Author:David Wootton
We live in a world made by science. How and when did this happen? This book tells the story of the extraordinary intellectual and cultural revolution that gave birth to modern science, and mounts a major challenge to the prevailing orthodoxy of its history.
Before 1492 it was assumed that all significant knowledge was already available; there was no concept of progress; people looked for understanding to the past not the future. This book argues that the discovery of America demonstrated that new knowledge was possible: indeed it introduced the very concept of 'discovery', and opened the way to the invention of science.
The first crucial discovery was Tycho Brahe's nova of 1572: proof that there could be change in the heavens. The telescope (1610) rendered the old astronomy obsolete. Torricelli's experiment with the vacuum (1643) led directly to the triumph of the experimental method in the Royal Society of Boyle and Newton. By 1750 Newtonianism was being celebrated throughout Europe.
The new science did not consist simply of new discoveries, or new methods. It relied on a new understanding of what knowledge might be, and with this came a new language: discovery, progress, facts, experiments, hypotheses, theories, laws of nature - almost all these terms existed before 1492, but their meanings were radically transformed so they became tools with which to think scientifically. We all now speak this language of science, which was invented during the Scientific Revolution.
The new culture had its martyrs (Bruno, Galileo), its heroes (Kepler, Boyle), its propagandists (Voltaire, Diderot), and its patient labourers (Gilbert, Hooke). It led to a new rationalism, killing off alchemy, astrology, and belief in witchcraft. It led to the invention of the steam engine and to the first Industrial Revolution. David Wootton's landmark book changes our understanding of how this great transformation came about, and of what science is.
The seventeenth century saw the emergence of the mindset that characterizes modern science. David Wootton lucidly describes the individuals, the experiments and the controversies that marked this intellectually turbulent and transformative era. ... This fascinating and scholarly book should receive a wide readership.
—— Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, President of the Royal Society 2005-10This is a superb book, at once cogent, revisionist and profound. It offers the most novel and significant account of the Scientific Revolution to appear for many years ... it is simply rather brilliant.
—— Michael Hunter, Professor of History at Birkbeck, University of LondonA truly remarkable piece of scholarship. His work has an ingenious and innovative linguistic foundation, examining the invention and redefinition of words as tracers of a new understanding of nature and how to approach it. His erudition is awesome, and his argument is convincing.
—— Owen Gingerich, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Harvard UniversityA grand, whooping narrative that is also exhaustively researched. It will, I am certain, become a landmark in the discipline of the history of science.
—— Andrea Wulf , Financial TimesThe most brilliant British scientist of his generation
—— New StatesmanSpellbinding… a quirky and cool book, with a sliver of ice at its heart
—— GuardianAn intoxicating brew of science, philosophy and futurism.
—— Mail on SundayYuval Noah Harari is the most entertaining and thought-provoking writer of non-fiction at the moment. As with Sapiens, you finish the book feeling much wiser
—— Matt HaigAn exhilarating book that takes the reader deep into questions of identity, consciousness and intelligence… Harari is a naturally gifted explainer, invariably ready with a telling anecdote or memorable analogy. As a result, it’s tempting to see him less as historian than as some kind of all-purpose sage.
—— Andrew Anthony , ObserverSets out with enviable (and alarming) lucidity the massive challenges now facing our species as genetic technologies, AI and robotics alter forever our relationships with one another and with other species. It’s even more readable, even more important, than his excellent Sapiens.
—— Kazuo Ishiguro , Guardian Books of the YearI think the mark of a great book is that it not only alters the way you see the world after you've read it, it also casts the past in a different light. In Homo Deus, Yuval Noah Harari shows us where mankind is headed in an absolutely clear-sighted & accessible manner. I don't normally ask for autographs but I got a bit starstruck & asked him to sign my copy of his book after we'd had a conversation for my show on BBC 6Music. His inscription reads: 'The future is in your hands' - a good thing to remember when such great changes are afoot.
—— Jarvis Cocker , Mail on SundaySpellbinding… This is a very intelligent book, full of sharp insights and mordant wit... It is a quirky and cool book, with a sliver of ice at its heart... It is hard to imagine anyone could read this book without getting an occasional, vertiginous thrill.
