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Summary: If one book were allowed to survive past doomsday...
Review: There simply is more intriguing information and fascinating anecdotes than you could imagine. I envy those who have taken his History course! His style allows for easy reading. Each chapter presents new characters to his novel of human history. Yet it undoubtedly will find its usefullness as a reference book in anyone's personal library. I used it a good deal back in college.When will this be republished in hardcover again? The paperback spine is simply not up to the task of holding in all that information! --Todd Matosian
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Summary: Bible of science history books.
Review: Book is fantastic. No matter how thick it is, you will lack for more pages. Anyway, I would like to highlight from this book the bibliography, the amount of references to other science books is unbelivable. This gives an idea of the work done with the book. I also miss more from science in this century: the atom, biology, molecular research, etc. (Spanish edition had very small font and the read was unconfortable for the eyes).
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Summary: Enlightning summary of the of discovery ...
Review: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself, is an excellant tape collection if you love to learn about the history of innovation and invention.
This tape series is excellant, wellresearched, well spoken and easy to follow as the author moves from time period to time period. If you enjoy James Burke (Connections) you will enjoy this series. In addition if you enjoy this type of edutainment I would also highly recommend the, Mechanical Universe Part 1 & 2. I would also recommend all the James Burke audio tapes and video series. END
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Summary: Great writing, but it does have shortcomings
Review: Boorstin's amazingly thorough and eminently readable account of 'Man the Discoverer' was a pleasure to read. Instructive without being pedantic, this approach offers history writing at its best. There are few shortcomings, though, that prevent it from a '10' rating. Lack of illustrations limits the book's effectiveness: many geographic areas Boorstin mentions are not commonly known, so maps would be helpful; and complex concepts (such as the "escapement mechanism" in time pieces) are not successfully explained in words, and desparately need pictures to demonstrate what he is talking about. Boorstin is also extremely limited in his discussions of discovery in the 20th century. Einstein is barely mentioned, powered flight isn't discussed, communication revolutions of discovery such as telephone, radio, or television aren't covered, and no mention is made of computers nor the amazing things we've discovered with their use. This does not prevent Boorstin from giving an inordinate amount of attention to other 20th century figures such as Freud in psychiatry or Keynes in economics. (Are these things really "discoveries" in the same sense as the other things he covers in the book??) Overall, this is a fine book, but it could be better.
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Summary: The Discoverers: An absolutely amazing book
Review: The Discoverers, by Daniel J. Boorstein, is an absolutely amazing book describing the difficult process of discovering the truths we currently take for granted. How did humans discover what time is, and how did they decide to measure it? What's on the other side of Asia? What, microbes? Things smaller than you can see with your eye? Someone had to break the ground to discover what everyone knows today, and "The Discoverers" explains how, despite the odds, it was done. Boorstein also enlightens his readers on the historic accomplishments of non-European countries. Everyone knows Columbus sailed the Atlantic in 1492, but not everyone knows the Chinese were sailing ships 4 times the size of the Nina in the 14th century. This ships sailed from ports in Eastern China, around Africa and into the Mediterranean to conduct trade with the Arabs! The Discoverers not only tells the tales of how we started learning about our world, it will be a portal of discovery for Boorstein's readers, too.
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Summary: Discovery of history in Daniel Boorstin's The Discoverers
Review: My only regret concerning this book is that it wasn't required reading in high school. It is the only history book that I have ever read that has helped History come alive with a blend of scholarly and common sense perspectives. I find it inspirational for my professional pursuits.
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Summary: So comprehensive it's sickening
Review: An unbelievable portrait of the history of man. From ancient Babylonians and the early Roman Empire to present day, Boorstin shows us how men and women through the Ages have expanded their minds and instruments, reaching past the sceptics and those who would keep the status quo. Boorstin 's work is thorough and blended well. I never thought a book of this nature would capture my attention so completely.
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Summary: A wonderful tale of imagination and innovation
Review: I was very inspired by this book. It gives a clear understanding of human achievement and development and makes you look at the things around you with a new appreciation. I originally read the paperback edition but was lucky enough to find the Abram's publication...it is a beautiful book with excellent illustration
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Summary: Discover for yourself
Review: I usually hesitate to read thick books, but in Boorstin's case, I find myself begging for more. His knowledge and insight into the history of human being amazes. He brings to life both the individual discoverers and the contexts of their discoveries. And he does so in a way that will leave you fascinated--ready to read another of his beautiful monsters: -The Creators-. Amazing
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Summary: If the Smithsonian were a book.......
Review: If the Smithsonian were a book, it would be this one. This book is a stroll through the dense history of our world as defined by those who explored not only the geographical and physical, but the intellectual as well. From Columbus and clockmaking to psychoanalysis and demographics, this book provides many other perspectives to the standard historical timeline. Be warned: it's a hefty book, but worth every ounce. (I haven't yet read his companion book, The Creators, but expect the same treat.
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