The Knowledge Web: From Electronic Agents to Stonehenge and Back -- And Other Journeys Through Knowledge

By James Burke

Book Overview

In The Knowledge Web, James Burke, the bestselling author and host of television's Connections series, takes us on a fascinating tour through the interlocking threads of knowledge running through Western history. Displaying mesmerizing flights of fancy, he shows how seemingly unrelated ideas and innovations bounce off one another, spinning a vast, interactive web on which everything is connected to everything else: Carmen leads to the theory of relativity, champagne bottling links to wallpaper design, Joan of Arc connects through vaudeville to Buffalo Bill. Illustrating his open, connective theme in the form of a journey across a web, Burke breaks down complex concepts, offering information in a manner accessible to anybody -- high school graduates and Ph.D. holders alike. The journey touches almost two hundred interlinked points in the history of knowledge, ultimately ending where it begins. At once amusing and instructing, The Knowledge Web heightens our awareness of our interdependence -- with one another and with the past. Only by understanding the interrelated nature of the modern world can we hope to identify complex patterns of change and direct the process of innovation to the common good.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684859351
• ISBN13: 9780684859354
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable!

Very 'browsable' little book. If you like Burke's TV programmes (notice the hoity toity British spelling) and don't mind his hurried non-sequitur transitions form one topic to another- then you'll enjoy this book. The Knowledge Web is so jam-packed with facts and anecdotes that you'll be able to annoy friends and dinner companions for fortnights (I can't stop) to come with little gems of knowledge.

Stimulates Your Mind

This is almost like a technological "Ulysses" by James Joyce. The author almost does a stream of consciousness, and does repeat himself at least three or four times through the 262 page book. It is a journey that reminds me of Andy Grove's book on change, as you see how inventions, technology, greatly influenced history and the advance of our knowledge. Most importantly, it shows how new things can make people a lot of money, those that don't change, lose a lot of money, and is fascinating---although the connections of events wanders from century to century and subject to subject. I thought this was not only fascinating, but there are many levels in the writing just as there are in James Joyce's fiction. This book is pure fact, however.

The Knowledge Web, Wonderful Connections

James Burkes newest book "The Knowledge Web" is exceptional. If you have liked any of his other series, such as the video series called Connections 3, or his other book "Connections," you will definatly enjoy and cherrish this book. The way he writes is so extrordinary, and the way everything fits like a puzzle is great!!

Witty and challenging Burke at his best

It is refreshing to find a book that lives up to its reputation. Not that you should have any doubts when the name James Burke is on the cover. Witty, interesting, intriguing, engaging and the list goes on... A good book even it even if there is no real point to it all. He but that is my opinion. I can recommend it though for a few hours of interesting reading and relaxation.

This book is essential for the aspiring pundit

Wudi. Simply facinating, I am going to use this book to continue with my plans to take over the world by citing trivial facts until everyone falls asleep, wheupon they will be sent to the afterlife appropriate to their religion. Then the other atheists and I shall rule a clean, safe, better world.