—— David Runciman , GuardianLike all great epics, Sapiens demanded a sequel. Homo Deus, in which that likely apocalyptic future is imagined in spooling detail, is that book. It is a highly seductive scenario planner for the numerous ways in which we might overreach ourselves.
—— Tim Adams , ObserverHomo Deus is a sweeping, apocalyptic history of the human race, which reads more like a TED-talk on acid.
—— Norman Lewis , SpikedHarari is an intellectual magpie who has plucked theories and data from many disciplines - including philosophy, theology, computer science and biology - to produce a brilliantly original, thought-provoking and important study of where mankind is heading.
—— Saul David , Evening StandardLike its predecessor, which sold in its millions, Homo Deus will have a world audience. Taking over where Sapiens left off, it looks forward to where history, ethics and gargantuan biotech investment might lead us - to the end, Harari thinks, of death, suffering and the very idea of being human.
—— James McConnachie , Sunday Times CultureA remarkable book, full of insights and thoughtful reinterpretations of what we thought we knew about ourselves and our history... One measure of Harari’s achievement is that one has to look a long way back – to 1934, in fact, the year when Lewis Mumford’s Technics and Civilization was published – for a book with comparable ambition and scope.
—— John Naughton , GuardianHarari is an exceptional writer, who seems to have been specially chosen by the muses as a conduit for the zeitgeist… Fascinating reading.
—— Stephen Cave , Times Literary SupplementThis provocative book analyses our present state – and makes startling predictions about the future.
—— Mail on SundaySapiens was a paean to humanity’s powers of collective imagination…with darker notes on how these mega-stories might direct our new, transformative, information and biological technologies. “Is there anything more dangerous than dissatisfied and irresponsible gods who don’t know what they want?” was Harari’s closing line. Homo Deus tries to answer that question, with all the pedagogic and encyclopaedic brilliance of its predecessor.
—— New ScientistAn often thought-provoking and always elegantly written book.
—— Steven Poole , SpectatorBrilliant, mind-expanding…explores where Homo Sapiens might go from here, via his signature blend of science, history, philosophy and every discipline in between.
—— BooksellerHis reasoning is laid out with a lucidity that makes it a joy to read.
—— UK Press SyndicationYuval Noah Harari is the most entertaining and thought-provoking writer of non-fiction at the moment. In Homo Deus he covers broad terrain, touching on everything from Zen Buddhism to the Second World War to how bats read the frequency of echoes, to explore the largest most difficult and sometimes frightening subject of all: our own future. As with Sapiens you finish the book feeling much wiser, but not having noticed any hard work along the way. I loved this book.
—— Matt HaigSapiens showed us where we came from. Homo Deus shows us where we’re going
—— Eastern Daily PressChallenging, readable and thought-provoking… He has provided a smart look at what may be ahead for humanity.
—— TimeExhilarating.
—— Nick Curtis , Evening StandardOriginal, compelling, and provocative.
—— Gary Ogden , ShortlistYuval Noah Harari is the most entertaining and thought-provoking writer of non-fiction at the moment. In Homo Deus he covers broad terrain, touching on everything from Zen Buddhism to the Second World War to how bats read the frequency of echoes, to explore the largest most difficult and sometimes frightening subject of all: our own future. As with Sapiens you finish the book feeling much wiser, but not having noticed any hard work along the way. I loved this book.
—— Matt HaigUtterly blown away by the concise beauty of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli. Science as poetry. Awe inspiring
—— Michael Bhaskar, author of The Content MachineNo one should hold office unless they have read Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
—— Nick Harkaway, author of The Gone-Away World and AngelmakerBrilliant... Rovelli writes with clarity and verve, vividly bringing to life concepts that can often appear incomprehensible, and inviting readers to see the world anew. Few writers, let alone physicists, capture the beauty of nature and the excitement of its discovery in such clear, rich prose... It's hard to imagine a more coherent, inspiring introduction to modern physics. It really is an enchanting little volume
—— New ScientistCarlo Rovelli has never been afraid to challenge the status quo
—— Morgan Freeman , Science ChannelIt's like a love letter to physics. You can't believe everyone isn't reading this, and you want to tell everyone about it... to be able to have access to these ideas in a way that inspires me is thrilling
—— Felicity WardI loved this book. The final chapter is filled with breathless amazement and humble awe... it's almost trippy
—— Harriet GilbertA deep and sensible dive in to this complex and fascinating dimension of biology.
