A Light History of Hot AirWe've lit big fires and gentle flames over the ages to open our minds, to warn of danger, to brighten our way through the darkness and to allow us to read in bed at nighta Nobel Prize-winner Peter Doherty's enthusiasm and curiosity about the world around him informs this atmospheric collection of stories on illumination, hot air and burning in all their guises. Written with great style and richly intimate with personal anecdotes, A Light History of Hot Air is concerned with the world and the simple beauty of science. Doherty shines a unique, tangential light of insight that reveals his subjects in new and unexpected ways. A childhood in Queensland awakens a boy's-own-adventure enthusiasm for trains and ships; further learning leads to admiration for such engineering marvels as the humble refrigerator and the steady march of progress that has brought us from tallow candles to electric lights. Featuring cameos from Albert Einstein, Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens and Thomas the Tank Engine, among others, A Light History of Hot Air is an unmissable treat. |
Contents
Alphabet Soup | 15 |
Soaring with Eagles | 36 |
Iron Horses and Balladeers | 71 |
Copyright | |
12 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
allowed American animals associated Australian become Brisbane British buildings carbon carried cause century climate coal cold comes consequences continue countries dangerous developing diet early effect electric energy engine experience fire fish flame flying followed force front fuel German give global glucose ground head heat hot air human important increasing industry Italy later least less light lived look Maine major massive Memphis metres move natural North numbers ocean Perhaps pilot plant political possible problem production reality recent result seems sense served ship smoke societies South speed steam supply tion train turn United University various warming World York