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In a lot of ways Blueprint for a Battlestar by Rod Pyle reads similar to How To by Randall Munroe. This book is a great read for anyone who is interested in both science fiction and science fact. Mr. Pyle provides insight into various pieces of sci-fi technology and how close we are with current technology.
Each chapter is devoted to a unique sci-fi technology or trope. Starting with building your own death star, to jet packs, to terraforming. For each technology the book takes a look at if it’s possible, and how close we are today.
For some technologies like a death star we are a long way from reaching sci-fi. Other technologies like shields are getting closer to science fact, even if different from what we see in the movies. Technologies like nanotech are almost reaching sci-fi levels of capability.
A lot of technology in sci-fi is based at least in part in reality. Mr. Pyle does a great job connecting the two in a way that shows depth without being to dry or technical. For anyone who wants to dive deeper there is an in depth bibliography at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book as a lover of both sci-fi and science this is great. The references are thoroughly researched and listed. This book is an easy read with a great depth of information.