As I was reading this book, a succession of seemingly far-fetched associations and recollections were projected - or perhaps should I say ‘beamed’ - onto my mind.
I was reminded first of Times Radio, which has recently replaced BBC Radio 4 as my favourite station. Tom Whipple, the author of ‘The Battle of the Beams’ (Bantam Press, £20, ISBN 9781787634138), who also happens to be the science editor at The Times newspaper, is a regular commentator on science and technology for its radio counterpart. With a good radio voice and engaging presentation manner that is just like his writing style, he is always a joy to listen to.
As the book’s publisher characterises Whipple in its cover blurb, “He has seen the inside of the world’s hottest sauna and the world’s most irradiated nature reserve. He has interviewed Stephen Hawking and Jedward. He has been arrested in three different countries.” What better credentials for an experienced, if somewhat eccentric, storyteller...