What’s it Like to be Chased by a Cassowary? Fascinating answers to perplexing questions
The most informative and entertaining explainers from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald
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- $15.99
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- $15.99
Publisher Description
Ever wondered what happens to us as we die? Or how the Esky became an Aussie cultural icon? Or why we have leap years? Then look no further – and even if you haven’t wondered, you’ll want to find out. This anthology is a diverse collection of explainers by some of the finest writers from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. It tackles quintessentially Australian topics (where does the term ‘mate’ come from?) as well as questions being grappled with around the world (what will our homes be powered by in the future?).
Inquisitive readers love the explainer columns for their strong and surprising storytelling, deeply researched reporting and inventive illustrations. They have become some of the most popular content articles in The Age and Herald, and reader requests have inspired explainers about exploring everything from think tanks to tennis racquets, from quantitative easing to why cicadas sing at dusk.
Explainers offer a rich understanding of how and why – rather than just who, what, when and where. Within these pages you will find an absorbing and illuminating selection of some of the most popular explainers, as well as never before published pieces especially written for this book. There are surprising facts about all aspects of life and information about all kinds of investigations from throughout history and around the world. Prepare to be enlightened, enthralled and educated – you’ll never ponder how to evade that rampaging cassowary again!
Customer Reviews
Self explanatory
3.5 stars
Contributors
Australian. Editor is Walkley award winning journo who edits the National Explainer section for the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WA Today and The Brisbane Times. This book is a curated collection of National Explainer pieces. Contributions by 29 reporters/columnists.
In brief
A curated collection of columns across a broad range of subject matter. I was hoping for more from the titular piece about large flightless birds with bad attitudes. While doubtless accurate factually, I was expecting some humour. The contributors played a straight and largely informative bat to all subjects, apart from a few digs at climate change deniers or persons perceived to fit into that category. Individual interest in the individual subject matter will vary, of course.
Writing
Professional job by writing professionals. I was disappointed by the selective quoting of experts, real or purported, and the absence of any attempt at a formal list of references, but delighted that the name Peter Fitzsimons did not appear anywhere.
Bottom line
Christmas stocking filler