Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold

Name: Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold
Price: 2.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (61 reviews)
Author: Tom Shachtman

by Tom Shachtman

Nonfiction

4.3 (61)

4.3 stars from 61 reviews

$2.99Deal83% off peak

Last checked: Jul 20, 2026

Price history: $1.99 – $17.99

Good deal — this is near the lowest price we've tracked.

Price range: $1.99 – $17.99

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Perfect for you if...

You enjoy popular science that reads like a thriller, with real people and genuine stakes rather than abstract concepts
You're fascinated by how everyday technology (refrigeration, air conditioning, cryogenics) actually came to exist
You appreciate history that traces big ideas through the lives of determined, sometimes eccentric individuals

Maybe not for you if...

You want a rigorous, technical deep-dive into thermodynamics and physics equations
You prefer narrative fiction over factual storytelling, even when it's compellingly written
You're looking for a quick self-help or productivity book rather than a substantive historical investigation

About this book

Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold combines science, history, and adventure to chronicle humanity's four-century effort to understand and control cold. The book traces how temperature science led to significant scientific discoveries and practical applications that transformed civilization, while also showing how scientific progress—driven by chance discoveries and individual determination—has enabled people to adapt to and modify their environments. Through this account, Tom Shachtman illustrates how scientific advancement has shaped human understanding of and relationship with the world. The book was adapted into a documentary directed by David Dugan, underwritten by the National Science Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which aired on the BBC and PBS's Nova in 2008.

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Price History

Kindle price over time. Green zones = periods when the book was free.

$1.99 – $17.99

Currently on sale at $2.99 — 83% off peak. Price has dropped 31 times over the last 5 years. Goes on sale roughly every 60 days. Typically stays discounted for 12 days.

Sales Rank

Amazon sales rank: lower number = better selling book. #1 is the bestseller.

Currently around #339K in the Kindle store — a niche title. Sales have softened 20% recently.

Rating & Reviews

Purple line = star rating over time. Blue area = total review count growth.

Currently 4.3★ from 61 reviews

Review activity has been quiet recently. Rating has dipped slightly from 4.4 to 4.3.

Sale Prediction

Actual Predicted

This book is currently discounted at $2.99. It typically returns to around $17.99.

Prices shown in USD from Amazon US. We continuously pull new data to improve tracking. If dates look old, it usually means there has been no significant change since the last data point.

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