Zapped
From Infrared to X-rays, the Curious History of Invisible Light
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oneworld Publications
Published:3rd May '18
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Readers will find Zapped an engaging exploration of invisible light, its effects on our lives, and the future of related technologies.
In Zapped, author Bob Berman takes readers on an enlightening journey through the fascinating world of invisible light. The book explores the profound impact of light on our lives, from the invisible microwaves emitted by our smartphones to the ultraviolet light that birds use to hunt. Berman combines scientific insights with engaging storytelling, making complex concepts accessible and intriguing. He delves into the history of light, touching on significant discoveries and the scientists behind them, including the legacy of Marie Curie's radioactive notebooks, which remain too hazardous to handle even a century later.
As Berman unfolds the narrative, he raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of light itself. Is it a friend or a foe? The book examines how different forms of light can have both beneficial and harmful effects, encouraging readers to consider the duality of this essential element of our universe. The author also speculates on the future of light-related technologies, offering a glimpse into innovations that could transform our understanding and interaction with the world around us.
Zapped is rich with characters and stories that highlight the wonder of scientific discovery. From the first message sent to the distant star cluster M13 to the potential responses from extraterrestrial life, Berman's work is a celebration of curiosity and exploration. This book will captivate anyone interested in science and the mysteries of the universe.
‘A fascinating and entertaining book for anyone curious about the seen and unseen world of electromagnetism.’
* BBC Sky at Night *‘A rip-roaring ride along the electromagnetic highway. Inspiring and insightful.’
-- Colin Stuart, author of The Big Questions in Science‘The narrative is briskly conversational: we’re on the porch, shooting the breeze with a knowledgeable neighbour. Mr. Berman’s avowed goal in writing this book, he says, was “to open a window onto the enormous universe of omnipresent energies”. Once that window is thrown open, it is hard to look at the world the same way.’
* Wall Street Journal *‘Nimbly busts common myths… Erudite but never stuffy, Berman writes with enthusiasm and clarity, making this an informative and digestible read for the science-curious.’
* Booklist *‘Captivating…fear not the long-winded scientific discourse: Berman zings through historical and scientific adventures.’
* American Scholar *‘[Berman is] an unfailingly congenial explainer, always ready with the kinds of fascinating facts his readers might have missed in school.’
* Christian Science Monitor *‘An enthusiastic account… deftly separates fact from myths about cell-phones, brain scans, and other sources of radiation.’
* Kirkus *‘Astronomy writer Berman runs through a fascinating history of the rainbow’s invisible bands in this breezy, accessible read... In the style of a favorite professor, Berman injects bits of odd humor and captivating tangents into this complex but familiar topic.’
* Publishers Weekly *‘Like any good pop science book, along the way Zapped offers an endless series of tidbits, from how GPS works to how a software glitch led to the worst incident of radiation poisoning from a medical device (the notorious Therac-25).’
* New Republic *‘[Berman] excels at making complex concepts accessible for lay readers…this is a great option for those curious about history, theories, and function of everyday things.’
* Library Journal *‘Explaining light using anecdotal history and colloquial explication, Zapped makes entertaining sense out of what could be dry maths and physics.’
* Shelf AwarenessISBN: 9781786073730
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 19mm
Weight: unknown
272 pages