From the modern-day conveniences that society has come to rely on, such as wireless communication to the most groundbreaking scientific theories, like Einstein's special theory of relativity, so much of what we take for granted today depends on our understanding of the electromagnetic field--the discovery of which rests on the shoulders of two of history's most brilliant and innovative scientists, Michael Faraday (1791-1867) and James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879). Faraday and Maxwell's combined work in the nineteenth century to unravel the mysteries of this new, more accurate conception of reality resulted in the creation of field theory, which turned the prevailing Newtonian perception of how the universe works on its head and opened the door to many more exciting findings.
Faraday was an autodidact who overcame class prejudice and a lack of mathematical training to become renowned for his acute powers of experimental observation, technological skills, and prodigious scientific imagination. Maxwell was a well-educated natural philosopher and a genius physicist; he made a number of groundbreaking discoveries in various disciplines and was a founder of the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. The collaborative work of these scientists unified electricity, magnetism, and light under the concept of field theory, on which much of twentieth-century physics, and modern technology, depend. In warm, engaging prose, Forbes and Mahon, veteran science writers with special expertise in physics and engineering, explore the lives and discoveries of Faraday and Maxwell to paint riveting portraits of two inspirational men who drastically altered the course of history.
Editorial Reviews
“It's just the best book of its kind I have ever read, and I just hugely enjoyed it. Couldn't put it down. [Their discovery] was a fabulous human achievement." —Charlie Munger, Vice-Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Corporation, on CNBC's Squawk Box
“Compelling. …A lively account of the men and their times and a brilliant exposition of the scientific circumstances and significance of their work.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The life and science of these two giants of nineteenth-century physics is beautifully documented and narrated in this riveting book.” —Eric D’Hoker, Distinguished Professor of Physics, UCLA; past president, Aspen Center for Physics
“If it is possible for a book about the electromagnetic field to be a 'page turner,' then this book is one!...This conceptual approach to what can be a daunting topic...makes the thinking of these great scientists accessible to all. I highly recommend this book for anyone with a passion for science.” —NSTA Recommends
About the Author
Nancy Forbes has written over twenty-five publications in science and technology including Imitation of Life: How Biology Is Inspiring Computing. She has also served as a contributing editor for The Industrial Physicist of the American Institute of Physics, and IEEE's Computing in Science and Engineering. Currently, she works for the US Department of Defense.
Basil Mahon is the author of The Forgotten Genius of Oliver Heaviside: A Maverick of Electrical Science and The Man Who Changed Everything: The Life of James Clerk Maxwell. With degrees in engineering and statistics, he was formerly an officer in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and until his retirement worked for the British Government Statistical Service.
