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Light: The Visible Spectrum and Beyond Hardcover – October 27, 2015
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Light allows us to see everything around us, but humans can only see a sliver of all light, known as the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, Kim Arcand and Megan Watzke present the subject of light as never before. Organized along the order of the electromagnetic spectrum, each chapter focuses on a different type of light. From radio waves, harnessed for telecommunications, to X-rays, which let us peer inside the human body and view areas around black holes in deep space, Arcand and Watzke show us all the important ways light impacts us. An introductory chapter describes what light is and how it behaves, while hundreds of full-color photographs and illustrations demonstrate concepts and make for a stunning book that's a joy to read and browse.
- Print length208 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBlack Dog & Leventhal
- Publication dateOctober 27, 2015
- Dimensions10.38 x 0.88 x 10.38 inches
- ISBN-10163191006X
- ISBN-13978-1631910067
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Highly informative and a feast for the eyes"―Mario Livio, author of The Golden Ratio
"Entertaining as well as educational"―Phil Plait, Slate
"Light is a treat for the mind as well as the eyes."―GeekWire.com
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Black Dog & Leventhal; Illustrated edition (October 27, 2015)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 208 pages
- ISBN-10 : 163191006X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1631910067
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Dimensions : 10.38 x 0.88 x 10.38 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #619,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #91 in Optics for Physics
- #955 in Chemistry (Books)
- #2,006 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Kim was working in molecular biology and public health when she was hired for the Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998. Since she wanted to be an astronaut when she was little, this opportunity got Kim close to the cosmos but without the long distance commute. Today, Kim uses data to help tell stories about science, whether in the form of a 3D print of an exploded star, a book about the electromagnetic spectrum, or a virtual reality application of a spacecraft system. Find out more at https://kimarcand.com

Science, and the clear and engaging communication of it, has perhaps never been more important. Megan Watzke has spent her career trying to explain science – including its wonderful and exciting discoveries and also how it works. By showing how science is infused into everyday life, she hopes to knock barriers that have long stood between it and many audiences. Her latest book, “Magnitude: The Scale of the Universe,” is a manual to exploring and appreciating how far science and technology can take us. For example, the book considers how far is far, how hot is hot, and much more. Along with co-author Kimberly Arcand, Watzke seeks to make science accessible to everyone. For more, visit arcandwatzke.com.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book's visuals stunning and engaging. They appreciate the sophisticated yet simple exposition of the subject. The book is described as an interesting and captivating read for both adults and children.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's visuals. They find the pictures stunning, engaging, and visually captivating. The book effectively tells the story of light through vivid images.
"Great photos, clear explanations, mostly minimally mathematical. Rather deep detail and suitable for the layman who wants detail...." Read more
"...The book's layout and photos are stunning. I wish that visible light was covered in more detail." Read more
"The book effectively tells the story of light through vivid images. Great content and presentation. Good read for both adults and kids!" Read more
"The book and content was beautiful, clearly written and is an excellent introduction to light, In of itself is worth the price...." Read more
Customers find the book's content engaging and educational. They appreciate its simple yet sophisticated exposition of the subject, deep detail, and imaginative text. The illustrations are described as spectacular and well-illustrated. Overall, customers praise the author's work and consider it an outstanding job.
"...Rather deep detail and suitable for the layman who wants detail. Light refers to the entire electromagnetic spectrum, not just visible light...." Read more
"...Great content and presentation. Good read for both adults and kids!" Read more
"The book and content was beautiful, clearly written and is an excellent introduction to light, In of itself is worth the price...." Read more
"...women have excellent credentials and they have done an Outstanding Job in writing this book!..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and fun to read. They say it's a good read for both adults and kids, with stunning visuals.
