(4) YA Profiles in Science series. These well-documented biographies examine the lives of two important scientific thinkers. Though lacking formal education, both had curiosity and dedication, which led the religious Faraday to discover electromagnetic induction and the freethinking Edison to develop new electrical devices, among many other contributions by both. Period photos and some diagrams illustrate the accurate but sometimes abrupt narratives. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Profiles in Science titles: Illuminated Progress: The Story of Thomas Edison and Michael Faraday and the Nature of Electricity.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Scientists Who Made History series. The books in this series capably introduce their subjects, including Marconi's experiments with wireless communication and Franklin's discovery of the structure of DNA. Short subdivisions are illustrated with photos--most relevant and some gratuitous--and other art; sidebars offer direct quotations and expanded explanations, many clear and a few insufficient. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Scientists Who Made History titles: Dian Fossey, Guglielmo Marconi, John Logie Baird, Leonardo da Vinci, Michael Faraday, and Rosalind Franklin.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Oxford Portraits in Science series. This is an intelligent, somewhat dry, biography of the scientist who discovered benzene, invented the electric generator, served as a popular lecturer, and was an elder in his church. Several of Faraday's experiments and discoveries are described within the text and illustrated with diagrams; black-and-white reproductions and a time line are also included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta