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Reviews elsewhere on the web:

ideasfestival.co.uk

Telegraph.co.uk

Richard Holmes

The Age of Wonder

We live in a scientific age, with new discoveries coming at a rapid rate. In The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science Richard Holmes shows how similar it was two centuries ago when there were also rapid advances in science and exploration.

The book starts with Joseph Banks voyage to Tahiti, and continues with Herschel's astronomical observations, including the discovery of Uranus. There are chapters on the first flights using balloons, on Mungo Park's exploration of Africa and on Humphrey Davy's discovery of laughing gas. The book is mostly biographical in nature, describing the lives of Banks, Herschel and Davy and showing how each played a part in generating the enthusiasm of the era for scientific advances.

This era was also that of the Romantic movement in the arts, and this is sometimes seen to be in opposition to the science of the day. This book shows what nonsense that is - the poets of the day were eager to find out about the latest advances in science, and the scientists would often go in for writing poetry.

Its a long book but it has a lively style - Holmes keeps the reader's interest throughout. I would tip it as a possible winner of the 2009 Royal Society Prize for Science Books

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 576 pages
ISBN: 0375422226
Salesrank: 9877
Weight:1.8 lbs

Published: 2009 Pantheon

Amazon price $26.40

Marketplace:New from $22.77:Used from $15.49

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Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 380 pages
ISBN: 0007149522
Salesrank: 21418
Weight:2.12 lbs

Published: 2008 HarperPress

Amazon price £14.72

Marketplace:New from £9.83:Used from £6.58

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Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 380 pages
ISBN: 0007149522
Salesrank: 29522
Weight:2.12 lbs

Published: 2008 UK General Books

Amazon price CDN$ 35.25

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 26.96:Used from CDN$ 70.19

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Product Description
A riveting history of the men and women whose discoveries and inventions at the end of the eighteenth century gave birth to the Romantic Age of Science. When young Joseph Banks stepped onto a Tahitian beach in 1769, he hoped to discover Paradise. Inspired by the scientific ferment sweeping through Britain, the botanist had sailed with Captain Cook on his first Endeavour voyage in search of new worlds. Other voyages of discovery—astronomical, chemical, poetical, philosophical—swiftly follow in Richard Holmes’s original evocation of what truly emerges as an Age of Wonder. Brilliantly conceived as a relay of scientific stories, The Age of Wonder investigates the earliest ideas of deep time and space, and the explorers of “dynamic science,” of an infinite, mysterious Nature waiting to be discovered. Three lives dominate the book: William Herschel and his sister Caroline, whose dedication to the study of the stars forever changed the public conception of the solar system, the Milky Way, and the meaning of the universe; and Humphry Davy, who, with only a grammar school education stunned the scientific community with his near-suicidal gas experiments that led to the invention of the miners’ lamp and established British chemistry as the leading professional science in Europe. This age of exploration extended to great writers and poets as well as scientists, all creators relishing in moments of high exhilaration, boundary-pushing and discovery. Holmes’s extraordinary evocation of this age of wonder shows how great ideas and experiments—both successes and failures—were born of singular and often lonely dedication, and how religious faith and scientific truth collide. He has written a book breathtaking in its originality, its storytelling energy, and its intellectual significance.

Product Description

A riveting history of the men and women whose discoveries and inventions at the end of the eighteenth century gave birth to the Romantic Age of Science.

When young Joseph Banks stepped onto a Tahitian beach in 1769, he hoped to discover Paradise. Inspired by the scientific ferment sweeping through Britain, the botanist had sailed with Captain Cook on his first Endeavour voyage in search of new worlds. Other voyages of discovery—astronomical, chemical, poetical, philosophical—swiftly follow in Richard Holmes’s original evocation of what truly emerges as an Age of Wonder.

Brilliantly conceived as a relay of scientific stories, The Age of Wonder investigates the earliest ideas of deep time and space, and the explorers of “dynamic science,” of an infinite, mysterious Nature waiting to be discovered. Three lives dominate the book: William Herschel and his sister Caroline, whose dedication to the study of the stars forever changed the public conception of the solar system, the Milky Way, and the meaning of the universe; and Humphry Davy, who, with only a grammar school education stunned the scientific community with his near-suicidal gas experiments that led to the invention of the miners’ lamp and established British chemistry as the leading professional science in Europe. This age of exploration extended to great writers and poets as well as scientists, all creators relishing in moments of high exhilaration, boundary-pushing and discovery.

