James Nicoll has a question about pop science:
Who today fills the niche of science popularizer once filled by people like Ley or Asimov? That is, who writes essays covering a wide range of the sciences, as opposed to covering one in detail for the public?
If you look in the comments, the second plugs Bill Bryson’s science book, and you’ll find me saying positive things about Natalie Angier’s The Canon. (You’ll also find me quibbling about Asmiov, but that’s a side debate…)
They’re not coming up with a whole lot over there, but surely ScienceBlogs readers have some ideas. So, are there good general-science popularizers out there these days? Bonus points for recommending particularly good books.