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Historians of science often gripe about the lack of a solid introductory textbook for the field. This collection, edited by Morus (Aberystwyth Univ., Wales), who previously coauthored the survey text Making Modern Science (CH, Nov'05, 43-1525), goes a long way toward filling that lacuna. Compared with his earlier coauthored work, the present volume covers a wider temporal and geographic range--from ancient Mesopotamia on, including China and the Islamic world--and draws contributions from 13 established experts, offering more depth and currency than Morus's previous work could provide. The book begins with six chapters that survey historical eras from the ancient world through the Enlightenment. Modern science is treated thematically in chapters 7 through 12, which address subjects such as experiment and theory, exploration and mapping, and science communication, sticking closely to well-explored narratives in the history of the physical and biological sciences. The matter-of-fact prose and effective use of images make the volume ideal for lower-division undergraduates. It also offers useful epitomes of major topics in the history of science for more advanced students, as well as for teachers or researchers seeking a clear overview.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.