The Story of Light

From the origins of the earth to the exploration of the heavens, Ben Bova, a multiple winner of science fiction's Hugo Award, unveils the beauty and science of light. In accessible prose, he explains new discoveries in areas ranging from relativity and quantum physics to perspective and the Renaissance painters€™ use of light.

Stefan Rudnicki has a deep, pleasing voice, that makes him sound like the friendly neighbor next door in a particularly philosophical mood. He breezes through this book of facts and theories about light with a comfort level that makes one think he does this every day. Bova's approach to the subject is wide ranging, from the history of science to the secrets of the atom and the farthest star. If one is an ignoramus about light, radiation, matter and energy, lenses, and quantum physics (among other topics), Dr. Bova's descriptions will shed some light on those areas of knowledge. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

What is light? What was its role in the evolution of life? How is it important to humans today? In The Story of Light, sf master Bova (The Rock Rats) summarizes the physics, chemistry, biological impact, and social history of light. He begins with a description of the molecular soup that will become the sun and planets. Simple organic molecules develop into living creatures as they learn to extract chemical energy from the light of the sun. Modern, complex organisms, with multifaceted eyes and/or stereoscopic color vision, still require light for both mental and physical health. This introduction is followed by a remarkably clear outline of the physics of light intermixed with a history of technological developments. How can light have both wave and particle characteristics? What is the speed of light? What is "relativity"? The final section of the work deals with stars, space, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The abridgment, competently read by Stefan Rudnicki, does lack certain scientific details found in the full text. Still, perhaps as a consequence, it is interesting and easy to understand. Recommended for all moderate to large public libraries; academic libraries should consider purchasing the unabridged version. I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.