Author:W. Brian Arthur
In The Nature of Technology, ground-breaking economist W. Brian Arthur explores the extraordinary way in which the technology that surrounds us and allows us to live our modern lives has actually been developed. Rather than coming from a series of one-off inventions, almost all the technology we use today comes from previous developments: these technologies are not being created, but are instead evolving.
With fascinating examples, from laser printers to powerplants, Arthur reveals how our own problem-solving skills and creative vision can evolve alongside these technologies, and how this understanding can even improve our understanding of the wider world.
A profoundly social view of innovation
—— The New York TimesDeeply analytical and thought-provoking
—— Good Book GuideEntertaining and informative ... a thought-provoking book
—— Literary ReviewExpert, deftly written, immensely enjoyable
—— ObserverWonderful. Miodownik writes well enough to make even concrete sparkle
—— Financial TimesI stayed up all night reading this book. Miodownik writes with such knowledge, such enthusiasm, such a palpable love for his subject
—— Oliver SacksSuperb storytelling . . . fascinating . . . a delightful book on a subject that is relatively rarely written about
—— Popular ScienceThis is a hugely enjoyable marriage of science and art
—— Independent on Sunday, 'Books of the Year'The Brother Gardeners is a delightful book. It brings the story of 18th-century gardening to life in a remarkably vivid way, and sheds new light on the personality clashes and prejudices which lay at the root of the Georgians' passion for plants
—— Adrian TinniswoodThe Brother Gardeners were a group of men involved in the 18th-century quest for new plants, at a fascinating period in garden history. Andrea Wulf brings their personalities vividly to life in her thoroughly researched and lively account.
—— Jane Fearnley-WhittingstallA totally engrossing read
—— Rosie Atkins, Curator, Chelsea Physic GardenImmaculately written and researched, this book brings to life the dramas and dangers of eighteenth-century plant collecting
—— Catherine Horwood[An] engrossing history of botanical obsession in England in the 18th century ... The author has a good eye for interesting detail and a fine sense of literary economy
—— Tim Richardson , Country LifeA 'biography' of the quintessential English garden, taking in Captain Cook, Carl Linnaeus, and the simultaneous rise of the British Empire and flower arranging - a delightful look at horticultural history
—— Scotland on SundayAs Wulf triumphantly shows, plants and gardens reveal a wider view of the forces that shape society ... An antidote to dry garden history; rarely has the story of English plants been told with such vigour, and such fun
—— Jennifer Potter , TLSThe best book this year is The Brother Gardeners: Botany, Empire and the Birth of an Obsession
—— Leo Hollis , Independent on SundayAndrea Wulf has written a wonderful book, using a clutch of fascinating men to remind us the British Empire was once as much about white pine and Camellia japonica as it was about guns and steel ... enthralling story ... brilliantly readable book
—— Kathryn Hughes , Mail on Sunday
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