Can Reindeer Fly? - The Science of Christmas (Paperback, New Ed)

Great fun to read at any time of the year. The science editor of the Daily Telegraph interviewed 70 of the world's leading academics to uncover various fascinating explanations for absolutely everything that happens during the festive period, from why needles fall off Christmas trees to the laws of shopping. Astronomical theories about the identity of the Bethlehem star are discussed, suggesting comets, star births, star deaths, a slight hesitation in the orbit of a planet, even the sighting of the then unknown planet Uranus. Theories are proposed as to how a virgin birth could actually occur. The claims of psychologists in their proposition that this seasonal ritual reveals a great deal about our nature and relationship with others are explored. Under that tree lies a great deal of tantalizing evidence of how we relate to friends and family. A plethora of facts, plus many more entertaining but scientifically rigorous material. Review by psychiatrist DR RAJ PERSUAD, author of Staying Sane. (Kirkus UK)

An irresistible stocking-filler: a hilarious romp through the science of Christmas. How does snow form? Why are we always depressed after Christmas? How does Santa manage to deliver all those presents in one night? (He has, in fact, little over two ten-thousandths of a second to get between each of the 842 million households he must visit.) This book contains information on how drugs might make us see flying reindeer, how pollution is affecting the shape of Christmas trees and the intriguing correlation between the length of our Christmas card list and brain size.

General

Imprint:	Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	November 2002
Authors:	Roger Highfield
Dimensions:	196 x 133 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - B-format
Pages:	352
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-7538-1366-9
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Science: general issues > Popular science
LSN:	0-7538-1366-1
Barcode:	9780753813669

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