporate away from our cultural consciousness after their death.<p>It makes me sad that there will be a generation, or maybe it's already upon us, one that has not delighted in Martin Gardner.
>> I might be unusual in the sense that in my teens I absolutely adored Asimov as a writer of non-fiction rather than as a sci-fi author.<p>That's because he was only the second-best sci-fi writer but the best science writer in the world at the time [Clarke-Asimov Treaty of Park Avenue|<a href="https://sfandfantasy.co.uk/php/the-big-3.php" rel="nofollow">https://sfandfantasy.co.uk/php/the-big-3.php</a>]
Ha!<p>I did not know about this. Arthur C Clarke was indeed my favourite at that time (even now).<p>Asimov, however, killed it with his two goosebump-good shorts, Nightfall and Last Question.
I don't remember reading any Clarke short stories, though I do remember a few books favorably - but Asimov's stories were incredible, and stick with me to this day. I should get a few more of his short story collections for the kiddo, I think I have a few of his non-fiction ones on a bookshelf somewhere.
Sagan's books are still very popular, long after his time.
Which of Gamow's do you recommend? Physics Foundation and Frontiers looks nice.
> I absolutely adored Asimov as a writer of non-fiction rather than as a sci-fi author.<p>I am the same, though frustratingly he still somehow managed to weave his casual misogyny into even his non-fiction works.
Says an account created just to post this horseshit.
I don't know if it says good or bad things about me, but I never noticed that.<p>But maybe it's just because I started reading his works long after their initial release. In particular, I was quite surprised to later learn that "Asimov's New Guide to Science" was originally published as "The Intelligent Man's Guide to Science".
From the Quanta Books website [0] it seems it will be a while before anybody can read them, the article lists a couple dates but all the dates are on its website.<p>Everything Is Fields
By David Tong (Early 2027)<p>Six Math Essentials
By Terence Tao (November 2026)<p>The Proof in the Code
By Kevin Hartnett (June 2026, Preorder Available)<p>[0] <a href="https://www.quantabooks.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.quantabooks.org/</a>
I will definitely reads these books when they come out.<p>For a historic overview of mathematics with (accessible) formulas I highly recommend “Journey through genius: The great theorems of mathematics”.
Fantastic! Quanta is a treasure. The only news site I read; got too tilted with how violence-oriented and vulgar most news sources have become.
Dr David Tong is great ad his talk really created my interest in quantum physics.<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNVQfWC_evg" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNVQfWC_evg</a>
I had the thought that maybe the Australian airline had started a book side business, a la Stripe, but no, the airline is actually Quanta<i>s</i>. Still seems like an imprint to follow.<p><pre><code> Launched by Thomas Lin, the founding editor of Quanta Magazine, in
partnership with Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Quanta Books is an editorially
independent subsidiary of the Simons Foundation, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to advancing the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic
sciences.
</code></pre>
<a href="https://www.quantabooks.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.quantabooks.org/</a>
The Simons Foundation was started by Jim Simons of Renaissance Tech, someone who seemingly isnt actively trying to poison public discourse with his billions of dollars, which I respect. We need more Jim Simons types and less Bezos/Musk/Ellison-type narcissistic psychopaths.