Paul Strathern Knihy

Chemie je ve vědeckých pracích opomíjenou oblastí a Mendělejev, největší postava tohoto oboru, většinou jen zapomenutým géniem. Strathernova historická práce si dává za cíl tuto křivdu napravit. V této knize, které je vlastní vytříbenost a erudovanost, ale přesto neztrácí nic na své čtivosti, objasňuje literární cenou oceněný spisovatel a interpret složitých teorií Paul Strathern dramatické dějiny chemie prostřednictvím putování po stopách prvků. Dějiny oboru jsou orámovány životním příběhem ruského vědce devatenáctého století Dmitrije Mendělejeva, kterého jednoho dne u psacího stolu přepadla dřímota, z níž se probudil poté, co přišel na myšlenku periodické soustavy prvků – popisu, na kterém je založena moderní chemie a jehož vypracování klasifikovalo tento obor v nadcházejícím věku jako vědu. Od starověké filosofie přes středověkou alchymii až ke štěpení atomu – toto je pravdivý příběh zrodu chemie a role, kterou sehrál sen jednoho muže.

Obchodní kontakty jižní Evropy s Čínou po souši od 3. století př. n. l. až do 15. století.

A history of the modest family which rose to become one of the most powerful in Europe, this book is a remarkably modern story of power, money and ambition. Paul Strathern explores the rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence, as well as the Italian Renaissance which they did so much to sponsor.

With a focus on the lives and ideas of renowned writers, this series offers brief yet insightful biographical studies. Paul Strathern's engaging prose makes complex literary concepts accessible, providing readers with a refined understanding of each author's contributions. Each book serves as both an entertaining read and an authoritative appraisal, highlighting the significance of these literary figures in an accessible manner.

Napoleon's attack on Egypt in 1798 was the first on a Middle Eastern country by a Western power in modern times.

"Between the birth of Dante in 1265 and the death of Galileo in 1642 something happened which transformed the entire culture of western civilisation. Painting' sculpture and architecture would all visibly change in such a striking fashion that there could be no going back on what had taken place. Likewise' the thought and self-conception of humanity would take on a completely new aspect. Sciences would be born' or emerge in an entirely new guise. The ideas which broke this mould largely began' and continued to flourish' in the city of Florence in the province of Tuscany in northern central Italy. These ideas' which placed an increasing emphasis on the development of our common humanity - rather than other-worldly spirituality - coalesced in what came to be known as humanism. This philosophy and its new ideas would eventually spread across Italy' yet wherever they took hold they would retain an element essential to their origin. And as they spread further across Europe this element would remain. Transformations of human culture throughout western history have remained indelibly stamped by their origins. The Reformation would always retain something of central and northern Germany. The Industrial Revolution soon outgrew its British origins' yet also retained something of its original template. Closer to the present' the IT revolution which began in Silicon Valley remains indelibly coloured by its Californian origins. Paul Strathern shows how Florence' and the Florentines' played a similar role in the Renaissance."

The book presents concise biographical studies of renowned writers, showcasing their lives and ideas through engaging and accessible prose. Paul Strathern combines wit with insightful analysis, offering readers a refined understanding of each writer's contributions. These studies serve as authoritative introductions, making complex literary concepts approachable. Praised for their dramatic flair and ability to evoke a sense of time and place, these works are ideal for those seeking to explore Western civilization's literary heritage.

The sensational story of the rise and fall of one of the most notorious families in history, by the author of The Medici.

"The glorious and infamous history of the Borgia family--a world of saints, corrupt popes, and depraved princes and poisoners--set against the golden age of the Italian Renaissance."--Amazon.com

Includes: Inspired geniuses, such as Paracelsus, the father of medical chemistry, and Edward Jenner, who discovered the smallpox vaccination; Cuthroat competition, as during the 'Gas Wars' over who'd invented the anaesthetic, Scientific endeavour, such as the discovery of X-rays; Mistakes both fortunate and fatal, Anatomy,.