Folio Archives 436: The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski 2012
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1wcarter
The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski 2012
What distinguishes humans from other living beings? How did the human race evolve from nomadic hunter-gatherers to the urbanised social creatures we are today? Based on the classic PBS television series of the same name, The Ascent of Man answers these immense questions. This work traces the development of science as an expression of the special gifts that characterize man and make him preeminent among animals. Bronowski's extensively illustrated investigation offers a new perspective not just on science, but on civilization itself. He died a year after the television programme was completed.
Jacob Bronowski (1908 - 1974) was a British mathematician and biologist of Polish-Jewish origin. He first became familiar to the public through appearances on the BBC television program “The Brains Trust” in the late 1950s. His ability to answer questions on many varied subjects led to an offhand reference in an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus where one character states that "He knows everything."
During the making of The Ascent of Man, Bronowski was interviewed by the popular British chat show host Michael Parkinson. Parkinson later recounted that Bronowski's description of a visit to Auschwitz, where Bronowski had lost many family members, was one of Parkinson's most memorable interviews.
This solid xvii + 302 page book is printed on semi-gloss paper throughout to support the 130 colour and monochrome illustrations that appear on almost every second page. It has a foreword by Melvyn Bragg and an introduction by the author.
It is quarter-bound in dark blue buckram with gilt and silver images printed dark blue paper covers.
The endpapers are grey/mauve and the plain dark blue slipcase measures 26.9x20cm.
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
What distinguishes humans from other living beings? How did the human race evolve from nomadic hunter-gatherers to the urbanised social creatures we are today? Based on the classic PBS television series of the same name, The Ascent of Man answers these immense questions. This work traces the development of science as an expression of the special gifts that characterize man and make him preeminent among animals. Bronowski's extensively illustrated investigation offers a new perspective not just on science, but on civilization itself. He died a year after the television programme was completed.
Jacob Bronowski (1908 - 1974) was a British mathematician and biologist of Polish-Jewish origin. He first became familiar to the public through appearances on the BBC television program “The Brains Trust” in the late 1950s. His ability to answer questions on many varied subjects led to an offhand reference in an episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus where one character states that "He knows everything."
During the making of The Ascent of Man, Bronowski was interviewed by the popular British chat show host Michael Parkinson. Parkinson later recounted that Bronowski's description of a visit to Auschwitz, where Bronowski had lost many family members, was one of Parkinson's most memorable interviews.
This solid xvii + 302 page book is printed on semi-gloss paper throughout to support the 130 colour and monochrome illustrations that appear on almost every second page. It has a foreword by Melvyn Bragg and an introduction by the author.
It is quarter-bound in dark blue buckram with gilt and silver images printed dark blue paper covers.
The endpapers are grey/mauve and the plain dark blue slipcase measures 26.9x20cm.
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
2Jeremy53
Thanks again, Warwick.
I really like this edition - it does feel hefty and good in the hands, and the illustrations throughout are generous and enlightening. I eventually bought it for $16 AUD in a Folio sale, I think! A steal.
When I re-read it a couple of years ago, it was interesting to see how some of the chapters had held up, and some had become a little more out of date. Also, in respect to their philosophical framings at times. The very idea that humanity's journey has been an 'ascent' - a path of progress from simple to more sophisticated. There are many ways to explore that notion, and the ideas expounded in this handsome volume are fascinating and thought-provoking, not to mention well researched of course. I had the impression that when he got a little too philosophical or sociological, he moved away from his main areas of expertise and nuance (maths, science).
I really like this edition - it does feel hefty and good in the hands, and the illustrations throughout are generous and enlightening. I eventually bought it for $16 AUD in a Folio sale, I think! A steal.
When I re-read it a couple of years ago, it was interesting to see how some of the chapters had held up, and some had become a little more out of date. Also, in respect to their philosophical framings at times. The very idea that humanity's journey has been an 'ascent' - a path of progress from simple to more sophisticated. There are many ways to explore that notion, and the ideas expounded in this handsome volume are fascinating and thought-provoking, not to mention well researched of course. I had the impression that when he got a little too philosophical or sociological, he moved away from his main areas of expertise and nuance (maths, science).
3Macumbeira
Interesting, thanks for mentioning this work.
4ranbarnes
>2 Jeremy53:
Yes, this was the very last presentation volume, hence the low price.
Yes, this was the very last presentation volume, hence the low price.
5podaniel
>4 ranbarnes:
Actually, I think it was the last impressive presentation volume. I believe the actual last presentation volumes consisted of a multi-year set of dinky anthologies of seasonal poetry with no slipcases. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Actually, I think it was the last impressive presentation volume. I believe the actual last presentation volumes consisted of a multi-year set of dinky anthologies of seasonal poetry with no slipcases. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
6InVitrio
The book is more or less a transcript of the programme. No blu ray in those days.
Dr Bronowski at Auschwitz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltjI3BXKBgY
Dr Bronowski at Auschwitz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltjI3BXKBgY
7bacchus.
A very nice read. What was the “companion” volume? There was another release that looked as if in series if I remember correctly.
8ranbarnes
>5 podaniel:
I'm referring to the formal presentation volumes that were sent to members that renewed their membership by ordering four books. the seasonal anthologies were not part of that process
I'm referring to the formal presentation volumes that were sent to members that renewed their membership by ordering four books. the seasonal anthologies were not part of that process
