Paul Strathern Books

A sweeping history of the Age of Reason, which shows how, although it was a time of progress in many areas, it was also an era of brutality and intolerance, by the author of The Borgias and The Florentines.[Bokinfo].

A history of the modest family which rose to become one of the most powerful in Europe, this book is a remarkably modern story of power, money and ambition. Paul Strathern explores the rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence, as well as the Italian Renaissance which they did so much to sponsor.

With a focus on the lives and ideas of renowned writers, this series offers brief yet insightful biographical studies. Paul Strathern's engaging prose makes complex literary concepts accessible, providing readers with a refined understanding of each author's contributions. Each book serves as both an entertaining read and an authoritative appraisal, highlighting the significance of these literary figures in an accessible manner.

Napoleon's attack on Egypt in 1798 was the first on a Middle Eastern country by a Western power in modern times.

Between Dante's birth in 1265 and Galileo's death in 1642, a profound transformation reshaped Western civilization's culture. The visual arts—painting, sculpture, and architecture—underwent striking changes, marking an irreversible evolution. Concurrently, humanity's self-conception and thought experienced a significant shift, leading to the emergence of new sciences. These groundbreaking ideas primarily originated in Florence, Tuscany, where a focus on common humanity supplanted other-worldly spirituality, giving rise to humanism. This philosophy spread throughout Italy, maintaining essential elements of its Florentine roots as it reached other parts of Europe. Transformations in human culture have consistently reflected their origins; for instance, the Reformation retained aspects of central and northern Germany, while the Industrial Revolution, despite its expansion beyond Britain, preserved elements of its initial framework. Similarly, the IT revolution, which began in Silicon Valley, remains influenced by its Californian beginnings. Paul Strathern illustrates how Florence and its inhabitants played a pivotal role in the Renaissance, emphasizing the lasting impact of their contributions on the broader cultural landscape.

The book presents concise biographical studies of renowned writers, showcasing their lives and ideas through engaging and accessible prose. Paul Strathern combines wit with insightful analysis, offering readers a refined understanding of each writer's contributions. These studies serve as authoritative introductions, making complex literary concepts approachable. Praised for their dramatic flair and ability to evoke a sense of time and place, these works are ideal for those seeking to explore Western civilization's literary heritage.

The sensational story of the rise and fall of one of the most notorious families in history, by the author of The Medici.

"The glorious and infamous history of the Borgia family--a world of saints, corrupt popes, and depraved princes and poisoners--set against the golden age of the Italian Renaissance."--Amazon.com

According to Plato, perhaps the greatest philosopher of all time, "philosophy begins in wonder". His ideas grew against the turbulent background of Ancient Greece, yet his famous "Dialogues" rank amongst the world's most serene and profound literature. The "Virgin Philosophers" series cover the lives and ideas of the major philosophers, attempting to clarify the mysteries of philosophy for the general reader.

Includes: Inspired geniuses, such as Paracelsus, the father of medical chemistry, and Edward Jenner, who discovered the smallpox vaccination; Cuthroat competition, as during the 'Gas Wars' over who'd invented the anaesthetic, Scientific endeavour, such as the discovery of X-rays; Mistakes both fortunate and fatal, Anatomy,.

Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Cesare Borgia—three iconic figures whose intersecting lives provide the basis for this astonishing work of narrative history. They could not have been more different, and they would meet only for a short time in 1502, but the events that transpired when they did would significantly alter each man’s perceptions—and the course of Western history. In 1502, Italy was riven by conflict, with the city of Florence as the ultimate prize. Machiavelli, the consummate political manipulator, attempted to placate the savage Borgia by volunteering Leonardo to be Borgia’s chief military engineer. That autumn, the three men embarked together on a brief, perilous, and fateful journey through the mountains, remote villages, and hill towns of the Italian Romagna—the details of which were revealed in Machiavelli’s frequent dispatches and Leonardo’s meticulous notebooks. Superbly written and thoroughly researched, The Artist, the Philosopher, and the Warrior is a work of narrative genius—whose subject is the nature of genius itself.

By the end of the fifteenth century, Florence was well established as the home of the Renaissance. As generous patrons to the likes of Botticelli and Michelangelo, the ruling Medici embodied the progressive humanist spirit of the age, and in Lorenzo de' Medici they possessed a diplomat capable of guarding the militarily weak city in a climate of constantly shifting allegiances. However, in Savonarola, an unprepossessing provincial monk, Lorenzo found his nemesis. Filled with Old Testament fury, Savonarola's sermons reverberated among a disenfranchised population, who preferred medieval Biblical certainties to the philosophical interrogations and intoxicating surface glitter of the Renaissance. The battle between these two men would be a fight to the death, a series of sensational events—invasions, trials by fire, the 'Bonfire of the Vanities', terrible executions and mysterious deaths—featuring a cast of the most important and charismatic Renaissance figures. Was this a simple clash of wills between a benign ruler and religious fanatic? In an exhilaratingly rich and deeply researched story, Paul Strathern reveals the paradoxes, self-doubts, and political compromises that made the battle for the soul of the Renaissance city one of the most complex and important moments in Western history.

