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The light ages : the surprising story of medieval science / Seb Falk.

Falk, Seb, (author.).

Summary:
"An illuminating guide to the scientific and technological achievements of the Middle Ages through the life of a crusading astronomer-monk. Soaring Gothic cathedrals, violent crusades, the Black Death: these are the dramatic forces that shaped the medieval era. But the so-called Dark Ages also gave us the first universities, eyeglasses, and mechanical clocks, proving that the Middle Ages were home to a vibrant scientific culture. In 'The Light Ages', Cambridge science historian Seb Falk takes us on an immersive tour of medieval science through the story of one fourteenth-century monk, John of Westwyk. From multiplying Roman numerals to navigating by the stars, curing disease, and telling time with an ancient astrolabe, we learn emerging science alongside Westwyk, while following the gripping story of the struggles and successes of an ordinary man in a precarious world. An enlightening history that argues that these times weren't so dark after all, 'The Light Ages' shows how medieval ideas continue to color how we see the world today"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9781324002932
  • ISBN: 132400293X
  • Physical Description: xv, 391 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color), maps (some color) ; 24 cm
  • Edition: First American edition.
  • Publisher: New York, NY : W.W. Norton & Company, 2020.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Prologue: the mystery manuscript -- Westwyk and Westwick -- The reckoning of time -- Universitas -- Astrolabe and Albion -- Saturn in the first house -- The bishop's crusade -- Computer of the planets -- Epilogue: the mystery instrument.
Language Note:
Includes quotations in Middle English, Latin, or Italian, with translations in English.
Subject: Science, Medieval > History.
Science > History.
Inventions > History.
John of Westwyk, active 14th century.

Available copies

  • 5 of 6 copies available at SPARK Libraries. (Show)

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 6 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Boone Area Library 509 FAL (Text) 33249023581402 Non-fiction Available -
Martin Library Adults 509.4 FAL Science Technology (Text) 33454005789805 2nd Floor Available -
North Wales Area Library 509.4 Falk (Text) 35410000778852 NWAL Non-Fiction Available -
Reading Public Library RPL - Main 509 Fal (Text) 33223008715566 Non-fiction Available -
Allentown Public Library 509.4 FALK (Text) 34455006765487 Adult Nonfiction 1st FL Available -
Bethlehem Main Library 509.4 (Text) 33062009506396 Adult Nonfiction Checked Out 04/17/2024


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