"...Great content and presentation. Good read for both adults and kids!" Read more
"...All the pictures are visually stunning and the book provides hours of entertainment." Read more
"...Really an awesome book for all ages." Read more
"...This book follows the same format as the previous 2, so it should be a fun read." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024Great photos, clear explanations, mostly minimally mathematical. Rather deep detail and suitable for the layman who wants detail. Light refers to the entire electromagnetic spectrum, not just visible light. A great book.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024A large-format picture book about the entire electro-magnetic spectrum (including the 95% we CANNOT see). Almost every page is a large photo or diagram, or a group of related photos. Not a great deal of technical info, but enough to cover the material (and suitable for older children). Since x-rays, gamma rays, and infrared are topics of astronomy, many photos are from that research. A brief glance through the book might lead one to believe it's about deep space astronomy, but it covers much more. The book's layout and photos are stunning. I wish that visible light was covered in more detail.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024The book effectively tells the story of light through vivid images. Great content and presentation. Good read for both adults and kids!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2018The book and content was beautiful, clearly written and is an excellent introduction to light, In of itself is worth the price. HOWEVER the Publisher produced a poor quality binding and the book is falling apart. I discovered this after the 30 return policy.
Eventhough it was after 30 days, Amazon agreed to ship me another copy.
So my advice is to check out the quality of the physical book and return it if necessary before the 30 day return period.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024This is such an interesting book even my four year old likes to look through it. All the pictures are visually stunning and the book provides hours of entertainment.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2015I just received the 1st of two books I ordered from Amazon today written by Kim Arcand and Megan Watzke! "Light The Visible Spectrum and Beyond" and all I can say is WOW! This hardcover book is Spectacular in Every Detail from the Unbelieveable Images to the Accompanying Narratives that describe each Aspect of Light in Fine Detail! I thought I knew something about light since I've been a photographer all of my life and have a high-level of interest in Astronomy and the Sciences, but I've never seen another book like it! I have to consider this book the entire "Encyclopedia of Light!" It's a MUST HAVE for all Astronomers, Astrophotographers, Cosmologists, Physicists, or anyone else interested in learning about the many Fascinating Properties of Light! Purchase this well-written book for yourself or as a gift for your child, a family member or friend! You will not be disappointed! Kim Arcand works for NASA as a Visualization lead for the Chandra X-Ray Telescope and Megan Watzke works at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Both of these women have excellent credentials and they have done an Outstanding Job in writing this book! Update January 1st 2016 Recommended by Scientific American! http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/book-review-light/
- Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024When I received this book it took my breath away. A beautiful high quality volume, it is a delight to open it and peruse the pages. Gorgeous photos! It’s also mindblowing how little we see with our eyes as compared to what is actually there. Amazing! If you are fascinated about light and color, I highly recommend this book. Delve into one of the mysterious forces of our reality!
5.0 out of 5 stars You will be impressed!When I received this book it took my breath away. A beautiful high quality volume, it is a delight to open it and peruse the pages. Gorgeous photos! It’s also mindblowing how little we see with our eyes as compared to what is actually there. Amazing! If you are fascinated about light and color, I highly recommend this book. Delve into one of the mysterious forces of our reality!
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024Absolutely wonderful, a fascinating collection of information about light. One of the best science books for non-scientists that I have read.
Top reviews from other countries
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Hiram LuevanoReviewed in Mexico on February 13, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Buen libro
Muy interesante recomendado
RabeyReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant photos, great science explanations
The photos are stunning and the science is well explained. Really good use of real world examples. This is a great book to start with if you're trying to understand the electromagnetic spectrum. Even if you know it already, get it for the stunning photos. It's a big book, beautifully presented.
Sanju BurkuleReviewed in India on October 18, 20175.0 out of 5 stars Must have.
Must have
Paul MullerReviewed in Australia on February 10, 20215.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful trip through the electromagnetic spectrum for the adults and younger audiences
A well thought out book that combines incredible visualisations with scientific insights suitable for a mature audience as well as talking points for younger readers or people who aren't as deep into the science. a great coffee table book for a lazy Sunday
JoeTouristReviewed in Canada on December 3, 20155.0 out of 5 stars This book is beautifully illustrated and easy to understand!
This is a terrific book describing how the spectrum of light is used for scientific research. It's beautifully illustrated, a coffee table book and easy to understand too!