Measure for Measure: A Musical History of Science (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Levenson's gracefully written, curious, often profound inquiry into the links between science and music hinges on his view of instruments--musical or scientific--as machines that extend the realm of human perception, opening up new worlds. He charts the evolution of science from Pythagoras's arrangement of the planets on the scaffolding of his musical scale to Newton's alchemical experiments and Leeuwenhoek's invention of the microscope to computerized weather prediction and genetically engineered mice. A parallel story progresses from the invention of the organ in ancient Alexandria to Stradivari's design of the modern cello to the invention of the electronic synthesizer. Pondering Bach's fugues and Stravinsky's compositions, TV producer Levenson ( Ice Time ) delves into music's mathematical underpinnings and concludes that science is "a form of art" that strives to make sense of the human condition. Illustrated. Newbridge Astronomy Book Club, Newbridge Library of Science and Reader's Subscription alternates.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Associate producer for PBS's Nova series, Levenson (Ice Time, LJ 4/15/89) has written a probing account of the intertwining of science and music from ancient times to the present day. Levenson blames Bach for this book. After becoming intrigued by well tempering at the time of Bach's 300th birthday celebration, he delved into the subject and discovered a truth that every serious musician comes to recognize: the importance of mathematics to the basics of music. Levenson singles out special scientific and musical instruments and explores thoroughly how the two fields are related. At times he is too detailed, but this is a minor fault; Levenson is a gifted writer who has produced an engrossing work. Recommended for academic libraries and general collections where Jamie James's Music of the Spheres (LJ 4/1/93) or Goedel, Escher, Bach (LJ 10/1/79) circulate well. [Newbridge's Astronomy Book Club, Library of Science, and Reader's Subscription alternates.]-Kathleen Spark- man, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.
--Kathleen Spark- man, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (December 5, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684804344
• ISBN-13: 978-0684804347
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #196,706 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for those interested in music and science, July 23, 1998

By A Customer

This is a must-read for anyone interested in music and/or science and the history thereof. It is not an exhaustive history, nor is it intended to be. Rather, specific examples are carefully selected as illustration of parallel historical trends in both disciplines. The book is carefully researched and thought-out. Levenson has a lovely lyrical style of writing, richly expressive, complemented by well-chosen illustrations. I came away from the book with a new understanding and appreciation of the evolution of these two surprisingly similar arts, music and science, and what they have to teach us. Very highly recommended!