Ben McFarland – författare

A World From Dust describes how a set of chemical rules combined with the principles of evolution in order to create an environment in which life as we know it could unfold. Beginning with simple mathematics, these predictable rules led to the advent of the planet itself, as well as cells, organs and organelles, ecosystems, and increasingly complex life forms. McFarland provides an accessible discussion of a geological history as well, describing how the inorganic matter on Earth underwent chemical reactions with air and water, allowing for life to emerge from the world's first rocks. He traces the history of life all the way to modern neuroscience, and shows how the bioelectric signals that make up the human brain were formed. Most popular science books on the topic present either the physics of how the universe formed, or the biology of how complex life came about; this book's approach would be novel in that it condenses in an engaging way the chemistry that links the two fields. This book is an accessible and multidisciplinary look at how life on our planet came to be, and how it continues to develop and change even today.

A World From Dust describes how a set of chemical rules combined with the principles of evolution in order to create an environment in which life as we know it could unfold. Beginning with simple mathematics, these predictable rules led to the advent of the planet itself, as well as cells, organs and organelles, ecosystems, and increasingly complex life forms. McFarland provides an accessible discussion of a geological history as well, describing how the inorganic matter on Earth underwent chemical reactions with air and water, allowing for life to emerge from the world''s first rocks. He traces the history of life all the way to modern neuroscience, and shows how the bioelectric signals that make up the human brain were formed. Most popular science books on the topic present either the physics of how the universe formed, or the biology of how complex life came about; this book''s approach would be novel in that it condenses in an engaging way the chemistry that links the two fields. This book is an accessible and multidisciplinary look at how life on our planet came to be, and how it continues to develop and change even today.This book includes 40 illustrations by Gala Bent, print artist and studio faculty member at Cornish College of the Arts, and Mary Anderson, medical illustrator.

A World From Dust describes how a set of chemical rules combined with the principles of evolution in order to create an environment in which life as we know it could unfold. Beginning with simple mathematics, these predictable rules led to the advent of the planet itself, as well as cells, organs and organelles, ecosystems, and increasingly complex life forms. McFarland provides an accessible discussion of a geological history as well, describing how the inorganic matter on Earth underwent chemical reactions with air and water, allowing for life to emerge from the world''s first rocks. He traces the history of life all the way to modern neuroscience, and shows how the bioelectric signals that make up the human brain were formed. Most popular science books on the topic present either the physics of how the universe formed, or the biology of how complex life came about; this book''s approach would be novel in that it condenses in an engaging way the chemistry that links the two fields. This book is an accessible and multidisciplinary look at how life on our planet came to be, and how it continues to develop and change even today.This book includes 40 illustrations by Gala Bent, print artist and studio faculty member at Cornish College of the Arts, and Mary Anderson, medical illustrator.

The Times Best Food Books of the Year 2021'Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham bring a much-needed lightness of touch to what can perversely be a very dry subject.' The TimesNo matter what day of the year it is and regardless of the occasion, there is always a very good reason to enjoy a drink. Responsibly of course.Aimed at discerning drinkers keen to broaden their booze horizons and those looking to become more adventurous in their elbow-bending, this enlightening and alternative almanac celebrates every day of the year with an appropriate alcoholic drink - featuring everything from Absinthe and Zinfandel to Martinis and Monastic beers.It's a cocktail of cultural history, eccentric events, unlikely anniversaries, recipes and recommendations infused with all manner of 'interestingness', several dashes of drinking did you knows, fascinating facts, famous folk, unsung heroes, lesser-known legends from all walks of life and major weird, wonderful and well-known moments from our past.

A scintillating saunter through global beer culture that will inform, educate, and entertain. This collection of profiles will quench the thirst of beer drinkers, whether they be globe-trotting enthusiasts, or armchair aficionados.Ale seekers, beer buffs, and novices alike will gain a fascinating insight into the world of beer, from bitters, to stouts, and sour ales to pale ales and saisons.Each country section will have a new and completely updated introduction to provide an overview of key developments in the beer world. France and the Netherlands will each have a new feature on a key brewery and expanded sections include UK, USA, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and Australia.The craft brewery revolution in the United States has thrown up hundreds of fascinating and tasty ales, some created and sold in tiny brewpubs, others made in small and medium-sized breweries, from Portland to Denver, Boston to San Diego.Meanwhile, a beer and food revolution is underway, with beer becoming a valid accompaniment to fine food. Lovers of quality ale are championing their tipple as a credible alternative to a glass of wine with dinner. This new and revised edition of a much-loved title provides insightful resumes of all that is happening in the constantly changing world of beer.