In this book, Paul Strathern, the award-winning novelist and expositor of complex ideas, unravels the dramatic history of chemistry through the quest for the elements. Framing this history is the life-story of the 19th century Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleyev, who fell asleep at this desk and awoke after dreaming of the Periodic Table - the template upon which modern chemistry is founded, and the formulation of which marked chemistry's coming of age as a science. From ancient philosophy, through medieval alchemy to the splitting of the atom, this is the true story of the birth of chemistry and the role of one man's dream.

In Kant in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Kant's life and ideas, and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Kant's work; a brief list of suggested reading for those who wish to push further; and chronologies that place Kant within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

A dazzling new history of the world told through the ten major empires of human civilization. Eminent historian Paul Strathern opens the story of Empire with the Akkadian civilization, which ruled over a vast expanse of the region of ancient Mesopotamia, then turns to the immense Roman Empire, where we trace back our Western and Eastern roots. Next the narrative describes how a great deal of Western Classical culture was developed in the Abbasid and Umayyad Caliphates. Then, while Europe was beginning to emerge from a period of cultural stagnation, it almost fell to a whirlwind invasion from the East, at which point we meet the Emperors of the Mongol Empire . . . Combining breathtaking scope with masterful narrative control, Paul Strathern traces these connections across four millennia and sheds new light on these major civilizations—from the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty to the Aztec and Ottoman Empires, through to the most recent and biggest empires: the British, Russo-Soviet, and American. Charting five thousand years of global history in ten lucid chapters, Empire makes comprehensive and inspiring reading to anyone fascinated by the history of the world.

Focusing on the lives and contributions of renowned authors, this collection offers concise biographical studies that highlight their unique perspectives and literary achievements. Paul Strathern employs his characteristic wit and sharp insight to delve into the influences and historical contexts that shaped these writers, making their stories accessible and engaging for readers. This work serves as both an introduction to literary greats and a celebration of their enduring impact on literature.

The book features concise biographical studies of renowned writers, showcasing their lives and ideas in an engaging manner. Paul Strathern combines wit and insight to provide a refined analysis of each writer and their contributions to literature. These studies are not mere novelties; they offer authoritative and accessible perspectives, making the complexities of literary figures understandable and enjoyable for readers.

Paul Strathern offers engaging and concise biographical sketches of renowned writers, expanding on his successful Philosophers in 90 Minutes series. His witty and insightful prose provides readers with a deeper understanding of the lives and contributions of these literary figures, making complex ideas accessible and enjoyable.

Witty and incisive, this collection of brief biographical studies delves into the lives and ideas of the world's great writers. Strathern presents their stories in an entertaining and accessible manner, making the complexities of their lives and literary contributions engaging for readers.

An original and compelling history of the northern European medieval renaissance in art, science and philosophy, which rivalled its Italian counterpart, by the author of The Florentines and The Borgias.[Bokinfo].

At a moment of great discovery, one Big Idea can change the world... E = mc2 is the world's most famous equation, but what does it mean and why were Einstein's theories so groundbreaking? Einstein's revolutionary papers on his Theories of Relativity changed mankind's view of the world and universe for ever, establishing him as one of our greatest scientific minds - but when he died, he considered himself a failure. Einstein & Relativity tells the gripping story of Einstein's early life (in which he failed all subjects except maths and physics) through to his most important research. After publishing his two innovative Theories of Relativity, he then wasted over two decades searching for a comprehensive theory, in contradiction to his previous work. The Big Idea: Einstein & Relativity is accessible and absorbing, placing Einstein's life and work into the context of science up to that point and distilling his complex theories into bite-size pieces for anyone and everyone. The Big Idea series is a fascinating look at the greatest advances in our scientific history, and at the men and women who made these fundamental breakthroughs.

The book features brief biographical studies of renowned writers, showcasing their lives and ideas in an entertaining and accessible manner. Paul Strathern employs his signature witty and incisive prose to deliver refined appraisals of each writer and their contributions to literature. These studies are not mere novelties but authoritative explorations that illuminate the significance of these literary figures and their works.

