The Matter of Air: Science and Art of the Ethereal - Hardcover

Connor, Steven

3.33

6 ratings by Goodreads

9781861897664: The Matter of Air: Science and Art of the Ethereal

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1861897669 ISBN 13: 9781861897664

Publisher: Reaktion Books, 2010

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Take a deep breath. Air—without it, life on Earth would cease to exist. Though not usually seen, its presence is relied upon. At once both ethereal and physical, air has been associated with flight and spirit, and yet it has progressively become a territory that can be claimed through communications, warfare, travel, and scientific exploration. At the same time, air is no longer a completely reliable part of our daily life: like water, it has become an environmental element that must be watched closely for quality and purity.

A Matter of Air investigates the meanings of air over the last three centuries, including our modern concern over emissions and climate change. Steven Connor looks at the human relationship with air, both positive and negative. His explorations include the dangers posed by radio atmospherics, poison gas, and haze as well as our continued fascination with effervescence and explosives. Drawing ideas from religion, science, art, literature, and philosophy, A Matter of Air creates a comprehensive history of the human perception of air. Thoroughly researched and written with wit and quirky enthusiasm, the book will appeal to a wide range of general readers interested in the environment, human history, and our most essential aspects of life.

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About the Author:

Steven Connor is professor of modern literature and theory in the School of Literature and Humanities at Birkbeck College, University of London. His other books include Fly and The Book of Skin, both published by Reaktion Books.

Review:

'a vagrant study that includes digressions on gas lighting, seances, explosions, our nonsensical fear of draughts and the Victorian controversy over cremation. Yet none of these wanderings detracts from a coherent account of the science of air ... In The Matter of Air, we're always breathing the atmosphere of several types of knowledge or experience at once, and the result is inspiring.' - Daily Telegraph

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