Empire of Light: A History of Discovery in Science and Art

by Sidney Perkowitz

Light surrounds us and determines our existence. Scientists have long struggled to comprehend its physical nature - an enigmatic mix of wave and quantum particle - as well as how it affects us biologically. It remains an enduring mystery - yet is also the stuff of artistic endeavor.

Inspired by Magritte's painting, Empire of Light offers the general reader a clear, non-technical interpretation of the story of light, from ancient discoveries (and colossal misconceptions) to the most modern theories of light's role in the universe; from the cosmic to the subatomic; from all of light's colorful mysteries to its promising scientific and industrial applications.

Professor Sidney Perkowitz, a devoted physicist and keen observer of painting and sculpture, begins with an animated discussion of how humans perceive light - how the eye receives a flood of data and the brain renders it intelligible. But since we also respond to light with emotion and aesthetic appreciation, the author goes on to describe how physiological responses are connected with our innate aesthetic sense. Throughout the book he links scientific and artistic understandings of light, illuminating its meaning for the general reader. Along the way the ideas of great scientific investigators of light, such as Albert Einstein and Edwin Hubble, join forces with the artistic masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, Edward Hopper, and other artists to emphasize the vital connection between science and art.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

227 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Sidney Perkowitz is Candler Professor of Physics at Emory University. Author of many research papers and books, hes also written the popular science books Empire of Light, Universal Foam, Digital People and Hollywood Science which have been translated into six languages and Braille; articles for the LA Times, Washington Post, and other outlets; the stage works Albert & Isadora, Friedmann's Balloon and Glory Enough, presented in Atlanta, New York, and Chicago; and the screenplay The Second Obsession. He has appeared on CNN, NPR, the BBC, and elsewhere. Sidney Perkowitz is Candler Professor of Physics at Emory University. Author of many research papers and books, hes also written the popular science books Empire of Light, Universal Foam, Digital People and Hollywood Science which have been translated into six languages and Braille; articles for the LA Times, Washington Post, and other outlets; the stage works Albert & Isadora, Friedmann's Balloon and Glory Enough, presented in Atlanta, New York, and Chicago; and the screenplay The Second Obsession. He has appeared on CNN, NPR, the BBC, and elsewhere. Sidney Perkowitz is Candler Professor of Physics at Emory University. Author of many research papers and books, hes also written the popular science books Empire of Light, Universal Foam, Digital People and Hollywood Science which have been translated into six languages and Braille; articles for the LA Times, Washington Post, and other outlets; the stage works Albert & Isadora, Friedmann's Balloon and Glory Enough, presented in Atlanta, New York, and Chicago; and the screenplay The Second Obsession. He has appeared on CNN, NPR, the BBC, and elsewhere. "

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little self-indulgent at the beginning and a little repetitive at the end, Empire of Light is nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable, densely informative, and surprisingly lucid exploration of the history—and potential future—of the science of light. Perkowitz has a knack for vivid analogy and, while I would've appreciated a few diagrams here and there, he rendered the complexities of quantum physics with nuance and verve.

I am curious how the intervening 20 years since this book's publication might have impacted physicists' knowledge of the universe and perhaps further developed some of the cutting-edge research into light's uses that Perkowitz described. For that matter, I wonder if a current treatise on the topic would be quite so European- and menfolk-centric. Perhaps the science of light really was overwhelmingly shaped by European men, but 20 years might offer historical and global insights as well as scientific developments.

[Robert Hudder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going back to my shelves to clear out material. Good primer reminded me of what I had problems with and gaps in my general knowledge. It does well until the late 90s, and even for a bit later. I know that there has been some leaps in both technology and science, especially around dark matter.

So, unfortunately, even though I liked the read, it will go into the dust pile. It did point me in the right direction to get caught up though.

[Samantha Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic journey through the history of art and the study of light and why the study of light is important for scientific discovery and understanding.

[Christopher]

Very interesting scientific chronological exploration of light s we came to know it. Well worth the read.

[Tim Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

there's nothing that introduces a thinking person to the mysteries of our universe like the science of light, and this book is the best starting point i could recommend.