Using the electric light as his focus, the author guides the reader through one of the most creatively rich periods in human history. After a brief discussion of what was used for lighting before electricity - particularly gas, the author presents the evolution of the electric light from the latter half of the nineteenth century to the first half of the twentieth. Although Thomas Edison is shown to have played a pivotal role in the development of the incandescent light, those whose related work came before his are also highlighted, including those involved in developing arc lights. In subsequent chapters, the evolution of electric light is portrayed from different perspectives: light in… Read more
As the title suggests, in this book, bestselling author Lowell Green passionately argues in favour of the concept that conservative-minded people have a more solid/realistic view of the real world than those leaning towards the political left, i.e., socialists and liberals. His arguments are all backed up with plenty of facts, figures and published data - information that he uses to clearly illustrate his points. But the book is much more than just a coldly logical text. Throughout, the reader is treated to a great many fascinating stories - rendering this book, for me, a real page-turner. Many of these stories made me laugh, some made my blood boil while a few even brought the odd tear to… Read more
In this interesting book, the author points out several situations where humans have failed to learn important lessons from history and, as a result, seem doomed to repeat some of the tragic errors that have occurred. The topics include Afghanistan (geography, politics, invasions), terrorism, language, socio-political issues in Africa, world plagues and a lot (over 50% of the book) on economics and finance. Although the chapters on this last topic each have a particular focus, each goes through a lot of the same material/events; consequently, there is a certain amount of repetition. However, I did not find that too distracting.
I have read a number of this author's books. I found… Read more
