Glass

A World History

Alan Macfarlane

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"Glass" by Alan Macfarlane is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the history, significance, and cultural impact of glass throughout human civilization.

In this meticulously researched and beautifully written book, Macfarlane takes readers on a journey across time and space, introducing us to the fascinating origins of glassmaking in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. From there, he traces the spread of this remarkable material across the Roman Empire, the Byzantine era, and the Islamic world, gradually uncovering the various ways in which glass has shaped human experiences and societies.

Macfarlane skillfully delves into the artistry and craftsmanship behind glass production, highlighting the incredible achievements that have emerged from different cultures and time periods. He explores the astonishing versatility of glass as a medium for both functional objects and exquisite works of art, from everyday items such as drinking vessels and window panes to intricate stained glass windows and delicate Venetian glassware.

With a keen eye for detail, Macfarlane examines the cultural and symbolic significance of glass in diverse contexts, from its associations with wealth and power to its pivotal role in religious rituals and ceremonies. He also delves into the impact of glass on trade, transportation, and technology, illustrating how this material has transformed industries and revolutionized the way we live.

But "Glass" is not just a historical account; it is also a contemplation on the deeper meaning of glass and its resonance within our own lives. Macfarlane reflects on how glass embodies fragility, transparency, and reflection, prompting us to ponder our own vulnerabilities and the beauty that can emerge from embracing transparency and self-reflection.

Written with clarity and expertise, "Glass" offers readers a captivating exploration of a remarkable material that has captivated mankind for centuries. Macfarlane's passion for his subject matter shines through, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of art, history, and culture."

Explore More Books

See All
Empires of Light
The Scout Mindset
Quantum Computing Since Democritus
Heretics of Dune
The Making of an American Thinking Class
Draft No. 4
Notes From an Apocalypse
The Richest Man in Babylon
That Will Never Work
Trillion Dollar Triage
The Precipice
The Art of War in the Middle Ages
Dear Leader
Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes
Follow The Money
Matthew Barney & Elizabeth Peyton
For A New Liberty
Energy And Civilization
Intellectuals
The Nature of the Beast
Fauna & Family
Dear Founder
The Trial of Socrates
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Animal Farm
Sunset at Blandings
Seeing Serena
That Used To Be Us
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Inside The House of Money
Factfulness
100 Best-Loved Poems
Hunger of Memory
Catching the Big Fish
The Big Test
The Internet of Money Volume 2
Foundation and Empire
Parents Who Lead
Me Talk Pretty One Day
P53
Brotopia
Timelines of World History
The Prince
On Writing Well
Memories, Dreams, Reflections
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
The Art of Memoir
The MAGA Doctrine
Indistractable
On Trails
Zero to One
Capitalism Without Capital
Why We Get Fat
Industrial-Strength Denial
However Long the Night
I am Benjamin Franklin
The Signal and the Noise
White Fragility
The Singularity Is Near
The Dream Machine
The Sketchbooks of Chris Wilkinson
No Bull
Brave Enough
The Autobiography of Charles Darwin
Meditation Station
In FED We Trust
The History of Money
Defend The Border and Save Lives
Children of Dune
The Science of Success
Breath From Salt
Liberty Under Seige
The Gutsy Girl
The Decadent Society
Scientific Freedom
Fables
Iacocca
Liar's Poker
In Cold Blood
The Sixth Man
Modern Aramaic (Assyrinan/Syriac) Dictionary
Direct Truth
The Red Decade
State of Fear
The Second Machine Age
Founding Brothers
Visual Explanations
Writing Down The Bones
Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines
Steve Jobs
Triumph Of The City
The Role of the Individual in History
Principles for Dealing With The Changing World Order
Leadership and Self-Deception
Predictably Irrational
Jurassic Park
Hard Landing
The Great CEO Within
Outliers