Everything's Relative: And Other Fables from Science and Technology

Rothman, Tony

ISBN 10: 0471202576 / ISBN 13: 9780471202578

Published by Trade Paper Press, 2003

About this Item

hardcover and dustjacket in very good condition.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1784510240602

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Everything's Relative: And Other Fables from Science and Technology
• Publisher: Trade Paper Press
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471202576
• ISBN 13: 9780471202578
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dimensions: 15.95W x 23.72H x 2.52D centimeters 15.95 centimeters width by 23.72 centimeters height by 2.52 centimeters depth
• Weight: 236 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The surprising truth behind many of the most cherished "facts" in science history

Morse invented the telegraph, Bell the telephone, Edison the light bulb, and Marconi the radio . . . right? Well . . . the truth is slightly more complicated. The history of science and technology is riddled with apocrypha, inaccuracies, and falsehoods, and physicist Tony Rothman has taken it upon himself to throw a monkey wrench into the works.

Combining a storyteller's gifts with a scientist's focus and hardheaded devotion to the facts—such as they may be—Rothman breaks down many of the most famous "just-so" stories of physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and technology to give credit where credit is truly due. From Einstein's possible misunderstanding of his own theories to actress Hedy Lemarr's role in the invention of the radio-controlled torpedo, he dredges his way through the legends of science history in relating the fascinating stories behind some of the most important, and often unsung, breakthroughs in science.

About the Author

TONY ROTHMAN is a physicist and writer. He is the author of seven other critically acclaimed science books and a frequent contributor to leading science publications, including Scientific American and Discover.