Holmes’s extraordinary evocation of this age of wonder shows how great ideas and experiments—both successes and failures—were born of singular and often lonely dedication, and how religious faith and scientific truth collide. He has written a book breathtaking in its originality, its storytelling energy, and its intellectual significance.

Not worth the $$ *
$25 for a kindle book???? They've got to be kidding--especially when there's a print version available for $1 more. This is outrageous and should send any interested readers straight to their local library.

Not worth the $$ *

$25 for a kindle book???? They've got to be kidding--especially when there's a print version available for $1 more. This is outrageous and should send any interested readers straight to their local library.

Amazing History *****
Although I am an engineer, I did not appreciate the science and engineering ability of the Europeans in the 19th century and earlier. This book is a real education but written to entertain and educate at the same time. A beautiful presentation of human achievements that we now take for granted.

Amazing History *****

Although I am an engineer, I did not appreciate the science and engineering ability of the Europeans in the 19th century and earlier. This book is a real education but written to entertain and educate at the same time. A beautiful presentation of human achievements that we now take for granted.

Enlightening book! *****
I got a new sense of wonder at the heavens and earth when I read this book, as well as an appreciation for the creativity required for scientific discovery.

Enlightening book! *****

I got a new sense of wonder at the heavens and earth when I read this book, as well as an appreciation for the creativity required for scientific discovery.

Pick a Richard Holmes, either Richard Holmes *****
It must be tough to be this Richard Homes and at a cocktail party where a guest comes up and says, "Gee, I loved your book `Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Age of Horse and Musket,'" and have to explain that while you appreciate the compliment, that book is by the other Richard Holmes. Yes, History lovers, we are very fortunate that there are two Richard Holmes, one a marvelous biographer, this one, and the other among the finest military historians of the age, the other one, and after reading `The Age of Wonder' by this Richard Holmes, and `Redcoat' by that Richard Holmes, I've come to the conclusion that one can't go wrong in choosing either for one's next read. There are enough excellent five-star reviews of `The Age of Wonder' for me to add only that any book whose frontispiece is one of my favorite paintings, `The Orrery,' by Joseph Wright of Derby, is likely to be a hit with me, and it was. If you're interested in the period, you will be fascinated by the read. Then buy and read `Redcoat' and you'll be prepared if you ever find yourself at that cocktail party.

Pick a Richard Holmes, either Richard Holmes *****

It must be tough to be this Richard Homes and at a cocktail party where a guest comes up and says, "Gee, I loved your book `Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Age of Horse and Musket,'" and have to explain that while you appreciate the compliment, that book is by the other Richard Holmes. Yes, History lovers, we are very fortunate that there are two Richard Holmes, one a marvelous biographer, this one, and the other among the finest military historians of the age, the other one, and after reading `The Age of Wonder' by this Richard Holmes, and `Redcoat' by that Richard Holmes, I've come to the conclusion that one can't go wrong in choosing either for one's next read. There are enough excellent five-star reviews of `The Age of Wonder' for me to add only that any book whose frontispiece is one of my favorite paintings, `The Orrery,' by Joseph Wright of Derby, is likely to be a hit with me, and it was. If you're interested in the period, you will be fascinated by the read. Then buy and read `Redcoat' and you'll be prepared if you ever find yourself at that cocktail party.

my scientific friend liked *****
a gift to a scientific friend- he said he enjoyed reading about some of his childhood heroes

my scientific friend liked *****

a gift to a scientific friend- he said he enjoyed reading about some of his childhood heroes

Romantic science *****
I have just finished reading this book. It was superb. I have always had an interest in science, and this has made it all the more interesting for me. It is a thrilling read that captured my imagination throughout it's pages. Tremendous.

