The Crystal Sun: Rediscovering a Lost Technology of the Ancient World

by Robert K.G. Temple

Archaeologists have always insisted most strenuously that lenses did not exist in ancient times. Robert Temple’s real-life detective story proves them wrong. His research began with the discovery that an ancient artifact in the British Museum, believed to be a piece of rock crystal, had, in fact, been ground to form a lens.In this fascinating book, one of the most revolutionary studies in the history of science and civilization to be published for decades, Robert Temple reconstructs the story of light technology in ancient civilization. Dating back at least to 2600 BC to Old Kingdom Egypt, but unknown to modern archaeologists and historians, a science of optics and a sophisticated technology for the manufacture of lenses was widespread and fundamental in ancient times. It inspired awe in cultures who used it, so became encoded in their mythologies and religions.From the Paperback edition.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Science, Ancient History

558 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating history of lenses from ancient Egypt, onward, including Nero's lens made from an emerald, Caesar's telescope and lighthouses. Another book I found un-put-down-able. I've underlined a lot and written annotations throughout. I always learn a good deal from reading Robert Temple, and I have a lot of fun doing it.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Saleris]

I bought this book after having attended a lecture by Robert Temple prior to this book being published (2000). Having recently discovered it in the library (October 2009) I'm hoping that I'll be happy I bought it.

[James Keelaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe he's a loon, and maybe not. I personally feel that he makes a great case for the antiquity of high quality optics.
And by the way, don't skip the footnotes, there is a great deal of fun to be had in reading them.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating.