Pay in installments of $4.89 with
,
and
Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 7 - Aug 12
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
Houston, We Have a Narrative: Why Science Needs StoryAsk a scientist about Hollywood, and you'll probably get eye rolls. But ask someone in Hollywood about science, and they'll see dollar signs: moviemakers know that science can be the source of great stories, with all the drama and action that blockbusters require. That's a huge mistake, says Randy Olson: Hollywood has a lot to teach scientists about how to tell a story and, ultimately, how to do science better. With Houston, We Have a Narrative, he
Ask a scientist about Hollywood, and you'll probably get eye rolls. But ask someone in Hollywood about science, and they'll see dollar signs: moviemakers know that science can be the source of great stories, with all the drama and action that blockbusters require. That's a huge mistake, says Randy Olson: Hollywood has a lot to teach scientists about how to tell a story--and, ultimately, how to do science better. With Houston, We Have a Narrative, he lays out a stunningly simple method for turning the dull into the dramatic. Drawing on his unique background, which saw him leave his job as a working scientist to launch a career as a filmmaker, Olson first diagnoses the problem: When scientists tell us about their work, they pile one moment and one detail atop another moment and another detail--a stultifying procession of "and, and, and." What we need instead is an understanding of the basic elements of story, the narrative structures that our brains are all but hardwired to look for--which Olson boils down, brilliantly, to "And, But, Therefore," or ABT. At a stroke, the ABT approach introduces momentum ("And"), conflict ("But"), and resolution ("Therefore")--the fundamental building blocks of story. As Olson has shown by leading countless workshops worldwide, when scientists' eyes are opened to ABT, the effect is staggering: suddenly, they're not just talking about their work--they're telling stories about it. And audiences are captivated. Written with an uncommon verve and enthusiasm, and built on principles that are applicable to fields far beyond science, Houston, We Have a Narrative has the power to transform the way science is understood and appreciated, and ultimately how it's done.Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 09/16/2015
ISBN: 9780226270845
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.00h x 5.90w x 0.90d
Review Citations: Choice 02/01/2016
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.9 ★★★★★
Based on 28 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
An Important Text for All Those Engaged in The Struggle
Format: Paperback
The type of text that can bring about a breakthrough in consciousness, it places world affairs in perspective for the seeker of an authentic African consciousness.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Brings history to life
Format: Paperback
Got this book as a read aloud before traveling to London. We did a tour of the Tower of London and used the map in this book, marking off the different parts we walked theough- talking about which parts were the setting of different scenes in the book. Reading this gave my kids a real love and personal connection to the Tower. Cliffhanger endings to different chapters. My 9 and 6 year old lived it. My 4 year old couldn't keep up.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2024
★★★★★ 5
History Made Exciting!!!
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
Perfect for young kids who like history. I love how the authors relay these stories so they are exciting and fun for the reader to learn.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2023
★★★★★ 4
Accessible, fun, and exciting.
Format: Kindle
While this book is aimed at younger readers (it includes, for examples, expletives like "Zooks!" and "Zounds!"), I Escaped The Tower of London is a neat historical fiction novella with taught pacing that readers of all ages can enjoy. Using the real-life account of John Gerard as inspiration, the authors have created a young boy who escapes from the Tower of London while attempting to aid Princess Elizabeth during Queen Mary's reign. It's exciting, it fast-paced, and it even has a pleasant message about doing the right thing — even when the right thing is hard to do.
It's packed with a hodgepodge of images (most of them public domain, but also a few original pieces) that add to the experience. And the end includes a brief lesson on the historical figures involved. Despite the source material, you shouldn't worry if you (or your young ones) are squeamish; the main character sidesteps the torture and there's very little violence.
All in all, quite a good read. Very accessible, surprisingly fun and exciting.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
★★★★★ 5
Loved it!!
Format: Paperback
I have bought all of the books in this series for my nephew and he LOVES them. I get an email whenever a new one is coming out and I can buy it (which I always do) if I would like. It makes it so easy to keep current on the series.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2022