The Beauty of Light (Wiley Science Editions)

An exploration into the nature of light--written in an engaging style for a wide audience. The author of dozens of books on science, Bova traces the history of the study of light, from Galileo's attempt to measure its speed, to Einstein's theory of relativity. He explains modern uses of light technology, including lasers, fiber optics, solar energy, and optical computers; and discusses biological and ecological aspects of light, and its role in the evolution of the earth. He concludes with some breathtaking possibilities on the scientific horizon. Illustrated.

Prolific science writer Bova commits some howlers in this illustrated survey of lightits nature, scientific exploration and uses in technology, the arts and everyday life. "Nowhere has lighting been used to such dramatic effect as at the 1934 Nazi party rally at Nuremberg," he rashly proclaims. In asserting that "nothing in the universe travels faster than light," Bova neglects to mention tachyons, hypothetical faster-than-light particles believed by some physicists to exist. He touts the contributions of "systems man" Thomas Edison but ignores those of pioneering inventor Nikola Tesla. Despite its sloppiness, his breezy narrative holds the reader's interest as it engagingly touches upon a spectrum of topicsphotosynthetic bacteria, bioluminescent squid, fire, color mixing, mirrors, gems, human biological clocks, the history of photography, how lasers work, the birth of stars.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Light is Bova's central theme, unifying a widely ranging survey that takes in the entire spectrum of human endeavor, from the evolution of civilization to scientific discovery, art, and cosmology. Bova divides his book into four sectionsthe first discusses the effect of light on human physiology, psychology, and mythology; the second reviews what science has learned about the physics of light; the third talks about light in relation to painting, theater, and invention; and the final probes the heavens where light, created by thermonuclear fusion in the cores of stars, serves as the carrier of information about the creation and evolution of the universe. An intellectually stimulating book, packed with fascinating trivia, from the author of over 70 science and science fiction titles. Recommended. Laurie Tynan, Montgomery Cty. - Norristown P.L., Pa.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.