This is a small book, borne of a series of lectures, which deals with the issue of science and what exactly constitutes it. Using histories of the five scientists/philosophers in the sub-title, the book discusses the various positions these people held on the nature of science and the dictatorship it has over 'the' way of describing reality. It is a succinct introduction to the philosophy of science, and by using the writings and thoughts of a few key figures, describes a tidy history of the controversies over the nature of the scientific method. ( )