Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Linguist and the Emperor by Daniel Myerson
An enjoyable account of the deciphering of hieroglyphics. Interesting insight into the personality of Napoleon, the persistence and brilliance of Champollion with interesting "subplots" such as the invasion of Egypt and war in Europe and the exile of Napoleon. Fascinating asides concerning Dr. Thomas Young, a brilliant physician physicist, Fourier of mathematical fame, and of course Denon.
The Prism and the Pendulum by Robert P. Crease
The ten most beautiful science experiments ever. Well-written, the ten best experiments are vividly explained and are very interesting. The interludes are less true to my mind but do show the ideas necessary to form a philosophy of science. It seems scientists can do science but don't really know how or why or what.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
read 10/2005
This is a funny, well-written, quirky novel with the greatest characters and a serpentine but interesting plot. A Pulitzer prize winner and for good reason. A classic of a rare and unusual sort.
This is a funny, well-written, quirky novel with the greatest characters and a serpentine but interesting plot. A Pulitzer prize winner and for good reason. A classic of a rare and unusual sort.
Krakatoa by Simon Winchester
read 9/2005
A very interesting book of history, geology, and science. the range and amount of information and the clues found around the world to calculate and quantify from a distance. Plate tectonics discovered only in the 60's and the rebirth of Anak Krakatoa are described, harbor wave records and natural gas tank pressure readings carefully preserved and newly interpreted. Matching times of observations when there was no standard time. A very fascinating book.
A very interesting book of history, geology, and science. the range and amount of information and the clues found around the world to calculate and quantify from a distance. Plate tectonics discovered only in the 60's and the rebirth of Anak Krakatoa are described, harbor wave records and natural gas tank pressure readings carefully preserved and newly interpreted. Matching times of observations when there was no standard time. A very fascinating book.
Above the Cry of Battle by Chuck Holsinger
read 6/2005
Basically about his pilgrimage as a soldier and missionary in the Philippines who was wonderfully delivered in war and then from bitterness towards the Japanese, and how God used this to help Filipinos.
Basically about his pilgrimage as a soldier and missionary in the Philippines who was wonderfully delivered in war and then from bitterness towards the Japanese, and how God used this to help Filipinos.
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