The Scientists - John Gribbin

This is a great book. You're not going to learn all there is to know about physics or chemistry or quantum theory, but this book presents a broad look at how science evolved from the 16th through the 20th centuries in a very entertaining way. It provides interesting insights into how science as we know it works and the important men and women who helped make it what it is today. It's a long story, and jumps around sometimes because it's written from the perspective of the scientists involved, but it's a very satisfying read. Highly recommended.