Space in 30 Seconds

If, as many experts predict, constant use of the internet damages our ability to concentrate on a single topic for any length of time, then this speedy guide is the perfect answer for fragmented brains.  All the complexity of Hawking reduced down to 30-second bites.  It makes a lightyear seem a very long way in distance and time.  Beyond the 60-second introduction to Space, each individual spread in the book claims to be a 30-second explanation.  Actually I struggled to achieve this as an adult reader, but if you can get past any irritation over the concept, then there is much useful information clearly presented.  Annotated artwork diagrams augment the text, and there are useful 3-second summaries on each page, along with 3-minute missions – projects to find out more or to solve a problem.  Glossaries are included within each chapter, and the endmatter includes useful lists of books, DVDs and websites.  Regrettably this review fails the 30-second test, but I will take pleasure tonight in unhurriedly gazing at the stars…