Empire of Light: A History of Discovery in Science and Art

by Perkowitz, Sidney

Price: $10.95
Shipping rates & speeds | 30 Day Return Guarantee Ask bookseller a question | Review this book | E-mail to a friend

Book description: Joseph Henry Press, 1996. New book as received from the publisher. Light surrounds us and determines our existence. Scientists have long struggled to comprehend its physical nature - an enigmatic mix of wave and quantum particle - as well as how it affects us biologically. It remains an enduring mystery - yet is also the stuff of artistic endeavor. Inspired by Magritte's painting, "Empire of Light" offers the general reader a clear, non-technical interpretation of the story of light, from ancient discoveries (and colossal misconceptions) to the most modern theories of light''s role in the universe; from the cosmic to the subatomic; from all of light's colorful mysteries to its promising scientific and industrial applications. Professor Sidney Perkowitz, a devoted physicist and keen observer of painting and sculpture, begins with an animated discussion of how humans perceive light - how the eye receives a flood of data and the brain renders it intelligible. But since we also respond to light with emotion and aesthetic appreciation, the author goes on to describe how physiological responses are connected with our innate aesthetic sense. Throughout the book he links scientific and artistic understandings of light, illuminating its meaning for the general reader. Along the way the ideas of great scientific investigators of light, such as Albert Einstein and Edwin Hubble, join forces with the artistic masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, Edward Hopper, and other artists to emphasize the vital connection between science and art. Soft Cover. New. 229 Pages.

Bookseller Terms of Sale

All items are offered subject to prior sale. Prices are in US funds. Payments are processed by Biblio.com. Every order is filled with care, well packaged and shipped within two business days (usually within 24 hours). There is no handling charge and shipping is at cost - if in doubt please e-mail for exact charges. Shipping charges, by Canada Post, to the Continental US for a 2 lbs package (the usual weight of a single book order) are: $9.75 Surface (1-3 weeks), $12.75 Air (1-2 weeks). Within Canada: $8. Overseas: $13 surface, $29 Air. Please note that the automatic default rate for postage at the checkout is set for the average order weighing between 500g and 1kg. For orders over 1kg, the shipping charges are higher and we may request an additional amount to cover postage. This is especially so for Air Mail orders. In such a case the buyer will be notified for approval. If the actual postage amount is lower, the order will proceed, and the shipping amount will be adjusted. Please note that Canada Post is one of the most expensive postal services in the world, and its shipping charges increase dramatically for packages over 1 kg, especially for Air Mail. CANADIAN CUSTOMERS please note: I am NOT required to charge you GST, also, an order from me means you won't have to pay GST and service fees for items processed by Canada Customs. Any item may be returned within 14 days of receipt provided you let me know first. Books returned for refund must be well packed and returned in the same condition as when purchased. Return postage will be refunded if I made an error. Please email me if you require further information or have any questions about any of my books.