Customer Reviews

The Knowledge Web: From Electronic Agents to Stonehenge and Back -- And Other Journeys Through Knowledge

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was a sorry disappointment. I will preface my further remarks by saying that I am a huge fan of Mr. Burke's television productions, and (ironically) I actually enjoyed the book a great deal, but for mostly all the wrong reasons.

The fact is that the book does not deal with what is alluded to by the title, the jacket copy, or the author's introduction. Unfortunately, those were the only elements that I scanned when looking over the book in the store (and then buying it online ;-). The marketting blurb on the cover says "From electronic agents to Stonehenge and back...". Well, there was a very small bit about electronic agents and believe it or not, Stonehenge wasn't mentioned once throughout the entire book. Mr. Burke was not well served here by his market driven editors.

The only reason I still enjoyed the book is that I love both history and technology, and that's the terrain through which this addled account rambles. Regrettably, this book was more like an extended outpouring of jumbled, loosely 'connected' trivia from a hyper-loquacious Alzheimer's patient, than anything truly salient or purposeful. There was absolutely no discernible point to the narrative. The author's attempt to put the work into some kind of prosaic hyperlink format was a bit embarrassing as well. Lastly, the book ended abruptly and arbitrarily, almost as if Mr. Burke's nurse had come in and said "That's all for today. It's time for Mr. Burke's evening feeding. Maybe you can come back tomorrow." I hope not.

This is almost like a technological "Ulysses" by James Joyce. The author almost does a stream of consciousness, and does repeat himself at least three or four times through the 262 page book. It is a journey that reminds me of Andy Grove's book on change, as you see how inventions, technology, greatly influenced history and the advance of our knowledge. Most importantly, it shows how new things can make people a lot of money, those that don't change, lose a lot of money, and is fascinating---although the connections of events wanders from century to century and subject to subject. I thought this was not only fascinating, but there are many levels in the writing just as there are in James Joyce's fiction. This book is pure fact, however.

Burke writes well, but this book seems little more than a historical account of ideas and inventions. Of course, the reader could use the heavy cross-referencing to read this book in many different ways (ie taking different paths through the book) but the prospect doesn't excite me as much as it appeared to excite the author.

While the book purports to show the linkages between ideas and inventions, too often an idea came way out of left field with no apparent connection to the current stream of thought or historical characters.

I had really hoped for something a little more focussed on the evolution and use of knowledge per se rather than an account of how things came about, which can be read in any of a dozen other books.

Very 'browsable' little book. If you like Burke's TV programmes (notice the hoity toity British spelling) and don't mind his hurried non-sequitur transitions form one topic to another- then you'll enjoy this book. The Knowledge Web is so jam-packed with facts and anecdotes that you'll be able to annoy friends and dinner companions for fortnights (I can't stop) to come with little gems of knowledge.

This book is a historical account of ideas and inventions. That why I bought it. Its good value. Most products which James Burke puts his name to a well worth investigating

I recommend this book.

It is refreshing to find a book that lives up to its reputation. Not that you should have any doubts when the name James Burke is on the cover. Witty, interesting, intriguing, engaging and the list goes on... A good book even it even if there is no real point to it all. He but that is my opinion. I can recommend it though for a few hours of interesting reading and relaxation.

I admit it, I am a big fan of James Burke. Ever since the fascinating BBC series, "Connections" I have been an avid reader of history. Most interesting to me is Burke's over-arching thesis regarding the role of technology in shaping history. I have gladly added this to my collection of Burke's works. However, I found the method of presentation, which amounts to an attempt to turn the work into a sort of hypertext, gimmicky and distracting. I gave up on trying to dart back and forth among the various interconnected sections. Perhaps, in a few years, I may find this device useful for some purpose, but I cannot see how it is any sort of advance over a standard index.

Nonetheless, I recommend this to anyone with an interest in history and technology. Burke simplifies and makes intriguing the progress of human technology, and its role in the progress of humanity itself, in a way that is fun and engaging to read. This book made me go back and re-read old history texts with a new outlook. As far as Burke's books go, however, I recommend _The Pinball Effect_ more highly as the device does not distract as much from the content. I eagerly await his next television series. I do so hope one is in the offing. hint, hint, Professor Burke!

There is no narrative purpose to this book. My mind was given its most powerful jolt of whiplash starting with chapter 4. This chapter starts with an explanation of black holes, THREE pages later we have a short history of the Pony Express, THREE pages later we deal with Joan of Arc. By the way, chapter 5 starts with instant coffee. I now have a headache.

James Burkes newest book "The Knowledge Web" is exceptional. If you have liked any of his other series, such as the video series called Connections 3, or his other book "Connections," you will definatly enjoy and cherrish this book. The way he writes is so extrordinary, and the way everything fits like a puzzle is great!!

Wudi. Simply facinating, I am going to use this book to continue with my plans to take over the world by citing trivial facts until everyone falls asleep, wheupon they will be sent to the afterlife appropriate to their religion. Then the other atheists and I shall rule a clean, safe, better world.