Modern physics explained through the life and discoveries of Ernest Rutherford

Ernest Rutherford and the Birth of Modern Physics 

Matthew Wright

International release for new book explaining the earth-shaking discoveries of New Zealand's greatest scientist

Revealing the science that propelled Nelson’s greatest son to a Nobel Prize, Ernest Rutherford and the Birth of Modern Physics traces key concepts in modern science from their origins in the work of the man Einstein labelled ‘a second Newton’. 

Ernest Rutherford

Wellington writer Matthew Wright uses Rutherford’s life as a guide to trace the evolution of the modern physics that sits behind much of today’s everyday life. 

In the early 1900s, scientists discovered a world of waves, particles and unseen forces, giving humanity everything from radio to TV,   X-ray machines to smoke detectors. 

Rutherford was a key mover of this new world, becoming known as the ‘father of the atom’. 

Following his career from Canterbury University College through to Cambridge University, Wright reveals why Rutherford’s work seized the public imagination and remains integral to our understanding of the universe. 

It explains how the science behind his discoveries work, with many helpful diagrams and photos.

Ernest Rutherford and the Birth of Modern Physics is a major international publication. 

It goes on sale in October in bookstores across New Zealand, and Matthew will be making his first instore appearances at Unity Books (Wellington), Schrödingers Books (Petone) and Wardini Books (Napier) this month. 

Scribe Publications (Melbourne and London) is publishing the Australian and UK editions in October, with a hardback edition out in North America in November.

This book offers a chance for any reader to get a handle on the modern physics that so influences our everyday lives.

 

The author

Matthew Wright is the author of over 60 books on topics ranging from history to science and engineering, for all ages. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His books include Living on Shaky Ground, about the science of earthquakes, and the introductory book The New Zealand Wars. He is active on social media and available for talks. Matthew lives in Wellington (matthewwright.net). 

Publication: 7 October 2025  |  ISBN: 978-1-99-004268-3 | RRP $45.00

Paperback, 234 x 153 mm portrait, 298 pages, b&w with photo sections

New book in The NZ Series makes understanding our weather a breeze

Weather and Climate 
New Zealand

Sandra Carrod

Our complex and changing weather patterns explained in simple text and stunning graphics for readers of all ages

Once in a while there comes a book so informative that its publishers end up thanking the author for all she’s taught them. 

Weather and Climate New Zealand is such a book. Drawing on her years as a teacher and navigator, Sandra Carrod takes the windy science of meteorology and makes it a breeze to understand.

Integral to the book’s impact are the dazzling graphics of marine scientist turned graphics whizz Karsten Schneider, alongside imagery from NASA, NIWA and local photographers.

Short, crisply written chapters explore all the key elements of climate — making clear where our islands fit in global patterns, and what influences the weather wherever you live in Aotearoa.

What causes cyclones and tornadoes? How do you decipher a weather chart? And what effects do the oceans have on New Zealand weather?  

Answers to these and myriad other topics are set in the context of climate change and the many challenges it presents. After reading this book, reading the weather will become easy.

Weather and Climate New Zealand is the sixth in The NZ Series, simply introducing a range of themes for general and school readers. Teacher resources for the series can be found on the Oratia website.

The author

Sandra Carrod is a retired teacher who has written several non-fiction books for children, including Weather Watch New Zealand. She and her family travelled the world by yacht for many years, working with marine scientists and documentary filmmakers. Sandra lives in Tauranga. 

Publication: 17 October 2022  |  ISBN: 978-1-99-004226-3 | RRP $29.99

Paperback, 240 x 160 mm portrait, 100 pages, colour