Books with author Peter Watkins

The laws of thermodynamics drive everything that happens in the universe. From the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas to the cooling of hot metal--everything is moved or restrained by four simple laws. Written by Peter Atkins, one of the world's leading authorities on thermodynamics, this powerful and compact introduction explains what these four laws are and how they work, using accessible language and virtually no mathematics. Guiding the reader a step at a time, Atkins begins with Zeroth (so named because the first two laws were well established before scientists realized that a third law, relating to temperature, should precede them--hence the jocular name zeroth), and proceeds through the First, Second, and Third Laws, offering a clear account of concepts such as the availability of work and the conservation of energy. Atkins ranges from the fascinating theory of entropy (revealing how its unstoppable rise constitutes the engine of the universe), through the concept of free energy, and to the brink, and then beyond the brink, of absolute zero.About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

"A sweeping epic befitting Australia's dramatic and inspirational history." Peter FitzsimonsIn the war across the seas, the Duffys and the Macintoshes are on the same side. But on home turf, the battle between these two dynasties rages on...After fighting in two world wars, Tom Duffy's purchase of his ancestral property Glen View means a home for the next generation of Duffys. But the Macintosh family won't easily surrender this land, and when they challenge his ownership, he knows he's in for one hell of a fight.Meanwhile in Sydney, Sarah has taken over from her father as the head of the Macintosh firm. She has big plans for herself and the family business, and she isn't afraid to play dirty.Sergeant Jessica Duffy, Captain James Duffy and Major David Macintosh have survived countless battles the world over, but will all they are fighting for still be waiting for them when they return home?MORE PRAISE FOR PETER WATT"From the front lines of war to the backlots of Hollywood, Watt has fashioned a story that is as engaging as it is possible." Courier Mail on Beneath a Rising Sun

<b>"A sweeping epic befitting Australia's dramatic and inspirational history." Peter Fitzsimons</b><i>In the war across the seas, the Duffys and the Macintoshes are on the same side. But on home turf, the battle between these two dynasties rages on...</i>After fighting in two world wars, Tom Duffy's purchase of his ancestral property Glen View means a home for the next generation of Duffys. But the Macintosh family won't easily surrender this land, and when they challenge his ownership, he knows he's in for one hell of a fight.Meanwhile in Sydney, Sarah has taken over from her father as the head of the Macintosh firm. She has big plans for herself and the family business, and she isn't afraid to play dirty.Sergeant Jessica Duffy, Captain James Duffy and Major David Macintosh have survived countless battles the world over, but will all they are fighting for still be waiting for them when they return home?<b>MORE PRAISE FOR PETER WATT</b>"From the front lines of war to the backlots of Hollywood, Watt has fashioned a story that is as engaging as it is possible."<i> Courier Mail </i>on <i>Beneath a Rising Sun</i>

<b>"A sweeping epic befitting Australia's dramatic and inspirational history." Peter Fitzsimons</b><i>In the war across the seas, the Duffys and the Macintoshes are on the same side. But on home turf, the battle between these two dynasties rages on...</i>After fighting in two world wars, Tom Duffy's purchase of his ancestral property Glen View means a home for the next generation of Duffys. But the Macintosh family won't easily surrender this land, and when they challenge his ownership, he knows he's in for one hell of a fight.Meanwhile in Sydney, Sarah has taken over from her father as the head of the Macintosh firm. She has big plans for herself and the family business, and she isn't afraid to play dirty.Sergeant Jessica Duffy, Captain James Duffy and Major David Macintosh have survived countless battles the world over, but will all they are fighting for still be waiting for them when they return home?<b>MORE PRAISE FOR PETER WATT</b>"From the front lines of war to the backlots of Hollywood, Watt has fashioned a story that is as engaging as it is possible."<i> Courier Mail </i>on <i>Beneath a Rising Sun</i>