The book offers an insightful analysis of the writer and their literary contributions, showcasing a well-researched and articulate perspective. Strathern's authoritative approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of the author's significance and the nuances of their work, making it a valuable resource for both fans and scholars.

The book features concise biographical studies of renowned writers, showcasing their lives and ideas with wit and clarity. Paul Strathern’s engaging prose makes complex literary concepts accessible, transforming each study into an authoritative appraisal. This series aims to entertain while providing insightful perspectives on the writers and their contributions to literature, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in understanding the great literary figures.

Locke's philosophy laid the foundations of empiricism - the belief that all our knowledge is based upon experience. He also introduced the idea of liberal democracy, and his ideas were to be a major influence on the first US constitution. He was the only major philosopher to become a government minister. These witty and informative guides cover the lives and ideas of the major philosophers. Award-winning author Paul Strathern's concise and easily comprehensible style highlights the major advances in philosophy, as well as the men who conceived them and the times in which they lived. Packed with striking quotes, insights and anecdotes, the aim of the Virgin Philosophers Series is to clarify the mysteries of philosophy for the general reader.

At a moment of great discovery, one Big Idea can change the world...Galileo is often referred to as 'the father of modern science' and his contribution to modern psychics and astronomy, among other scientific fields, cannot be overstated. His discoveries shattered for ever humanity's ignorance about the true nature of our solar system and our place within the universe. But Galileo paid the ultimate price for his revolutionary findings, sentenced to life imprisonment and forced to renounce his work.Galileo & the Solar System brings to life all of the great man's inventions, pioneering ideas and struggles, in an easy-to-follow way. Providing a fascinating account of Galileo's life, from his development of the modern telescope and his discovery of the rings of Saturn, to his later years as a convicted heretic, punished for his blasphemous views about our solar system and beyond, Galileo's Big Idea is for anyone who has ever looked at the stars and wondered...The Big Idea series is a fascinating look at the greatest advances in our scientific history, and at the men and women who made these fundamental breakthroughs.

In ten succinct chapters, Paul Strathern sheds new light on major civilisations, from the military might af the Mongols, who ruled over the largest but most short-lived land empire in history, to the ambitious architecture of the Akkadians. We meet the ruthless leaders of Ancient Rome, discover the imperial dreams of Middle Eastern caliphates and witness the power struggles of twentieth-century America. With insight into the progress of humankind, Rise and fall shows how the story of an empire lies not only in its creation, but also in its downfall.

In Wittgenstein in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Wittgenstein's life and ideas, and explains their influence on man's struggle to understand his existence in the world. The book also includes selections from Wittgenstein's work; a brief list of suggested reading for those who wish to push further; and chronologies that place Wittgenstein within his own age and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

At a moment of great discovery, one Big Idea can change the world... Pythagoras was arguably the first 'genius' of Western culture, establishing a blend of high intellect and high lunacy, both of which have become recurrent features of this scholarly heritage.Most memorably, he created the Pythagorean Theorem, and established the concept of proofs in mathematics. Less well known was the religion he founded which forbade his disciples from eating beans or stepping over fallen poles! Pythagoras & His Theorem tells the remarkable story of the life of this poorly understood genius and the transformation his work brought about in mathematics. Pythagoras' Big Idea is presented in an accessible and enthralling way, providing an explanation of the meaning of his work, its historical and scientific context, and significance for the world in which we live. The Big Idea series is a fascinating look at the greatest advances in our scientific history, and at the men and women who made these fundamental breakthroughs.

From the founding of ancient capitals to buzzing modern megacities, this history of ten cities explores how urban centres have led civilisation forward.

Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of time, place, and character....I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one s friends to Western civilization. Katherine A. Powers, Boston Globe. Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit about them....I find them hard to stop reading. Richard Bernstein, New York Times. Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise. Jim Holt, Wall Street Journal. These brief and enlightening explorations of our greatest thinkers bring their ideas to life in entertaining and accessible fashion. Philosophical thought is deciphered and made comprehensive and interesting to almost everyone. Far from being a novelty, each book is a highly refined appraisal of the philosopher and his work, authoritative and clearly presented.

Paul Strathern offers engaging biographical studies of renowned writers, blending humor and insight to illuminate their lives and ideas. Each volume presents a refined and authoritative exploration of the writer and their work, making complex concepts accessible to readers. The series is praised for its dramatic storytelling that evokes a strong sense of time, place, and character, serving as an excellent introduction to Western literary heritage.