—— Irish Times, Book of the Year[It] is superbly judged. It brilliantly synthesises the surprising and recently-revealed inter-dependencies of visible and invisible organisms… Look out for it on numerous book prize shortlists in 2017.
—— Guardian, Book of the YearYong will make you think about yourself – and the world around you – in a different way.
—— Brad Davies , iIt is a fascinating account of the unseen creatures that live within and all around us. Yong takes us on this journey through the microscope to discover the most recent research from scientists all round the world and tell us of the secrets that are being discovered about microbes… Yong writes with an engaging and eloquent style and makes the science in here really accessible. Well worth reading.
—— Paul Cheney , NudgeYong’s enthusiasm for bacteria is infectious, as he describes the beauty of luminescent bacteria in the Hawaiian bobtail squid and the benefits of our microscopic neighbours.
—— Jane Shilling , Daily MailA master class in popular scientific education.
—— Simon Shaw , Mail on SundayYong made me think “wow” over and over again. He tells us that there is a universe of tiny things. We should think about them.
—— William Leith , Evening Standard[Kalanithi] wrote about practising medicine, about mortality, about finite time, with unfathomable tranquility and humour.
—— Radio TimesHe writes with clarity, elegance, and honesty… When Breath Becomes Air is a deeply personal and moving book… Kalanithi died leaving the book unfinished. He left, though, his voice, speaking through this book about death and implicitly about life.
—— Frieda Klotz , Irish IndependentWriting isn't brain surgery, but it's rare when someone adept at the latter is also so accomplished at the former... A moving meditation on mortality by a gifted writer whose dual perspectives of physician and patient provide a singular clarity.
—— Kirkus Starred ReviewAn extraordinary voice… His account is matter-of-fact, never self-pitying and often funny.
—— Jennifer Rohn , Times Higher EducationWrenching memoir… Moving, humble, and impossible to ignore.
—— UK Press SyndicationA sparely lyrical account of excruciated ambition… Fairly dotted with insights.
—— Iain Bamforth , Times Literary SupplementIn this slim but extraordinarily powerful memoir, Kalanithi grapples with the hardest questions with grace and courage... Lucid, humbling and heartbreaking.
—— Stephanie Cross , The LadyHeart-wrenching memoir
—— Eastern Daily PressWhen Breath Becomes Air is an eloquent evocation of a life defined by success and tragedy… Paul’s unravelling of unimaginable circumstances is terrifyingly real and heartbreakingly honest.
—— Lydia Yaritt , British Journal of General PracticeThe line between life and death has never been explored quite so personally as in Paul Kalanithi’s wrenching memoir… The Final pages, from Paul and then Lucy, are moving, humble, and impossible to ignore’
—— Woman's WayIt’s elegantly constructed, as befits a man who had a lifelong passion for reading and writing, and heartbreakingly honest too, with unflinching reflections on all the beloved people he must leave behind, and all the things left undone’
—— PsychologiesAbsolutely compelling… This is not a depressing book, but it will stay with you for a long time.
—— Stephen Meyler , RTE GuideA true and heart-breaking tale.
—— Love it!This dying doctor’s gripping memoir is a natural, honest, and unflinching account of his journey. Paul’s willingness to reflect and share and not avert his eyes from death, will undoubtedly inspire and comfort others who are ill or who experience loss. The final paragraph is directed towards his infant daughter and it is breathtakingly beautiful… one to recommend to anyone and everyone.
—— Joanne Booy , NudgeBeautifully written… Healthcare professionals and civilians alike should find much that resonates here.
—— Lisa Berry , Cancer Nursing PracticeHis book is suitable for, and deserves, a wide audience… Whilst this book is emotional and moving to read, it is beautifully written and many readers will find Paul's way of dealing with terminal illness inspirational. It is a book that I will go back to again and again for emotional support.
—— MacmillanThis is a tearjerker… Kalanithi was as skilled with words as he was with the knife.
—— Helen Davies , Sunday Times, Book of the YearKalanithi is warm and full of wit... His writing is seamless, poetic, beautiful and transfixing. His bravery is rather astonishing at times… He is a wonderful storyteller and dizzily sweeps you along.
