Science books

Discover our best-rated science books with the New Statesman’s expert reviews. From scientific histories to in-depth examinations and essays.

New Statesman writers and guests choose their favourite reading of the year.

By New Statesman

Keith Fisher’s A Pipeline Runs Through It charts how oil revolutionised transport and war, and continues to shape today’s geopolitics.

By Brendan Simms

The New Statesman’s selection of essential recent releases.

By New Statesman

Staving off climate change will entail not only a technological revolution but transforming our relations with the natural world.

By Rowan Williams

It is fascinating to learn how three plant-derived drugs – caffeine, opium and mescaline – can shape society.

By Sophie McBain

Updating John Berger’s 1967 classic, A Fortunate Woman shares the devotion and anguish of a modern family doctor.

By Kathleen Jamie

Ed Yong’s fascinating new book on the complex behaviours of creatures uncovers a universe of unfathomable beauty.

By Mark Cocker

Seen by many as a route to net zero, nuclear power is haunted by its past disasters.

By Ray Monk