The Quiet Maverick – Tim Noakes (Second-Hand)

Title: The Quiet Maverick
Author: Daryl Ilbury
Format: Paperback
Category: Biography & South African Non-Fiction
Language: English

The Quiet Maverick is an in-depth and thought-provoking examination of world-renowned South African scientist Tim Noakes, focusing on the controversy that erupted following a single tweet that challenged conventional nutritional thinking.

Book Overview

On 5 February 2014, Tim Noakes ignited a media firestorm that threatened to dismantle his career and reputation. Veteran journalist Daryl Ilbury traces the fallout of that moment, exploring how science, media, and public opinion collided in an increasingly volatile information landscape.

The book examines the tension between scientific debate and mainstream media narratives, as well as the personal cost of dissent in a world demanding simplified answers to complex questions. Through extensive interviews with Noakes, colleagues, journalists, and critics, Ilbury presents a balanced and investigative account of a highly polarising figure.

The Quiet Maverick is as much about modern media culture and public trust in science as it is about the man himself.

Key Themes

• Science, media, and public controversy
• Nutrition debates and academic freedom
• Social media and reputational risk
• Public trust in experts
• Modern South African intellectual discourse

Condition

Second-Hand – Good.

• Visible shelf wear consistent with normal use
• Minor cover and edge wear
• Pages clean and fully readable
• Binding intact

Additional Information

• Published by Penguin Non-Fiction (South Africa)
• Includes interviews with scientists, journalists, and public figures
• Relevant to readers interested in science, media, and public debate
• Suitable for general and academic readers