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September 2017 Vol. 55 No. 1

In an environment where publishing quantity can override publishing quality, Emerson’s The Forgotten Tribe offers refreshing insight into the necessity of compelling science writing in a functional, how-to format. The text is an engaging first-person narrative, which explores the writing process from several different perspectives—from the development of ideas to what it means to be a self-actualized science writer. One of the strongest attributes of this work is the acknowledgement of the humanities influence running throughout strong, persuasive science writing. Emerson (Massey Univ., New Zealand) spends a significant portion of her narrative weaving in technologies, writing processes, and the importance of collaborating with others to say (in a variety of ways) that respectable science writing is essentially a connection between the author and reader, just as in all other forms of communication. There is a strong focus on science writing at a higher level (i.e., graduate level and beyond), where the audience can be the most insular; thus, there is the most opportunity for transformation. This work is a most welcome addition to collections in journalism, mass media and communications, science education, and curricula, where communicating science is a high priority.

--J. Clemons, University at Buffalo

Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.