The Age of Wonder: Discovering the Beauty and Terror of Science

Richard Holmes's captivating book, The Age of Wonder, delves into the fascinating history of the individuals who, at the close of the eighteenth century, laid the groundwork for the Romantic Age of Science with their groundbreaking discoveries and inventions. In 1769, a young Joseph Banks set foot on a beach in Tahiti with dreams of uncovering Paradise. Motivated by the scientific excitement abounding in Britain, the botanist had embarked on a voyage with Captain Cook in pursuit of uncharted territories. Following Banks's expedition, a series of other ventures in fields such as astronomy, chemistry, poetry, and philosophy unfolded rapidly in Holmes's exhilarating retelling of the second scientific revolution.

Holmes vividly portrays the lives of figures like William Herschel and his sister Caroline, who revolutionized the public's understanding of the solar system, and Humphry Davy, whose daring gas experiments transformed the landscape of chemistry. Additionally, he illuminates the profound impact of the great Romantic writers—ranging from Mary Shelley to Coleridge and Keats—who drew inspiration from the scientific advancements of their time. Through his narrative, Holmes brings to life an era marked by the discovery of both the awe-inspiring and the ominous potential of science, the repercussions of which continue to shape our world today.

For readers interested in delving deeper into Holmes's exploration of this transformative period, this ebook edition features an excerpt from his book Falling Upwards. Discover the remarkable individuals and exceptional discoveries that paved the way for the Romantic Age of Science in The Age of Wonder—an enthralling journey through a pivotal chapter in the history of scientific inquiry.

product information: