Books with science basics, not The Canon

[Hammer_of_Thor]

Hey all,

I am looking for a book that gives a basic overview of the many sciences. I almost bought "The Canon" but the reviews scared me away. Is there anything out there that is like "The Canon", but isn't?

Any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[ExMinister]

What reviews scared you away? On the copy I have, it received great reviews by Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker among others. It's a good book.

 

[shadron]

Asimov's Guide to Science may be a bit dated, but for basics and readability, I don't think you can do better.

 

[Dancing David]

I think that just looking at the shelves on a library in the science section would be helpful.

 

[JJM]

I like Bill Bryson's book http://www.amazon.com/Short-History...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231079236&sr=1-1 To be fair, some reliable reviwers did not like it.

 

[Hammer_of_Thor]

The reviews in the book review section here and on amazon.com both point toward the writing style as too witty and over the top. Although to be fair some people really liked it.