An encyclopedic volume on the phenomenon that underlies civilization itself. Rossotti (Chemistry/Oxford) covers every imaginable facet of fire, from specific chemical reactions of various fuels to ways of lighting fires; uses of fires; dangers of fires; and the symbolism and philosophy of fires. We learn about Stone Age oil lamps found in the caves where early humans created the first art works; about the development of heating and cooking stoves from the open fire to the modern range; about Greek Fire, safety matches, napalm, and Thermite; about the properties and applications of different fire extinguishers; about Prometheus and Zoroaster and phlogiston and spontaneous human combustion. There's literally something on almost every aspect of fire one can imagine, with a full list of primary sources included. But this approach has the obvious risk that some readers will find two paragraphs about booby traps, for example, exactly enough, while others will find it far too little—or too much. Of course, for more complex fire-related subjects such as cookery or ceramics, presenting a comprehensive discussion in a few pages is a hopeless task, so in these and other cases, Rossotti wisely sketches just a few basic principles and moves on. A clearly written, often fascinating, and incredibly detailed treatment of a subject that touches everyone's life. (Thirty-two color plates; ninety halftones and line drawings)
Pub Date: May 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-19-855722-1
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Oxford Univ.
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1993
An intriguing meditation on the nature of the universe and our attempts to understand it that should appeal to both...
Italian theoretical physicist Rovelli (General Relativity: The Most Beautiful of Theories, 2015, etc.) shares his thoughts on the broader scientific and philosophical implications of the great revolution that has taken place over the past century.
These seven lessons, which first appeared as articles in the Sunday supplement of the Italian newspaper Sole 24 Ore, are addressed to readers with little knowledge of physics. In less than 100 pages, the author, who teaches physics in both France and the United States, cogently covers the great accomplishments of the past and the open questions still baffling physicists today. In the first lesson, he focuses on Einstein's theory of general relativity. He describes Einstein's recognition that gravity "is not diffused through space [but] is that space itself" as "a stroke of pure genius." In the second lesson, Rovelli deals with the puzzling features of quantum physics that challenge our picture of reality. In the remaining sections, the author introduces the constant fluctuations of atoms, the granular nature of space, and more. "It is hardly surprising that there are more things in heaven and earth, dear reader, than have been dreamed of in our philosophy—or in our physics,” he writes. Rovelli also discusses the issues raised in loop quantum gravity, a theory that he co-developed. These issues lead to his extraordinary claim that the passage of time is not fundamental but rather derived from the granular nature of space. The author suggests that there have been two separate pathways throughout human history: mythology and the accumulation of knowledge through observation. He believes that scientists today share the same curiosity about nature exhibited by early man.
An intriguing meditation on the nature of the universe and our attempts to understand it that should appeal to both scientists and general readers.Pub Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-399-18441-3
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Riverhead
Review Posted Online: Dec. 7, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
The Johnstown Flood was one of the greatest natural disasters of all time (actually manmade, since it was precipitated by a wealthy country club dam which had long been the source of justified misgivings). This then is a routine rundown of the catastrophe of May 31st, 1889, the biggest news story since Lincoln's murder in which thousands died. The most interesting incidental: a baby floated unharmed in its cradle for eighty miles.... Perhaps of local interest-but it lacks the Lord-ly touch.
Pub Date: March 18, 1968
ISBN: 0671207148
Page Count: 312
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1968
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