"Olga A. Pilkington uses linguistic analysis to show how expert popularizers use the narratives, definitions, and voices of scientists to engage readers, promote the scientific community, and demonstrate the power of science. Based on analysis of popular science bestsellers, this book offers a unique combination of linguistic scholarship and accessibility"-- Provided by publisher.

Preface -- Introduction : popular science -- A linguist looks at popular science -- Personal narratives -- Narratives of discovery : explanation made easy -- Narratives and ideology : what's in a structure? -- What they say : speech of scientists -- What they imagine is possible : thoughts of scientists -- Literature and limericks : writing in popular science -- Definitions : types and methods -- Interacting with readers through definition -- The fictionalized reader -- Lab lit : fictional science -- Conclusion : professional science and popular science -- Epilogue.