Rating: 
Summary: Can a writer string a line of arbitrary facts together . . .
Review: and call the result "history"? I think not. It would be just as easy to pick any other set of disconnected facts, string them together with another line of guesswork, and call the result "history", as well.Nevertheless, I am now less annoyed by this book with the recognition that the "facts" could well be fiction. After all, in just three pages of text (pages 45-47) there are five errors of fact. Am I permitted to doubt the veracity of other "facts"--that the fate of European succession was dependent upon the invention of the stirrup,--that the feudal system was the result of three-field crop rotation? The "gee-whiz" factor may work for the escapism of television but as a book, Connections fails to connect.
Rating: 
Summary: I have read it three times and continue to go back to it.
Review: As a high school science teacher I love having Burke's perspective of how one idea leads to another in often a very indirect line. It also contains so many scrumptious tidbits about the inventors that are fun to bring up in class to catch the students attention and imagination. Anyone who really is interested in the history of science and science teaching should read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: informative but too dense
Review: As a teacher, I am always in search of ways to make academics relevant to the real world. Student engagement is always increased when the lesson reminds them of something familiar. I was eager to read Connections in order to teach me about how to make history connect to everyday life. In Connections, James Burke attempts to demonstrate three phenomena: seemingly inconsequential events can lead to major innovations, inventions lead to new discoveries, and technological advancements have had profound effects throughout history on people and society. While Burke does make a valiant effort to make these "connections" between the discoveries of everyday people and/or scientists with inventions such as the loom, printing press, coinage, clock, etc., he spends more time discussing the nature of the inventions themselves, rather than the connections between them. I would have liked more commentary on the coincidences and circumstances of the discoveries and less information about how the invention works and functions. Burke was very successful at illustrating the broad impacts of numerous technologies throughout history. The inventions which he describes such as the plow and compass had fascinating impacts on the way society developed. I believe that these connections would be very interesting to my students by demonstrating how history effects our lives. My primary criticism of this book lies in Burke's style and scope. His writing is incredibly dense with numerous names, dates, and specifics. The information is overwhelming and not clearly focused. The chapters seem poorly organized and without a defined, recognizable theme. More explanation and commentary by Burke himself rather than dry, dense information would have been useful. While I would recommend the concept of connecting inventions to each other and the focus of inventions' impacts on society as a significant and worthy objective in the classroom, I would not recommend Connections as an easy-to-use resource for teachers.
Rating:
Summary: informative but too dense
Review: As a teacher, I am always in search of ways to make academics relevant to the real world. Student engagement is always increased when the lesson reminds them of something familiar. I was eager to read Connections in order to teach me about how to make history connect to everyday life. In Connections, James Burke attempts to demonstrate three phenomena: seemingly inconsequential events can lead to major innovations, inventions lead to new discoveries, and technological advancements have had profound effects throughout history on people and society. While Burke does make a valiant effort to make these "connections" between the discoveries of everyday people and/or scientists with inventions such as the loom, printing press, coinage, clock, etc., he spends more time discussing the nature of the inventions themselves, rather than the connections between them. I would have liked more commentary on the coincidences and circumstances of the discoveries and less information about how the invention works and functions. Burke was very successful at illustrating the broad impacts of numerous technologies throughout history. The inventions which he describes such as the plow and compass had fascinating impacts on the way society developed. I believe that these connections would be very interesting to my students by demonstrating how history effects our lives. My primary criticism of this book lies in Burke's style and scope. His writing is incredibly dense with numerous names, dates, and specifics. The information is overwhelming and not clearly focused. The chapters seem poorly organized and without a defined, recognizable theme. More explanation and commentary by Burke himself rather than dry, dense information would have been useful. While I would recommend the concept of connecting inventions to each other and the focus of inventions' impacts on society as a significant and worthy objective in the classroom, I would not recommend Connections as an easy-to-use resource for teachers.
Rating:
Summary: A must on the 'how do people invent' list.
Review: I first heard him speak on this topic before I read the book. He was warm, funny, engaging and enlightening. I found the book to be the same. I'd like to see the videos at some point. As an engineer / manager involved in constant innovation, perhaps I'm biased here, but I truly think this is a very good book.
Rating:
Summary: The absolute best book on tape -- EVER.
Review: I have listened to this book on tape AT LEAST 10 times, maybe more. And every time it keeps me entranced from beginning to end. Between replacing lost copies and buying it as a gift for friends, I have probably bought 10 copies as well. And will probably buy more...
Rating: 
Summary: Overstates Remote Connections
Review: I have to say that I like the premise behind the book: seemingly random events leading up to a coherent pattern of invention and innovation. I also appreciate all the implications this has for long-term conscious planning by governments and individuals. However, I think that Burke understates the role of great geniuses in scientific and technological history. Not everything we have is primarily due to remote connections. I think that "The Day the Universe Changed" is a better written and more interesting book. This one, however, is also worth reading. The first part of the book about interconnectedness and mutual dependence for survival in the modern industrial society should be required reading for all types of back-to-nature, anti-technology, sustainable-development eco feminists. It shows that we are not at liberty to simply adopt a Rousseau-esque, crab-like movement back into "natural," pre-industrial world. So for this reason alone, the book is worth the price you pay for it.
Rating:
Summary: A long time fascination
Review: I still remember me as a kid, sitting in front of the TV set, looking for the program "Connections". It amazed me so much, that it made a difference for me. I started to study history in school more closely, and started to see the "links" where no one could find them. My thinking structure evolved to a four dimensional state: the classical-three-dimmensions, plus time. The book is a great refreshment of that experience, making us remember the way facts that appeared unrelated were closer to each other than we expected...
Rating:
Summary: Interesting perspective, but can be slow reading...
Review: I was disappointed in Burke's writing style. I was hoping it would be much more breezy, direct, and to-the-point. Perhaps I expected too much, having been introduced to Burke and CONNECTIONS via the television series. The proposal that people, ideas, inventions, and events are connected across the history of time and man is intriquing. The facts Burke presents are interesting, yet mired at times in too much detail. The casual, non-scientifically knowledgable types (like me) face some slow, rough reading at points. By the end, though, where Burke ties-in and connects his major ideas, you'll have enjoyed the trip you took through history.... just be prepared to take your time getting there.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting perspective, but can be slow reading...
Review: I was disappointed in Burke's writing style. I was hoping it would be much more breezy, direct, and to-the-point. Perhaps I expected too much, having been introduced to Burke and CONNECTIONS via the television series. The proposal that people, ideas, inventions, and events are connected across the history of time and man is intriquing. The facts Burke presents are interesting, yet mired at times in too much detail. The casual, non-scientifically knowledgable types (like me) face some slow, rough reading at points. By the end, though, where Burke ties-in and connects his major ideas, you'll have enjoyed the trip you took through history.... just be prepared to take your time getting there.
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