The Story of Light [Hardcover]

Ben Bova (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2001

In this all-encompassing work, one of the most famous science fiction as well as nonfiction writers of our time explores the subject of light and shows how it has shaped every aspect of our existence.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

rolific SF and nonfiction writer (Venus, etc.) and former editor of Omni and Analog, Bova once rhapsodized about The Beauty of Light (an ALA Best Science Book of 1988). He now offers this secondary source-based introduction to light's influence on aspects of human experience, "from our religions to our sex drives." Those looking for inspired, penetrating insights will be disappointed: "Great artists, even those who came long before our modern understanding of human vision, used their own eyes and minds, their own observations of the world around them and of human behavior, to produce works of immortal beauty." The lack of illustrations is also a serious drawback. But with a 25,000-copy initial printing, an eight-city author tour and 1,500 galleys in circulation, this book should reach Bova's core SF fans, who may pick this one up for themselves or for their older children. Endogenous pacemakers (the light-sensitive "clock inside your brain"), the birth of the sun, lasers, astrology (it "was, is, and always will be entirely rubbish") and the camera obscura all make appearances, and Bova draws on examples from all corners, from medieval optics author Alhazen to Daguerre, James Clerk Maxwell and Einstein. While sheathed in filler, Bova's illustrative thought experiments hit the mark, and his breezy affability is evident throughout, making this a decent primer.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Bova is an award-winning sf writer whose credentials include involvement in the U.S. Space Program and president emeritus of the National Space Society. In 1988, his The Beauty of Light was voted one of the year's best science books by the American Library Association. Bova's latest book, based on that earlier work, introduces new material in every section, incorporating the most recent research findings of the many ways in which light affects every aspect of our lives. The text is composed of four sections that can be read independently of one another. It begins with a history of light on Earth, leading into the science of light its discovery, its measurement, and the significance of determining the speed of light. Next, light is shown as it relates to the visual arts, sciences, and technology: from cave paintings to movies to lasers and, finally, to telecommunications. Lastly, light is shown as it exists in space, with the myriad theories propounded by astrophysicists and cosmologists concerning the nature of the universe. Bova has written the perfect lay guide to all aspects of light, not least of which is an understandable explanation of Einstein's theory of relativity. Recommended for larger public libraries. Gloria Maxwell, Penn Valley Community Coll., Kansas City, MO
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 356 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570717850
• ISBN-13: 978-1570717857
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,560,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, fact-filled, and far-ranging account, March 6, 2002

By 

Dennis Littrell (SoCal) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Light (Hardcover)

Bova is a master at writing readable prose for a general readership. He's been at it for fifty years or more, and is among the best at making science fascinating. One is reminded of the work of the late, great, and sorely missed Isaac Asimov. Like Asimov, Bova is the author of over a hundred books, both fiction and nonfiction, and is especially celebrated for his innovative science fiction. I have only one small criticism. In his touting of the Strategic Defense Initiative from the Reagan administration and how lasers can be used to knock down ballistic missiles, he fails to mention how easily they can be fooled by dummy targets while failing to point out how ineffectual lasers are against "suitcase" nuclear bombs. To his credit Bova admits his bias on page 282, a bias that came about because he was employed as a marketing manager for the Avco Everett Research Laboratory in Massachusetts, a company that was in the business of making high-powered lasers.

The chapters on the development of photography from the pinhole camera obscura to lasers, holography and fiber optics are among the most interesting. The fourth part of the book, "Book IV: To Seek," beginning on page 323 is a readable, concise update on how electromagnetic radiation is helping us to explore the universe. In other words, Bova gets to talk about subjects he loves dearly, cosmology, physics and astronomy. This is not a work for scientists; instead there is a clear emphasis on satisfying the needs of the general reader by providing a wealth of information about light and just about anything to do with light, including painting, perception, how the eye works, photography, photosynthesis--indeed, even the origin of life--the search for extraterrestrial life, extrasolar planets, radiation, LASIK surgery, relativity, quantum mechanics, gemstones and their uses, time travel, the ozone layer, nuclear fission and fusion...etc. His enthusiasm for solar power and especially for Solar-Powered Satellites, "huge satellites that can generate gigawatts of solar electricity and send it to Earth through microwave beams" (p. 310) is infectious and welcome.

There is a modest bibliography and a short glossary and an index. One is occasionally amused at Bova's asides and quaint cultural references (e.g., Jimmy Durante!). He keeps a light-hearted tone and mixes in bits of toastmaster humor. I'm thinking of the "Hungarian recipe" for an omelette: "First, steal some eggs..." (p. 291) or his description of the active element fluorine in contrast to the relatively inert xenon, as "a used-car salesman who is running for mayor." (p. 271)

The Story of Light can be profitably read by teenagers as well as by lay persons looking to keep up with recent developments set in a clear historical context.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Light, October 10, 2001

By 

Lloyd McDaniel "UNCA, Bookman in PC" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Light (Hardcover)

I admit to prejudice.
I have known Bova for some time and share his views on many things, still I found this to be one of the best text/references I have ever seen.

It is certainly worth a look for any Parent unhappy with some of the lowest common denominator school dreck and seeking answers to questions like 'why do the stars shine' and 'why is the sky blue' add to that answers FAR beyond why we sometimes feel sad on a rainy day and you have a wonder of information at hand to answer questions for both the small people and yourself. Comprehensible all the way through.

Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I learned a lot, April 18, 2011

By 

John Gray - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Story of Light (Hardcover)

The story of light has a ton of information regarding the study of light in many different ways. I learned a great deal from this book. I would recommend it to anyone looking to illuminate their world a little bit more.