The Crystal Sun [Mass Market Paperback]

Robert Temple (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 22, 2001

Archaeologists have always insisted most strenuously that lenses did not exist in ancient times. Robert Temple’s real-life detective story proves them wrong. His research began with the discovery that an ancient artifact in the British Museum, believed to be a piece of rock crystal, had, in fact, been ground to form a lens.

In this fascinating book, one of the most revolutionary studies in the history of science and civilization to be published for decades, Robert Temple reconstructs the story of light technology in ancient civilization. Dating back at least to 2600 BC to Old Kingdom Egypt, but unknown to modern archaeologists and historians, a science of optics and a sophisticated technology for the manufacture of lenses was widespread and fundamental in ancient times. It inspired awe in cultures who used it, so became encoded in their mythologies and religions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The focus is as wide, and as deep, as civilization itself.” – Sunday Times

“Robert Temple’s fascinating book should be read by all who have an interest in the history of science, and may well cause a revolution in this subject.” – Sir Arthur C. Clarke

From the Inside Flap

Archaeologists have always insisted most strenuously that lenses did not exist in ancient times. Robert Temple?s real-life detective story proves them wrong. His research began with the discovery that an ancient artifact in the British Museum, believed to be a piece of rock crystal, had, in fact, been ground to form a lens.

In this fascinating book, one of the most revolutionary studies in the history of science and civilization to be published for decades, Robert Temple reconstructs the story of light technology in ancient civilization. Dating back at least to 2600 BC to Old Kingdom Egypt, but unknown to modern archaeologists and historians, a science of optics and a sophisticated technology for the manufacture of lenses was widespread and fundamental in ancient times. It inspired awe in cultures who used it, so became encoded in their mythologies and religions.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 653 pages
• Publisher: Arrow; New edition edition (May 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099256797
• ISBN-13: 978-0099256793
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,716,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Work, June 8, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Crystal Sun (Mass Market Paperback)

Robert Temple's book is a stiletto in the side of modern, self-righteous "science" which only sees ancient knowledge as primitive fantasy.

Temple shows that there are hundreds of crystal lenses in museums around the world, which have been labelled as mere "ornaments," or such baubles. The emperor Nero wore an emerald lens to see gladiator fights, to aid his faulty vision. Such lenses could certainly have provided deeper views of the heavens than today's scientists allow for.

But beyond the mere existence of these lenses, Temple delves into the Pythagorean notion that the Sun itself is but a reflection (or refraction) of a larger Central Fire, at the core of the Universe.

With today's knowledge of the Galactic Center, which houses a humongous Black Hole, such a notion hints that the Ancients may indeed have known much more about cosmology than we have given them credit for.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Challenge, June 8, 2004

By 

paul mason "dedarkone" (Barrie On) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crystal Sun (Mass Market Paperback)

What is the challenge I refer to you ask? I am glad you did:). It involves writing a relatively lengthy tome on eyepieces, i.e. relracting/reflecting lenses, telescopes etc, without putting your audience to sleep.
Admittedly I picked up this book due to a fascinating little blurb on the front and back cover. As I started reading it I worried, "Oh no what have I gotten myself into?"
Well the answer to that rhetorical question relates to Temple's meeting and surpassing his challenge.
The first few chapters focus almost exclusively on the Lanyard lens, an ancient lens much ado has revolved around in certain (reluctantly describe it as geeky) circles. Temple then tracks the science of lenscraft from ancient times to present. Along the way to keep his book from becoming as dry as the Sahara he digresses on historical topics and scientific biographies of lumenaries such as Copernicus, Galileo, Newton and others.

One of the most impressive aspects to this work for me a layperson with limited interest in subject matter were the endnotes following each chapter, themselves interesting and complete. These notes are a reflection (pun intended) on how commited Temple was to this project and in my eyes he met with much success.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent research., February 8, 2008

By 

Terrie K (WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Crystal Sun - Rediscovering a Lost Technology of the Ancient World (Hardcover)

I am enjoying reading this book and am amazed at the depth of research that went into this book.