The Substance of Civilization

Materials and Human History from the Stone Age to the Age of Silicon

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Material Science, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology, History
Cover of the book The Substance of Civilization by Stephen L. Sass, Skyhorse Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Stephen L. Sass ISBN: 9781628721737
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing Publication: September 28, 2011
Imprint: Arcade Publishing Language: English
Author: Stephen L. Sass
ISBN: 9781628721737
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Publication: September 28, 2011
Imprint: Arcade Publishing
Language: English

This fascinating book “is a good starting place to develop an appreciation for the history and nature of materials science” (Scientific American).

The story of human civilization can be read most deeply in the materials we have found, created, used, and abused. They have dictated how we build, eat, communicate, wage war, create art, travel, and worship. Some, such as stone, iron, and bronze, lend their names to the ages. Others, such as gold, silver, and diamond, contributed to the rise and fall of empires. How would history have unfolded without glass, paper, steel, cement, or gunpowder?

The impulse to master our material world has guided the course of history since the dawn of time. In The Substance of Civilization, Sass demonstrates how substances and civilizations have evolved together. Moving from the Stone Age to the Age of Silicon, from the days of prehistoric survival to the cutting edge of nanotechnology, this fascinating and accessible book connects the worlds of minerals and molecules to the sweep of human history, and predicts what materials will dominate the century ahead.

“Sass, a professor at Cornell University and a writer of both affability and precision, bridges the divide between history and science . . . [and] provides diverse and illuminating examples with unflagging and infectious enthusiasm.” —Booklist

“Gobs of wonderful trivia.” —Kirkus Reviews

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This fascinating book “is a good starting place to develop an appreciation for the history and nature of materials science” (Scientific American).

The story of human civilization can be read most deeply in the materials we have found, created, used, and abused. They have dictated how we build, eat, communicate, wage war, create art, travel, and worship. Some, such as stone, iron, and bronze, lend their names to the ages. Others, such as gold, silver, and diamond, contributed to the rise and fall of empires. How would history have unfolded without glass, paper, steel, cement, or gunpowder?

The impulse to master our material world has guided the course of history since the dawn of time. In The Substance of Civilization, Sass demonstrates how substances and civilizations have evolved together. Moving from the Stone Age to the Age of Silicon, from the days of prehistoric survival to the cutting edge of nanotechnology, this fascinating and accessible book connects the worlds of minerals and molecules to the sweep of human history, and predicts what materials will dominate the century ahead.

“Sass, a professor at Cornell University and a writer of both affability and precision, bridges the divide between history and science . . . [and] provides diverse and illuminating examples with unflagging and infectious enthusiasm.” —Booklist

“Gobs of wonderful trivia.” —Kirkus Reviews

More books from Skyhorse Publishing

Cover of the book By Night Under the Stone Bridge by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Fire in the Heart by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Trooper by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Unspeakable by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book The Boy Who Talked to Dogs by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Hurtling Toward Happiness by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Employees Gone Wild by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Whiskey Tango Foxtrot by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book How the Irish Won the West by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Betrayal in Dallas by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book The Last Investigation by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Jean Renoir by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Around the World with Mark Twain by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book Blind Curves by Stephen L. Sass
Cover of the book A Family Place by Stephen L. Sass
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy