Science & Natural History

In his 'intimate history', Richard Fortey unlocks the geological secrets of the Earth – its origin and the constant processes that destroy and create it. His aim is to unite the natural and human history of particular places with the geological realities that underlie them.

Jet packs, spinning fairground rides and an ant on a garden hose – the award-winning history of string theory from leading physicist Brian Greene.

Filled with extraordinary observations, and occasionally hair-raising anecdotes, this is the most endearing of all Darwin's books.

These autobiographical essays by physicist Richard Feynman show us the formation of a genius. Introduced by Brian Cox.

The Folio Society’s three-volume set of the journals of Captain Cook from 1768–1779, published to mark the first voyage’s 250th anniversary, is accompanied by a chart of the voyages bound in cloth.

Gavin Maxwell’s beloved memoir about life with otters is published here with previously unseen colour photographs.

Humble plants have long been the spur to economic growth, the key to political power, the tools of conquest, yet until Henry Hobhouse wrote this pioneering book, they had rarely warranted even a footnote in history.

Ian Stewart guides us through the complete history of mathematics, from ancient Babylon to chaos theory.

A unique examination of the plants and fictional landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings. Published by HarperCollins.

The first full-colour publication of the botanical illustrations commissioned by Joseph Banks, with commentaries. Published by Thames & Hudson.

The engrossing story of the contest between humans and the sea told by one of Britain’s pre-eminent historians. Published by Oxford University Press.

How two lesser-known pioneers of British science helped establish its foundations. Published by William Collins.

Published in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, the British Library and the Scott Polar Research Institute, this Folio edition is the complete facsimile of all 12 original issues of the South Polar Times – Captain Scott’s expedition magazine.

A fascinating insight into Galileo's fundamental contribution to science. Introduced by the Pulitzer Prize finalist writer Dava Sobel.

Mankind's journey from the harnessing of fire to the double helix – this unique, enthralling history is based on the classic television series.

The Middle Ages have often been depicted as a period in which life had few comforts. Nonsense, says the great medieval scholar Chiara Frugoni, in this delightful examination of the many inventions we owe to the period.

A revelatory examination of a unique oral culture, published for the first time in the UK.

Ten fascinating oil paintings illustrate this edition of Freud's controversial and influential work.

An inspired biography of the great naturalist and explorer, by the author of the much-loved Aubrey-Maturin novels.

What is happiness? Why do we fall in love? How do we recognise faces? Pinker's exhilarating book explores the machinery of the mind – its origins and development, and how we use it to interact with the world.

J. E. Gordon reveals the unseen forces that hold up buildings, bridges and aeroplanes – but also animals, plants and humans. From space travels to the complexity of the human body – all the answers are here.

A brilliant overview of prehistory by a 'towering influence' in archaeology.

A milestone in the theory of evolution and one of the greatest books of 19th-century historic travel, this lavish two-volume edition brings together a wealth of illustrative material.

G. E. R. Lloyd traces the birth of science from Thales to Galen. A new foreword by Lewis Wolpert, Emeritus Professor at University College London, pays tribute to the Ancient Greeks and to Lloyd’s exploration of their fundamental role.

Roy Porter’s erudite chronicle of the history of medicine remains the definitive work on the subject.

Dazzling colour images illuminate this award-winning story of game-changing scientific theory.

Spectacular colour images illustrate this highly acclaimed exploration of space and time.

The essential guide to one of the most fundamental discoveries of modern science.

No book has revolutionised our view of life on earth more than Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species. Yet its enduring popularity is a testament to the immense energy and startling simplicity with which Darwin makes his revelations.

Exclusive to Folio, this collection of first-hand accounts – compiled by one of the subject’s leading authorities – charts this epic quest through the testimony of the explorers themselves.