The most fascinating book I've read in years,

[Redstone]

and that's saying something, given that I average four or five books a week.

"Electric Universe" by David Bodanis. Stop what you're doing, right now, and go to Amazon or wherever and order a copy.

Even if you don't know any more about electricity or electronics than "I push the 'on' switch and it works," by the time you're finished reading this book, you will understand. More than you'd ever believed possible.

And even if you have some education or experience in electricity or electronics, you'll know more after you're read this book.

Trust me.

Redstone

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. I've been tempted to buy that one

Me being an electrical engineer and all, it seemed right up my alley... but I have so many other things to read, especially in areas in which I am ignorant, I decided against it. I still want to read Kurlansky's "Salt" and "Cod" and Bodanis' "E=mc2" (which, having studied a lot of quantum mechanics, might also be old hat...)

I am big on history books like these - like "Nathaniel's Nutmeg" and "The history of chocolate" and the history books on PI, Zero, i, e and phi.

[Redstone]

2. "Salt" and "Cod" are wonderful books. But get this one first,

or right after the other ones. I have an electrical engineering background as well, but still recommend the book to anyone, no matter how much they already know. The way he presents the information gives it a new twist, even if you already know the mechanics of the applications.

Redstone