Description
Book Synopsis: Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Science & Technology One of The New Yorker and Economist's Best Books of the Year "Quietly thrilling.… The story of humans measuring things is no less than the story of civilization." ―Jennifer Szalai, New York Times Book Review
A vibrant account of how measurement has invisibly shaped our world, from ancient civilizations to the modern day.From the cubit to the kilogram, the humble inch to the speed of light, measurement is a powerful tool that humans invented to make sense of the world. In this revelatory work of science and social history, James Vincent dives into its hidden world, taking readers from ancient Egypt, where measuring the annual depth of the Nile was an essential task, to the intellectual origins of the metric system in the French Revolution, and from the surprisingly animated rivalry between metric and imperial, to our current age of the "quantified self." At every turn, Vincent is keenly attuned to the political consequences of measurement, exploring how it has also been used as a tool for oppression and control.
Beyond Measure reveals how measurement is not only deeply entwined with our experience of the world, but also how its history encompasses and shapes the human quest for knowledge. 20 black-and-white illustrations
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Discover the fascinating world of measurement and its profound impact on human civilization. Introducing "Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement from Cubits to Quantum Constants." This compelling book takes readers on a captivating journey from the ancient civilizations that used simple units like the cubit, to the groundbreaking discoveries that led to the creation of the metric system.
Uncover the secrets of measurement as author James Vincent unravels its hidden world. Explore how measurement has shaped our understanding of the world, from the annual depth of the Nile in ancient Egypt to the intellectual origins of the metric system during the French Revolution. With 20 black-and-white illustrations, vividly visualize key moments in the history of measurement.
Measurement is not merely a practical tool; it has political and social implications as well. "Beyond Measure" delves into how measurement has been used to manipulate and control, shedding light on its darker side. Gain a deeper understanding of how measurement has influenced the human quest for knowledge and how it continues to shape our lives in the era of the "quantified self."
Join us on this riveting exploration of measurement's hidden history. Immerse yourself in Vincent's compelling storytelling and gain a new perspective on the world around us. Don't miss out on this enlightening and visionary book. Order your copy of "Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement from Cubits to Quantum Constants" today.
Order Now and embark on a journey through time and knowledge!
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