In 'Glass' by Alan Macfarlane and Gerry Martin, readers embark on a fascinating journey through the intricate history of glass, a material that has shaped cultures and civilizations. The authors unravel the secrets behind glassmaking, revealing how this seemingly mundane substance has influenced art, architecture, and science throughout the ages. With a unique blend of storytelling and scholarly insight, 'Glass' challenges us to reconsider our relationship with objects that surround us. From ancient artisans to modern technologies, discover the hidden stories and innovations that have made glass a mirror reflecting humanity’s evolution. Prepare to see the world through a new lens—one that shines with brilliance and intrigue!
By Alan Macfarlane, Gerry Martin
Published: NaN
"The beauty of glass lies not just in its transparency, but in the worlds it reveals and the reflections it offers of our own lives."
Picture, if you can, a world without glass. There would be no microscopes or telescopes, no sciences of microbiology or astronomy. People with poor vision would grope in the shadows, and planes, cars, and even electricity probably wouldn't exist. Artists would draw without the benefit of three-dimensional perspective, and ships would still be steered by what stars navigators could see through the naked eye. In Glass: A World History, Alan Macfarlane and Gerry Martin tell the fascinating story of how glass has revolutionized the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Starting ten thousand years ago with its invention in the Near East, Macfarlane and Martin trace the history of glass and its uses from the ancient civilizations of India, China, and Rome through western Europe during the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Industrial Revolution, and finally up to the present day. The authors argue that glass played a key role not just in transforming humanity's relationship with the natural world, but also in the divergent courses of Eastern and Western civilizations. While all the societies that used glass first focused on its beauty in jewelry and other ornaments, and some later made it into bottles and other containers, only western Europeans further developed the use of glass for precise optics, mirrors, and windows. These technological innovations in glass, in turn, provided the foundations for European domination of the world in the several centuries following the Scientific Revolution. Clear, compelling, and quite provocative, Glass is an amazing biography of an equally amazing subject, a subject that has been central to every aspect of human history, from art and science to technology and medicine.
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“The beauty of glass lies not just in its transparency, but in the worlds it reveals and the reflections it offers of our own lives.”
Glass
By Alan Macfarlane, Gerry Martin
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alan Macfarlane is a distinguished British anthropologist and historian, renowned for his interdisciplinary approach that blends ethnography with historical analysis. He is best known for his influential works including 'The Making of the English Landscape' and 'The Origins of English Individualism.' Macfarlane's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, often integrating personal narrative with scholarly research to engage readers in exploring complex cultural and historical themes.
Gerry Martin is an accomplished author known for his engaging storytelling and vivid character development. With a background in literature and creative writing, he has carved a niche in contemporary fiction. His notable works include 'Whispers of the Past', 'Shadows of Tomorrow', and 'The Last Goodbye', each exploring complex themes of love, loss, and redemption. Martin's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and immersive narrative, drawing readers into richly crafted worlds. He is passionate about the power of narrative to foster empathy and understanding.
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