The agile narrative in this extraordinarily informative and always entertaining book examines the mysteries of time and chronicles the human struggle to measure, utilize, understand, and explain it. The cast of characters in the tale ranges from the primitive homo erectus to modern time explorers, from Zeno to Caesar to Pope Gregory, Galileo, Einstein and Stephen Hawking; and their stage is the world, the universe, the galaxy. Starting with the creation, when time began -- perhaps with a big bang, maybe in a garden called Eden -- the book records the flops and follies, triumphs and fears, crackpot theories and wondrous discoveries that have shaped the way we today conceive of time and tell it. And with atomic clocks, the author notes, we can tell it with an accuracy that loses only a second every 316,000 years. On the other hand, no one noticed for ninety-nine years that a sundial in ancient Rome was recording time incorrectly. Calendars, eons, minutes, eternity -- no element of time is overlooked in this enlightening book that is as rich in anecdote as it is comprehensive in knowledge.

About the Author

Alexander Waugh was formerly the chief opera critic at the Mail on Sunday and the Evening Standard.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Shadow Books sells all manner of second-hand, out of print and rare books; but not popular paperback fiction. If we have a speciality, it is a broad academic one embracing the humanities fields of history, politics, classic literature, art history, media, history of ideas. We pride ourselves on setting our prices - quality for quality - at the low end of the range, on the scrupulous way we describe our books, on the rapidity with which we dispatch orders, and on our prompt and friendly response to customers and their queries.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Shadow Books
5, St. Giles Terrace, Norwich, NR2 1NS, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We also accept Paypal.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books
weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact
you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 12.12	US$ 16.18

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.