Romantic science *****

I have just finished reading this book. It was superb. I have always had an interest in science, and this has made it all the more interesting for me. It is a thrilling read that captured my imagination throughout it's pages.
Tremendous.

welcome contribution to history of science ***
Holmes takes his reader through the early to late Romantic period, uncovering a "Romantic" approach to science. The inspired 'genius' is opposed to the thorough empiricist: Joseph Banks, William, Caroline and John Herschel, Humphry Davy. Holmes' ultimate conclusion seems to be that the spontaneous genius is something of a fiction, written up in retrospect. Although glib in places (particularly the footnotes) Holmes does at least do something towards reconciling the arts and sciences. Anyone interested in the Romantic period should read this welcome contribution to its intellectual context.

welcome contribution to history of science ***

Holmes takes his reader through the early to late Romantic period, uncovering a "Romantic" approach to science. The inspired 'genius' is opposed to the thorough empiricist: Joseph Banks, William, Caroline and John Herschel, Humphry Davy. Holmes' ultimate conclusion seems to be that the spontaneous genius is something of a fiction, written up in retrospect.
Although glib in places (particularly the footnotes) Holmes does at least do something towards reconciling the arts and sciences. Anyone interested in the Romantic period should read this welcome contribution to its intellectual context.

Never realised the significance of Slough *****
I have got to 200 pages - fascinating, detailed reading so far of the lives and science of Banks and Hershel etc. And I am soon going to Slough - been through it, past it, many times and never thought would bother to visit Slough - but the work and lives in Slough of William and Caroline Hershel, the sites, the telescopes, their discoveries, their connections and relations, their houses, and marriage, etc., places Slough into new status I had not realised - even though one knew of the names and their scientific work. The book is very enticing to read - never yawn, facts are sticking for a change and one does not need to re read sections as one progresses through its fascination. Great book - wish I had had that at school in the 50s - how well literature of science has developed. Must now get back to the book .- which is far more interesting than the computer.

Never realised the significance of Slough *****

I have got to 200 pages - fascinating, detailed reading so far of the lives and science of Banks and Hershel etc. And I am soon going to Slough - been through it, past it, many times and never thought would bother to visit Slough - but the work and lives in Slough of William and Caroline Hershel, the sites, the telescopes, their discoveries, their connections and relations, their houses, and marriage, etc., places Slough into new status I had not realised - even though one knew of the names and their scientific work. The book is very enticing to read - never yawn, facts are sticking for a change and one does not need to re read sections as one progresses through its fascination. Great book - wish I had had that at school in the 50s - how well literature of science has developed. Must now get back to the book .- which is far more interesting than the computer.

The perfect antidote for non-scientists *****
There is no shortage of positive reviews of this book, on the contrary, and yet I felt compelled to add another. In part that's because I tend to write a review of whatever book I read, good or bad, but in this case I absolutely had to set down in writing how lovely a book this is. In school I never really liked sciences: mathematics was a bore, chemistry as dull as can be, and what the point of physics was I never really grasped (which may be due to the fact that we were given exercises such as 'If a man jumps from a 122m high steeple at what speed will he hit the ground?', the answer to which always seemed irrelevant to me). I was interested in history, literature and languages, and it seemed quite logical to me that no two people could be further apart than a scientist and a poet. Not so! Richard Holmes has succeeded where a dozen science teachers failed: to awaken an interest, I might even say an enthusiasm, for science in me. I was absolutely enthralled by the wonderful story he so expertly and fluently tells, of this glorious period where there was still so much uncharted territory, and entire continents were just black spots on a map. The lives of people like Sir Joseph Banks, William and Caroline Herschel, Humphry Davy and Mungo Park are as intoxicating reading matter as any adventure story, and it's all true too! In a sense one discovers that these great men of science are on the one hand humans just like you or me, with their shortcomings and defaults, but on the other hand different, if only in the singleminded (not to say obsessive) way in which they pursue their quest with extraordinary perseverance. It's all very intoxicating stuff to read about, I wish there were more history books that achieved the same high standard.

The perfect antidote for non-scientists *****

There is no shortage of positive reviews of this book, on the contrary, and yet I felt compelled to add another. In part that's because I tend to write a review of whatever book I read, good or bad, but in this case I absolutely had to set down in writing how lovely a book this is. In school I never really liked sciences: mathematics was a bore, chemistry as dull as can be, and what the point of physics was I never really grasped (which may be due to the fact that we were given exercises such as 'If a man jumps from a 122m high steeple at what speed will he hit the ground?', the answer to which always seemed irrelevant to me). I was interested in history, literature and languages, and it seemed quite logical to me that no two people could be further apart than a scientist and a poet.

