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Writing books such as Lasers, Ray Guns and Light Cannons is “only an excuse
to play with gadgets and toys”, admits Gordon McComb. The text is packed with
projects to delight fellow gadgeteers, along with an introduction to the basics
of lasers, optics and electronics. Despite the title, the lasers used are low
power and harmless unless you stick your fingers in the power supply or insist
on staring gormlessly into the beam. On the front is a stereotypical
white-bearded wizard zapping a malevolent rusty robot with a laser
staff—the most bizarre cover for a technical book in memory. Published by
McGraw-Hill, $21.95, ISBN 0070450358.