Items related to Science: A Four Thousand Year History
In Science, Patricia Fara rewrites science's past to provide new ways of understanding and questioning our modern technological society. Sweeping through the centuries from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, Fara's book also ranges internationally, challenging notions of European superiority by emphasizing the importance of scientific projects based around the world, including revealing discussions of China and the Islamic Empire alongside the more familiar stories about Copernicus's sun centered astronomy, Newton's gravity, and Darwin's theory of evolution.
We see for instance how Muslim leaders encouraged science by building massive libraries, hospitals, and astronomical observatories and we rediscover the significance of medieval Europe long overlooked where, surprisingly, religious institutions ensured science's survival, as the learning preserved in monasteries was subsequently developed in new and unique institutions: universities. Instead of focussing on esoteric experiments and abstract theories, she explains how science belongs to the practical world of war, politics, and business. And rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals.
We see for instance how Muslim leaders encouraged science by building massive libraries, hospitals, and astronomical observatories and we rediscover the significance of medieval Europe long overlooked where, surprisingly, religious institutions ensured science's survival, as the learning preserved in monasteries was subsequently developed in new and unique institutions: universities. Instead of focussing on esoteric experiments and abstract theories, she explains how science belongs to the practical world of war, politics, and business. And rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Patricia Fara lectures in the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge and is the Senior Tutor of Clare College. She is the author of numerous books, including Fatal Attraction: Magnetic Mysteries of the Enlightenment and Newton: The Making of Genius. Her writing has appeared in New Scientist, Nature, The Times, and New Statesman, and she writes a regular column for Endeavour.
Review:
"Very well-written and highly readable. The language is clear and the arguments are lucid. Frequent examples and anecdotes enliven dry, theoretical concepts. With the author's engaging style of writing, even those dealing with topics that might not normally have captured one's interest become a pleasure to read."--American Scientist
Patricia Fara lectures in the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge and is the Senior Tutor of Clare College. She is the author of numerous books, including Fatal Attraction: Magnetic Mysteries of the Enlightenment and Newton: The Making of Genius. Her writing has appeared in New Scientist, Nature, The Times, and New Statesman, and she writes a regular column for Endeavour.
"Very well-written and highly readable. The language is clear and the arguments are lucid. Frequent examples and anecdotes enliven dry, theoretical concepts. With the author's engaging style of writing, even those dealing with topics that might not normally have captured one's interest become a pleasure to read."--American Scientist
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherOxford University Press
- Publication date2010
- ISBN 10 0199580278
- ISBN 13 9780199580279
- BindingPaperback
- Edition number1
- Number of pages481
- Rating
Buy New
Learn more about this copy
US$ 18.56
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
Science: A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition 1.15. Seller Inventory # bk0199580278xvz189zvxnew
Buy New
US$ 18.56
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science: A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 1.15. Seller Inventory # 353-0199580278-new
Buy New
US$ 18.56
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science: A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Softcover
Quantity: 3
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Brand New! Not Overstocks or Low Quality Book Club Editions! Direct From the Publisher! We're not a giant, faceless warehouse organization! We're a small town bookstore that loves books and loves it's customers! Buy from Lakeside Books!. Seller Inventory # OTF-S-9780199580279
Buy New
US$ 14.60
Convert currency
Seller Image
Science : A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Softcover
Quantity: 5
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 7097260-n
Buy New
US$ 16.12
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science: A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Softcover
Quantity: 6
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9780199580279
Buy New
US$ 20.00
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science: A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Softcover
Quantity: 2
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2215580054853
Buy New
US$ 16.18
Convert currency
Seller Image
Science (Paperback)
Published by
Oxford University Press, Oxford
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Paperback
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Science: A Four Thousand Year History rewrites science's past. Instead of focussing on difficult experiments and abstract theories, Patricia Fara shows how science has always belonged to the practical world of war, politics, and business. Rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people - men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals in their questfor success. Fara sweeps through the centuries, from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi-tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, illuminating the financial interests,imperial ambitions, and publishing enterprises that have made science the powerful global phenomenon that it is today. She also ranges internationally, illustrating the importance of scientific projects based around the world, from China to the Islamic empire, as well as the more familiar tale of science in Europe, from Copernicus to Charles Darwin and beyond. Above all, this four thousand year history challenges scientific supremacy, arguing controversially that scienceis successful not because it is always right - but because people have said that it is right. A groundbreaking new history of science, from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi-tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, illuminating the financial interests, imperial ambitions, and publishing enterprises that have made science the powerful global phenomenon that it is today. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780199580279
Buy New
US$ 22.09
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press, USA
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
PAP
Quantity: 5
Seller:
Rating
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # GB-9780199580279
Buy New
US$ 22.23
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science
Published by
OUP OXFORD 2010-02-11, Oxford
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
paperback
Quantity: 5
Seller:
Rating
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780199580279
Buy New
US$ 21.04
Convert currency
Stock Image
Science: A Four Thousand Year History
Published by
Oxford University Press
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0199580278
ISBN 13: 9780199580279
New
Paperback
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon0199580278
Buy New
US$ 23.86
Convert currency