- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Profile Books; New edition edition (5 Jun 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1861973942
- ISBN-13: 978-1861973948
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 13 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 845,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Amazon.co.uk Review
The Glass Bathyscaphe asks what was the crucial difference between oriental and occidental societies in the late middle ages and Renaissance that meant that those in the west developed modern scientific method and those in the east did not? What was the single most important substance behind the startling technological advances of the last two hundred years? Some might be tempted to answer, "Iron and Steel", to the second question but, according to MacFarlane and Martin, in their unusual book, the answer to both questions should be, "Glass". Through its use in telescopes and microscopes, barometers, thermometers and scientific instruments, medical and photographic equipment, glass made us feel differently about ourselves and the world.
The danger in a book like this, which concentrates on one substance and its cultural significance, is that the authors could have sounded like monomaniacs, ascribing just about every advance in human knowledge to the wonders of glass. MacFarlane and Martin are aware of this danger and they acknowledge the enormous complexity of the forces that created the modern world. Their argument is subtle and sophisticated but they are in no doubt that glass has never been given the central place it deserves. Ironically, given its subject, The Glass Bathyscaphe has a slightly opaque title (how many know, without consulting a dictionary, what a bathyscaphe is?) but, for a short book, it is a very challenging one, asking us to look anew at the whole history of science and technology.--Nick Rennison --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'A stimulating read that will make you think about the material world in a new way' - Julian Henderson, New Scientist 'Fascinating...a riveting story...the authors' explanations are wide-ranging and ingenious ...presented with energy and insight. By piecing together "the shattered history of this extraordinary substance" Macfarlane and Martin have made a valuable contribution to the wider social history of technology' - Richard Hamblyn, Sunday Times
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The world in vitro,
By
This review is from: The Glass Bathyscaphe: How Glass Changed the World (Hardcover)
After hearing the author of this remarkable book interviewed on Radio 4's Start the Week, I rushed to get a copy, and I have not been disapointed. The book describes the role which glass has played in the advancement of Man and civilization. It demonstrates the remarkable effect of NOT using glass as it was used in the West had on the worlds of Islam and the Orient. My only criticism is the author's style--what he has to say is exciting and very interesting, but much of the spark of his message is hidden in verbosity, he could certainly have come to the point much quicker and with more impact--perhaps he feared that the book would be too short! Robert Temple's excellent book, THE CRYSTAL SUN deals with the development and use of lenses in antiquity in a more complete manner.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely fascinating!,
By Dr. Milo Jones "Dr. Milo Jones" (EU & USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Glass Bathyscaphe: How Glass Changed the World (Paperback)
This book stands head and shoulders above the many "material histories" that have appeared over the last few years (e.g. salt; fish; spices): it overflows with fresh insights, original ideas, and interesting objects for speculation. Don't miss it!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating,
By Cat person (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Glass Bathyscaphe: How Glass Changed the World (Paperback)
A fascinating book, that really makes you think about the delicate balance of life and culture. How something like glass which is taken so much for granted in the modern world could have such far reaching consequences in the development of various cultures around the world.
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