The Story of Light

by Ben Bova

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402200099
• ISBN13: 9781402200090
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent read

What I liked most was its easy reading style. Sure, it could have been more comprehensive, technical and detailed, but it was a refreshing and moving reading experience. I like Mr Bova's science fiction but I think he only presents solid credentials for the basis of his fiction with this type of book. The real target for this book would be young people to encourage themselves to look at science and be inspired. Ben said it was "conversational" and it certainly was with my eyes rolling over the words and phrases with great ease.

Entertaining, fact-filled, and far-ranging account

Bova is a master at writing readable prose for a general readership. He's been at it for fifty years or more, and is among the best at making science fascinating. One is reminded of the work of the late, great, and sorely missed Isaac Asimov. Like Asimov, Bova is the author of over a hundred books, both fiction and nonfiction, and is especially celebrated for his innovative science fiction. I have only one small criticism. In his touting of the Strategic Defense Initiative from the Reagan administration and how lasers can be used to knock down ballistic missiles, he fails to mention how easily they can be fooled by dummy targets while failing to point out how ineffectual lasers are against "suitcase" nuclear bombs. To his credit Bova admits his bias on page 282, a bias that came about because he was employed as a marketing manager for the Avco Everett Research Laboratory in Massachusetts, a company that was in the business of making high-powered lasers.The chapters on the development of photography from the pinhole camera obscura to lasers, holography and fiber optics are among the most interesting. The fourth part of the book, "Book IV: To Seek," beginning on page 323 is a readable, concise update on how electromagnetic radiation is helping us to explore the universe. In other words, Bova gets to talk about subjects he loves dearly, cosmology, physics and astronomy. This is not a work for scientists; instead there is a clear emphasis on satisfying the needs of the general reader by providing a wealth of information about light and just about anything to do with light, including painting, perception, how the eye works, photography, photosynthesis--indeed, even the origin of life--the search for extraterrestrial life, extrasolar planets, radiation, LASIK surgery, relativity, quantum mechanics, gemstones and their uses, time travel, the ozone layer, nuclear fission and fusion...etc. His enthusiasm for solar power and especially for Solar-Powered Satellites, "huge satellites that can generate gigawatts of solar electricity and send it to Earth through microwave beams" (p. 310) is infectious and welcome.There is a modest bibliography and a short glossary and an index. One is occasionally amused at Bova's asides and quaint cultural references (e.g., Jimmy Durante!). He keeps a light-hearted tone and mixes in bits of toastmaster humor. I'm thinking of the "Hungarian recipe" for an omelette: "First, steal some eggs..." (p. 291) or his description of the active element fluorine in contrast to the relatively inert xenon, as "a used-car salesman who is running for mayor." (p. 271)The Story of Light can be profitably read by teenagers as well as by lay persons looking to keep up with recent developments set in a clear historical context.

Ahh, I see the light

A very entertaining look at light and its related functions, including lasers, telescopes and other hardware. Easy read without too much technical jargon, in the same vein as Asimov's older science essays. A page turner!

The Story of Light

I admit to prejudice. I have known Bova for some time and share his views on many things, still I found this to be one of the best text/references I have ever seen. It is certainly worth a look for any Parent unhappy with some of the lowest common denominator school dreck and seeking answers to questions like 'why do the stars shine' and 'why is the sky blue' add to that answers FAR beyond why we sometimes feel sad on a rainy day and you have a wonder of information at hand to answer questions for both the small people and yourself. Comprehensible all the way through.Highly recommended.