I was going to mention earlier but forgot. As an example of keeping complex subjects simple, the excellent Bill Bryson book, A short history of nearly everything is very good indeed.

I know that Bryson is not an acclaimed scientist but he is a great Anglo-American writer and humourist that has the knack of explaining many subjects in an easy to digest and entertaining way. As the explanations are often his take on science I would not rely on his views being spot on but they certainly make the subject easier to understand.

And just for you, Donuel, I must comment that he mentions Richard Feynman very early on. Which is what must have reminded me but it took me days to look it up :-)