Köpfe & Ideen stellt bedeutende Forscherinnen und Forscher vor, die mit ihren Entdeckungen und Visionen unser Bild der Welt beeinflußt und verändert haben. Crick, Watson & die DNA Hawking & die Schwarzen Löcher Newton & die Schwerkraft Turing & der Computer Einstein & die Relativität Galilei & das Sonnensystem Oppenheimer & die Bombe Pythagoras & sein Satz Archimedes & der Hebel Bohr & die Quantentheorie Curie & die Radioaktivität Darwin & die Evolution Deutsche Erstausgabe

Stephen Hawkings Erklärunge, was Schwarze Löcher sind, hat die Sicht auf die Welt für immer verändert.

Neben Klassikern der Ökonomie begegnet uns aber auch der Mitbewohner da Vincis und Erfinder der doppelten Buchführung: Luca Pacioli. Oder der flüchtige schottische Mörder John Law, der Frankreichs Finanzwelt mit der Einführung des Papiergelds revolutionierte. Und John von Neumann, das düstere Genie, das die Spieltheorie entwickelte, die Wirtschaft und Politik im 20. Jahrhundert prägte.

Segundo o autor desta obra, a figura barbuda do autor de 'Manifesto comunista' e 'O capital', que influenciaram gerações, tinha o espírito de um estudante descompromissado e apreciava farras. Esse é um dos diversos aspectos que pretendem ser revelados nesse volume sobre a vida e obra do filósofo que acreditava no comunismo como uma resposta para a igualdade entre os homens. A influência da filosofia de Hegel, o trabalho como jornalista, a parceria com Engels também fazem parte do perfil desse grande pensador.

Partant du principe que Newton a révolutionné notre conception du monde, cet ouvrage tente de démontrer que malgré les progrès du 20e siècle, une grande partie de ses découvertes sont encore d'actualité.

Les philosophes, je connais ! (l'essentiel en 90 minutes) est une série de petits ouvrages présentant la vie et l'oeuvre des grands philosophes. Rédigés dans une langue simple et sur le mode plaisant, ils mêlent idées et détails biographiques et s'adressent au lecteur qui souhaite aborder la philosophie sans complexes, ni préjugés. L'auteur, Paul Strathern réussit le tour de force de rendre accessible à tous l'essentiel des grands concepts philosophiques, tout en faisant vivre les grands esprits qui les ont imaginés . La vie et l'oeuvre de chaque philosophe sont restituées dans leur contexte historique et culturel. Vivacité de style et sens de l'humour donnent vie aux hommes et aux idées qui influencent notre conception du monde depuis l'Antiquité. Les grandes théories philosophiques y sont impitoyablement passées à la moulinette ainsi que les grandes forces et petits travers des simples mortels qui ont eu l'audace de les formuler, parfois au péril de leur vie, souvent au péril de leur santé. L'ensemble est complété par des citations clés de chaque philosophe et un rappel chronologique de l'évolution des idées philosophiques

Köpfe & Ideen stellt bedeutende Forscherinnen und Forscher vor, die mit ihren Entdeckungen und Visionen unser Bild der Welt beeinflußt und verändert haben. Crick, Watson & die DNA Hawking & die Schwarzen Löcher Newton & die Schwerkraft Turing & der Computer Einstein & die Relativität Galilei & das Sonnensystem Oppenheimer & die Bombe Pythagoras & sein Satz Archimedes & der Hebel Bohr & die Quantentheorie Curie & die Radioaktivität Darwin & die Evolution Deutsche Erstausgabe

Die Entdeckung der Struktur der DNA, dem Baustein allen Lebens, hatte gewaltige Auswirkungen auf die Zukunftder Menschheit

Chemie je ve vědeckých pracích opomíjenou oblastí a Mendělejev, největší postava tohoto oboru, většinou jen zapomenutým géniem. Strathernova historická práce si dává za cíl tuto křivdu napravit. V této knize, které je vlastní vytříbenost a erudovanost, ale přesto neztrácí nic na své čtivosti, objasňuje literární cenou oceněný spisovatel a interpret složitých teorií Paul Strathern dramatické dějiny chemie prostřednictvím putování po stopách prvků. Dějiny oboru jsou orámovány životním příběhem ruského vědce devatenáctého století Dmitrije Mendělejeva, kterého jednoho dne u psacího stolu přepadla dřímota, z níž se probudil poté, co přišel na myšlenku periodické soustavy prvků – popisu, na kterém je založena moderní chemie a jehož vypracování klasifikovalo tento obor v nadcházejícím věku jako vědu. Od starověké filosofie přes středověkou alchymii až ke štěpení atomu – toto je pravdivý příběh zrodu chemie a role, kterou sehrál sen jednoho muže.

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