Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

2009 Royal Society of New Zealand Science Book Prize

The Awa Book of New Zealand Science, edited by Rebecca Priestley

Rebecca Priestley is the inaugural winner of the Royal Society of New Zealand Science Book Prize. The announcement was made by Oxford University professor Richard Dawkins during the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival this week, and this is what the judges had to say about the anthology:

Scientific enchantment: a time machine that takes us into the times, the words, the minds, the passions and the discoveries of New Zealand scientists, and produces thrill after thrill of recognition, surprise and inspiration. The eclectic mix of scientific writing, letters and poetry defies all stereotypes and opens up a world of curiosity, wonder and excitement. The essays offer us not just specific findings and insights, but also a kind of unofficial history of New Zealand, while the poems shine unexpected lights on the scientists and their subjects. Brilliantly edited to show the continuing place of science in New Zealand culture and art.

Listen to an interview with Rebecca Priestley on Nine to Noon.

Image above courtesy of Robert Cross Image Services