—— Avpura TimesYou’ll read this in one unforgettable afternoon.
—— A Little BirdA gripping and emotionally charged account.
—— Today FM, Book of the YearPoignant, honest, brave and yes, at times, incredibly raw… A beautiful and unforgettable book.
—— Heat[A] beautiful memoir… Kalanithi’s eloquent and elegant writing is deeply affecting.
—— Daily Express, Book of the Year[An] inspiring book.
—— Business Insider, Book of the YearA thoughtful, deep and learned meditation on the meaning of life… The best book of the year
—— Sheer Luxe, Book of the YearAn emotional ride.
—— Julie Vuong , Running in Heels, Book of the YearA book that leaves its reader full-hearted… moved and enriched by its humanity and accomplishment.
—— Lettie Kennedy , ObserverA fast read that won’t fail to move you.
—— IJohn Updike said that every writer is simply unpacking their own bag, describing writing as a way to come to terms with one’s current and historical life experience. If that is the case Paul Kalanithi, in When Breath Becomes Air, is unpacking a very large bag indeed, and not just his own.
—— Paul D'Alton , Irish ExaminerWhen Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.
—— Mojo MumsFar more than a beautifully written account of a life cut cruelly short: it is a meditation on living well.
—— Jane Shilling , Mail[H]e writes with an eloquence that befits his love of the literary.
—— Brad Davies , iAn eloquent meditation on our mortality, the brain, the meaning of life, fatherhood and the doctor-patient relationship, this powerful, inspirational book should appeal to readers who are enjoying watching BBC2’s current Hospital series. I couldn’t put this profoundly moving memoir down – but it is not for the squeamish or faint-hearted, and may scare hypochondriacs.
—— Rebecca Wallersteiner , The LadyIt’s not just that Kalanathi has a remarkable story to tell. The way he tells it is phenomenal… This is a superbly written and must-read autobiography – beautiful, poignant and thought-provoking.
—— Sam Hailes , ChristianityHe writes movingly about how to make sense of a life so suddenly interrupted and what makes life worth living even as it fades away. A beautiful book about the resilience of the human spirit.
—— RedKalanithi’s candid yet artistic prose, peppered with medical terminology, conveys his life beautifully. We are taken on a journey from the nostalgic memories of his childhood in Arizona to his final days in the hospital bed… he raw and emotional portrayal of his pain and their family’s grief is not an easy read, but a compelling one.
—— Angela Huang , BoarA thoroughly enjoyable, epic read, When Breath Becomes Air should be at the top of everyone’s ‘to read’ list. Paul Kalanithi beautifully bridges the gaps between philosophy, science and literature in his memoir which depicts the reality of life lived in the face of death… Kalanithi writes sublimely, elegantly and honestly. His words are spun together as though with a golden thread, and all that he writes is from the heart. His admiration for the written word shines through and the mammoth task of composing his memoir, after receiving his diagnosis, is executed exquisitely… It is a novel filled with tenderness, heartbreak and bittersweet nostalgia. It is a novel containing power, strength and beauty. And it is a novel that will stay with you long after its cover has been closed.
—— Lauren Molyneux , LiveInformative, emotive, honest and a stark look at the path one takes when life pulls the rug out from under you.
—— NudgeThis book has stayed with me ever since I put it down. Absolutely extraordinary. This book is an example of how fragile and unfair life can be.
—— Molly EllisIt was a really incredible read and I couldn’t recommend it more.
—— Ella Mills , Good Web GuideAs a book detailing the insight into our own mortality, and the dedication of medical professionals who place their lives on hold to learn their craft, it’s fascinating. His accounts of coming face to face with cadavers – "donors" – and performing autopsies, his experiences with patients as he gave good and bad news, his mistakes as a surgeon which caused irreparable damage coupled with his success as a physician are an incredible insight into his life’s work… A melancholic read that I’d recommend to all student nurses, and anyone interested in reading the final thoughts of a doomed surgeon.
—— Six Out of TenPoignant and life-affirming, it's a devastating must-read
—— Woman & HomeBeautifully written... utterly heartbreaking and yet somehow life-affirming
—— Mike Gayle, author of THE MUSEUM OF ORDINARY PEOPLE , Good HousekeepingThe writing is beautiful and the whole book feels like a wondrous gift
—— Good Housekeeping