David Jefferis

First published in 1979, the Usborne Book of the Future is a fondly-remembered book from a time when people dreamed of the future as a place filled with wonder and amazing new technology. After more than 40 years of science fiction focussing on dystopias and doom, it's time to remind readers young and old that, in fact, the Future is STILL a place that holds hope and excitement. The book is built in three sections. The first explores all kinds of robots, the jobs they will do on land, sea and in space, and where they will get power from. The second is all about cities of the future, and how people will live, what new buildings they will build, how computers will change the world, and what people will do for fun. The final section is about the future of travel, from planes, trains and cars on Earth, to Space shuttles and journeys to colonise other planets. This re-issued book retains the original text and stunning artwork, but now comes with a foreword by renowned BBC Futurologist Tom Cheesewright, who was inspired into his career by the original edition of the book. From outlining the internet to asteroid mines to 3D printers and robot helpers, you'll be surprised by how accurately this book predicted life in the 21st Century. Long out of print, copies of the original printing of this book fetch three figures on auction sites. Now at last people who remember this book from their childhood can find it again, and share it with the next generation, at normal bookshop prices!

Models that fly need to be more than just good-looking. They need to be shaped just right to move through the air. This engaging introduction to model making explains aerodynamics, the mathematics of scale, how gliders and models propelled by rubber band, electric motor, fuel, or a rocket work, and the difference between building from a kit and building from scratch. Tips on shaping wings, choosing body materials, and weather-proofing help build fine-motor skills. Young readers are encouraged to build patience, concentration, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Model trains are about more than building each car. It is also about building realistic surroundings for the train to travel through. This compelling introduction to model making explains the mathematics of scale, how clockwork, electric, and steam trains work, and the difference between building from a kit and building from scratch. Tips on painting, cutting and filing, cementing, and basic electronics help build fine-motor skills. Young readers are encouraged to build patience, concentration, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Historically, model figures tended to be military ones, such as soldiers. Today, gaming has brought a new popularity to building favorite characters from fantasy games, both people and animals. This exciting introduction to model making explains the mathematics of scale, using the Internet for research, and how to shape and fix molded figures. Tips on painting, filing, smoothing, and applying gloss help build fine-motor skills. Young readers are encouraged to build patience, concentration, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Scale models are usually built as accurate miniatures of real objects such as vehicles, buildings, and even people. This awesome introduction to model making explains the mathematics of scale, and the difference between building from a kit and building from scratch. Tips on painting, scoring, cementing, and weathering help build fine-motor skills. Young readers are encouraged to build patience, concentration, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Historically, model figures tended to be military ones, such as soldiers. Today, gaming has brought a new popularity to building favorite characters from fantasy games, both people and animals. This exciting introduction to model making explains the mathematics of scale, using the Internet for research, and how to shape and fix molded figures. Tips on painting, filing, smoothing, and applying gloss help build fine-motor skills. Young readers are encouraged to build patience, concentration, perseverance, and problem-solving.

Want a vacation in space but don't have a million dollars to spare? With space tourism now a reality, this awesome book looks at the possibilities of more affordable flights for tourists to space in the not-too-distant future. Amazing artwork illustrates the scientific possibilities of which planets we could visit, the construction of spaceports and expandable hotels, and traveling by space elevator .

In orbit and on the ground, star spotters are the 'eyes' we use to explore deep into space. Star Spotters: Telescopes and Observatories answers questions such as: What is the most powerful telescope? What is radio astronomy? How big is the Hubble Space Telescope? and What future telescopes are planned? Teacher's guide available.

The hottest planets in our solar system, Mercury and Venus, are investigated in this fascinating title from the Exploring Our Solar System series. Come inside to find out why these planets are so hot, if astronauts could travel there, and if Mercury and Venus have any moons. Teacher's guide available.

The star at the center of our solar system, the Sun is as essential to life here on Earth as water is. Find out what type of star the Sun is, and what fuels its enormous energy. Readers will be intrigued to learn about eclipses, solar activity, and space weather. Teacher's guide available.

We now probably know more about Mars than any other planet in our solar system other than Earth. Spectacular images highlight this exploration of the fourth planet from the Sun, its two moons, and the discoveries made in the last several years by visiting probes searching for signs of water and life on the red planet. Teacher's guide available.

Besides Earth, the Moon is the only celestial body ever set foot on by humans. Beautiful full-color photographs help illuminate the lunar cycle, the Moon's surface, and its exploration by astronauts, as well as the effects of this heavenly body's gravitational pull on Earth. Teacher's guide available.

Unique in our solar system, Earth contains water required for life to exist, and is home to millions of species of animals including humans. This highly illustrated book takes an in depth look at our home planet, including the inside core, the oceans and continents, the atmosphere surrounding it, and how it is affected by other celestial bodies. Teacher's guide available.

From 1969 to 1972, NASA's Apollo program focused on putting a man on the Moon. After that goal was reached, the space program switched gears and concentrated on other areas of exploration and research. What if we were to return to the Moon today? Would advances in technology make it possible for people to live on the Moon? Return to the Moon asks and answers many questions about future space travel to it and its possible colonization. Topics include - rockets to the Moon and commercial passenger transportation - the history of the Moon - overcoming obstacles such as zero gravity in order to build on the Moon - what technology would be required for people to live in zero gravity

Space exploration has come a long way since the days when early astronomers thought they could see canals that had been built on Mars through their simple telescopes. Today's scientists have actually sent probes to the Red Planet that have sent back vital information about Mars which has debunked some myths but also created some new mysteries. Exploring Planet Mars looks at the scientific facts about Earth's nearest neighbor and delves into future exploration of the planet - possibly even colonization Topics include - the history of Earth's relationship to Mars - the various probes that have been sent to the planet - what scientists think Mars was like thousands of years ago and what it may be like thousands of years from now - signs of life on Mars?

Space exploration has come a long way since the days when early astronomers thought they could see canals that had been built on Mars through their simple telescopes. Today's scientists have actually sent probes to the Red Planet that have sent back vital information about Mars which has debunked some myths but also created some new mysteries. Exploring Planet Mars looks at the scientific facts about Earth's nearest neighbor and delves into future exploration of the planet - possibly even colonization Topics include - the history of Earth's relationship to Mars - the various probes that have been sent to the planet - what scientists think Mars was like thousands of years ago and what it may be like thousands of years from now - signs of life on Mars?

This up-to-the-minute new book describes what happens when biology meets technology. The amazing leaps both biological and technological currently being made in medicine bring the promise of longer, healthier lives. But at what cost? This amazing book explores: - the current study of the genomes of living things - medical robots - artificial organs and bio-chip sensors - the end to some common diseases - genetically modified crops - the consequences for society of manipulating genetic material - a helpful glossary to explain scientific terms and concepts