Seeing Further

More about the book

Edited by Bill Bryson and featuring contributions from notable figures such as Richard Dawkins, Margaret Atwood, and David Attenborough, this remarkable volume commemorates the 350th anniversary of the Royal Society. It traces back to a damp November night when a group of men, inspired by a lecture from the then-unknown Christopher Wren, decided to establish a Society dedicated to the pursuit of useful knowledge. Since its inception, the Royal Society has been at the forefront of scientific exploration, with illustrious fellows including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein. Among these, Bryson highlights Reverend Thomas Bayes, a mathematician whose theorem, though complex and underappreciated in his time, now underpins fields like weather forecasting and stock market analysis. The Royal Society’s commitment to preserving such knowledge has been pivotal in advancing science. Its members have achieved groundbreaking discoveries, from splitting the atom to uncovering the double helix and developing the World Wide Web. This volume not only celebrates the Society's rich history and achievements but also showcases exceptional science writing and illustrations from its archives, reflecting the profound impact of science on our world.