Delving into mythology, religion, philosophy, painting, and science, Light captures the wonder and awe of humanity's study of light across three millennia of discovery.
Bruce Watson is a frequent contributor to Smithsonian magazine, writing on topics ranging from eels to pi to profiles of artists and writers. His work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. Watson is the author of four books, including Bread and Roses, Sacco and Vanzetti (nominated for an Edgar Award), and Freedom Summer. He lives in western Massachusetts.
Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes in Science & Technology the Los Angeles Times ... A sweeping cultural and scientific history of our understanding of light ... With his trademark good storytelling and wide reading, Watson takes us on a delightful journey. -- Alan Lightman The Washington Post Watson's touch is lyrical and deft ... [Light] is an eye-catching display, reflecting and refracting like a gemstone. Nature [J.M.W.] Turner established himself as a true 'painter of light' with his extraordinary seascapes and sunsets ... [And] you'll appreciate Watson's nuanced explanations of exactly how the artist achieved his goals. -- Alexandra Witze The Dallas Morning News An ingenious combination of science and art history. -- starred revew Kirkus Reviews Bruce Watson's new book ... has the buoyant tone of a writer who is having fun--and who is able to convey that sense of excitement and discovery to the reader. Light, the phenomenon, has fascinated people for millennia. Light, the book, will fascinate them now. -- Charles C. Mann, author of the New York Times bestsellers 1491 and 1493 Light takes us on a lyrical and illuminating journey from myth to scripture, canvas to cathedrals, prisms to fiber optic networks, all part of our attempt to understand--and to capture--the very essence of the radiance around us. -- Laura J. Snyder, author of EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: JOHANNES VERMEER, ANTONI VAN LEEUWENHOEK, AND THE REINVENTION OF SEEING Maybe this is why Watson's book is so important, why it can be such a boon to preachers and teachers: he reminds us just how magical and mysterious light really is. Christian Century Bruce Watson has written a great mystery narrative that chronicles how architecture, art, religion, and mythology dovetail with science to provide our modern understanding of light. -- Dick Teresi, coauthor of THE GOD PARTICLE and author of LOST DISCOVERIES This is a story and a book chock-full of great and fascinating figures, each of whose personality and doings Watson deftly presents without detracting from the impetus of his millennia-spanning narrative. A dazzling book, as seems completely appropriate. -- starred review Booklist Luminous, enlightening, informative, and wide-ranging. Watson has dared to take on the subject of light in all its magnitude and majesty. -- Paul Mariani, author of EPITAPHS FOR THE JOURNEY and GERALD MANLEY HOPKINS: A LIFE
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