Rating: 
Summary: Fanfare for the Common Man
Review: This is a book to be read and enjoyed by those with only a cursory knowledge of history, science or art. The author offers a breezy, descriptive yet very informative explication of the seven events that he considers have "changed the universe." If "changing the universe" means the way we as humans look at or perceive the universe then he succeeded admirably. The events cited - evolution, perspective, relativity or heliocentric astronomy - changed the way we thought not only of our species but ourselves and our beliefs. It is only natural that so many of these advances accompanied the Industrial Revolution which accompanied a scientific and political revolution that allowed backward Europe to dominate the world. Many of these transformations were invoked by heroes who shall forever remain unknown. Some of these are still affecting us. Comparing the TV series and the book is difficult but it is apparent that the book followed the excellent series - not the other way around. There are excellent maps, charts, pictures and diagrams throughout and the cover shot sums the book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is how history should be written. Period. Brilliant, witty, yet with a serious, driving philosophical point. There is a very simple lesson here, but many people resist it, as it can be very a difficult one to take to heart: the only way people can change the world is if they first recognize that it can be changed. To change the world, one must first change his perspective on it and himself. And to change oneself, one must admit that he is not perfect. We often find it very hard to admit when we're wrong, especially about the things that seem to define us, because redefining oneself can be an extraordinarily painful and confusing thing. But only though this painful process of discovery can we hope to advance, for real progress and growth only comes about by questioning and changing the hard parts of ourselves. There's more, of course, but you'll have to read to find out the rest. This is an ideal graduation gift; I am giving my copy of this book to my sister and plan on buying another to replace it.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is how history should be written. Period. Brilliant, witty, yet with a serious, driving philosophical point. There is a very simple lesson here, but many people resist it, as it can be very a difficult one to take to heart: the only way people can change the world is if they first recognize that it can be changed. To change the world, one must first change his perspective on it and himself. And to change oneself, one must admit that he is not perfect. We often find it very hard to admit when we're wrong, especially about the things that seem to define us, because redefining oneself can be an extraordinarily painful and confusing thing. But only though this painful process of discovery can we hope to advance, for real progress and growth only comes about by questioning and changing the hard parts of ourselves. There's more, of course, but you'll have to read to find out the rest. This is an ideal graduation gift; I am giving my copy of this book to my sister and plan on buying another to replace it.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Historic Synopsis
Review: This was an interesting book with a lot of valuable insights on how things worked together to lead us to where we are. A lot like his "Connections" work it is very readable and holds your interest in a sometimes dry subject of scientific quest for understanding of our universe. But I found the book a bit down on religion and his perceived notion that the church held back scientific advance. The spiritual side of life has its place and this book is definitely down on religion. A good read if you don't get offended by its anti-church overtones.
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