>> 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.
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|https://sfandfantasy.co.uk/php/the-big-3.php]
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.
I don't know if it says good or bad things about me, but I never noticed that.
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.
Everything Is Fields
By David Tong (Early 2027)
Six Math Essentials
By Terence Tao (November 2026)
The Proof in the Code
By Kevin Hartnett (June 2026, Preorder Available)
I had the thought that maybe the Australian airline had started a book side business, a la Stripe, but no, the airline is actually Quantas. Still seems like an imprint to follow.
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.
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.
If you're curious about Simons, and the wikipedia page is not enough,
I found "The Man Who Solved the Market" by Gregory Zuckerman an interesting read.
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.
For the current generation, I never miss a chance to mention Gamow's non-fiction.
It's unfortunate that works of great non-fiction writers evaporate away from our cultural consciousness after their death.
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.
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|https://sfandfantasy.co.uk/php/the-big-3.php]
Ha!
I did not know about this. Arthur C Clarke was indeed my favourite at that time (even now).
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.
My favorite is one two three ... infinity.
> I absolutely adored Asimov as a writer of non-fiction rather than as a sci-fi author.
I am the same, though frustratingly he still somehow managed to weave his casual misogyny into even his non-fiction works.
I don't know if it says good or bad things about me, but I never noticed that.
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.
Everything Is Fields By David Tong (Early 2027)
Six Math Essentials By Terence Tao (November 2026)
The Proof in the Code By Kevin Hartnett (June 2026, Preorder Available)
[0] https://www.quantabooks.org/
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.
I will definitely reads these books when they come out.
For a historic overview of mathematics with (accessible) formulas I highly recommend “Journey through genius: The great theorems of mathematics”.
Dr David Tong is great ad his talk really created my interest in quantum physics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNVQfWC_evg
I had the thought that maybe the Australian airline had started a book side business, a la Stripe, but no, the airline is actually Quantas. Still seems like an imprint to follow.
https://www.quantabooks.org/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.
Since May 2024 he isn't actively trying anything at all.
If you're curious about Simons, and the wikipedia page is not enough, I found "The Man Who Solved the Market" by Gregory Zuckerman an interesting read.
His foundations are still doing good work.