The Glass Bathyscaphe takes a look at the origins and
technological developments of glass making throughout history. The
book details the innovations made possible by glass in the  fields
of science, medicine, technology and art; tracing the beginnings of
glass manufacture, from it’s accidental discovery by the civilizations
of the Near-East, through to the advancements made in the Renaissance
and right up to the present day.
Where this book differs from others, which simply look at the chronology
of glass making, Alan Macfarlane and Gerry Martin are unique in
that they attempt to explore the way this material has contributed
to the shaping of Western Civilisation. Although it may seem obvious
to point out that much of today’s technologies, such as optical
lenses, medical and scientific instruments, plastics, light bulbs
or electricity, would not be possible without the discovery of glass;
the authors go even further, exploring the cultural and anthropological
impact glass has made on the forming of both our Civilisation and
our sense of personal identity.
Our fascination with glass has permeated every aspect of Western
Civilisation’s cultural language, and the authors of The Glass
Bathyscaphe go some way towards explaining why this has occurred.
Although the subject matter of this book can be quite scholarly,
with the authors drawing on the fields of archaeology, various sciences,
art, the psychology of perception, anthropology and philosophy to
explain their point; the book is actually quite accessible to the
average reader, and should provide a rewarding read for anyone with
an interest in the history of glass making. |