Not so! Richard Holmes has succeeded where a dozen science teachers failed: to awaken an interest, I might even say an enthusiasm, for science in me. I was absolutely enthralled by the wonderful story he so expertly and fluently tells, of this glorious period where there was still so much uncharted territory, and entire continents were just black spots on a map. The lives of people like Sir Joseph Banks, William and Caroline Herschel, Humphry Davy and Mungo Park are as intoxicating reading matter as any adventure story, and it's all true too! In a sense one discovers that these great men of science are on the one hand humans just like you or me, with their shortcomings and defaults, but on the other hand different, if only in the singleminded (not to say obsessive) way in which they pursue their quest with extraordinary perseverance. It's all very intoxicating stuff to read about, I wish there were more history books that achieved the same high standard.

Fabulous series of scientific biographies of Romantic era scientists *****
Very occasionally in my life, I read a book, and have a strong impulse afterwards to seek out the author and shake him vigorously by the hand, or buy him a large pint in thanks for the heavy debt of pleasure I need to repay. This is such a book, and one where in hindsight I believe the publishers missed a trick - I would have happily paid 50 pounds, rather than 10, for the privilege of reading it. The Age of Wonder recounts in a connected series of scientific biographies the period between around 1770 and 1830 where the fledgling sciences were intimately connected with the arts. Chemists such as Humphrey Davy were also poets, while poets such as Coleridge were also serious students of science. Culture viewed the scientist as a Byronic figure, a lone genius bravely revealing the beauty of divine nature. The idea of a professional scientist was slowly being formed in this time, and so too, perhaps, was the schism between science and art that now seems so wide. Through a highly accomplished, direct style, Holmes argues his points carefully and convincingly. Moreover, his biographical powers are stupendous. Every main character, so honestly described, comes alive on the page. For such a long and potentially dry book, I found myself hooked from the start. I was moved, utterly fascinated, and at times in awe of the herculean effort that must have been involved in producing such an authoritative, yet readable tomb. Although The Age of Wonder is a book about science and scientists, this is not a book to learn about science itself, though, and I'm rather surprised that it won the 2009 Royal Society Prize (it should surely have won Samuel Johnson Prize, if it wasn't such a strong year). It's clear that Holmes is no scientist, and if there is any weakness at all to the book, it is Holmes' description of some of the scientific principles at work, and his lack of knowledge on the relative import of each discovery. Instead, he centres on the characters, and the scientific atmosphere of the time, and to anyone remotely interested in science or the romantic period, this is a huge achievement and a fabulous book.

Fabulous series of scientific biographies of Romantic era scientists *****

Very occasionally in my life, I read a book, and have a strong impulse afterwards to seek out the author and shake him vigorously by the hand, or buy him a large pint in thanks for the heavy debt of pleasure I need to repay. This is such a book, and one where in hindsight I believe the publishers missed a trick - I would have happily paid 50 pounds, rather than 10, for the privilege of reading it.

The Age of Wonder recounts in a connected series of scientific biographies the period between around 1770 and 1830 where the fledgling sciences were intimately connected with the arts. Chemists such as Humphrey Davy were also poets, while poets such as Coleridge were also serious students of science. Culture viewed the scientist as a Byronic figure, a lone genius bravely revealing the beauty of divine nature. The idea of a professional scientist was slowly being formed in this time, and so too, perhaps, was the schism between science and art that now seems so wide.

Through a highly accomplished, direct style, Holmes argues his points carefully and convincingly. Moreover, his biographical powers are stupendous. Every main character, so honestly described, comes alive on the page. For such a long and potentially dry book, I found myself hooked from the start. I was moved, utterly fascinated, and at times in awe of the herculean effort that must have been involved in producing such an authoritative, yet readable tomb.

Although The Age of Wonder is a book about science and scientists, this is not a book to learn about science itself, though, and I'm rather surprised that it won the 2009 Royal Society Prize (it should surely have won Samuel Johnson Prize, if it wasn't such a strong year). It's clear that Holmes is no scientist, and if there is any weakness at all to the book, it is Holmes' description of some of the scientific principles at work, and his lack of knowledge on the relative import of each discovery. Instead, he centres on the characters, and the scientific atmosphere of the time, and to anyone remotely interested in science or the romantic period, this is a huge achievement and a fabulous book.