Chinese experts and scholars have recommended 93 superior Chinese and foreign popular science books to the public in a move to spread scientific thinking and knowledge among the people.

The books include 52 foreign and 42 Chinese works and were chosen by a committee as the "best popular science books of the 20th century," a project sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Chinese Association for Science and Technology.

"Popular science books can have positive effects on readers, especially young people," said Chen Yiyu, vice-president of the CAS. "A good book can serve to interest people in science and even guide them into devotion to scientific research."

He also urged Chinese scientists to write books on popular science.

The Beijing-based Science Times, a co-sponsor of the activity, will publish reviews of the 93 popular science books in a special column next year. (Xinhua)