Bøker av Kathryn Harkup

Fourteen novels. Fourteen more poisons. Just because it's fiction doesn't mean it's all made-up ...Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random - the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this isn't the case with poisons. How is it that some compounds prove so deadly, and in such tiny amounts?This book, the follow-up to Kathryn Harkup's best-selling A is for Arsenic, features fourteen more poisons from the books of Agatha Christie. V is for Venom explores the scientific facts behind the chemicals Christie put to such deadly use in her fiction. How do these compounds affect the body? What is their history of use in real-life murder cases, some of which may have inspired Christie, and how feasible was it to obtain, administer and detect these poisons, both at the time the novel was written and today?V is for Venom is a celebration of the use of science by the undisputed Queen of Crime.

Everything that surrounds - and we ourselves - are made of molecules, combinations of atoms bonded together in very particular ways. They are constructed from a limited set of elements that can combine in an almost limitless variety of arrangements. And when they do, they take on properties and significance greater than the sum of their parts. This book is all about how individual atoms work together to take on new and bigger roles. It offers a look at just 52 molecules that help make us and the world around us. It explores their impact on our lives and how they keep us engaged with life and living. This book is all about how individual atoms work together to take on new and bigger roles. It offers a look at just 52 molecules that help make us and the world around us. It explores their impact on our lives and how they keep us engaged with life and living.

The adventures of James Bond have thrilled readers since Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world's favourite secret agent.Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond, and in Superspy Science Kathryn Harkup explores the full range of 007's exploits and the arms, technologies, tactics and downfalls of his various foes. From the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you, and - if your plan is to take over the world - whether it is better to use bacteria, bombs, or poison - this book has all the answers and more.Could our favourite Bond villains actually achieve world domination? Were the huge variety of weapons and technology in Bond's arsenal from both the films and books ever actually developed in real life? And would 007 actually escape all those close shaves intact? From the plots to the gadgets to the ludicrous ways that his life is threatened, Superspy Science takes an in-depth look at the scientific world of James Bond.

Our fascination with the vampire myth has scarcely diminished since Bram Stoker's publication of the classic Dracula tale in 1897, but how much of the lore is based in fact and can science explain the origins of horror's most famous fiend? Vampirology charts the murky waters of the vampire myth - from stories found in many cultures across the globe to our sympathetic pop-culture renditions today - to investigate how a scientific interpretation may shed light on the fears and phenomena of the vampire myth.

An exploration into the fascinating stories and personalities of 52 of life's essential building blocks.

An in-depth look at the science behind the creative methods Shakespeare used to kill off his characters.