Twin Tracks

The Unexpected Origins of the Modern World

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Science
Cover of the book Twin Tracks by James Burke, Simon & Schuster
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Burke ISBN: 9781439128756
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publication: May 11, 2010
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Language: English
Author: James Burke
ISBN: 9781439128756
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication: May 11, 2010
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Language: English

Twin Tracks is a landmark book of real-world stories that investigates the nature of change and divines as never before the unlikely origins of many aspects of contemporary life. In each of the work's twenty-five narratives, we discover how the different outcomes of an important historical event in the past often come together again in the future.

Each chapter starts with an event -- such as the U.S. attack on Tripoli in 1804 -- that generates two divergent series of consequences. After tracking each pathway as it ranges far and wide through time and space, Burke shows how the paths finally and unexpectedly converge in the modern world.

Twin Tracks pinpoints the myriad ways the future is shaped, whether by love, war, accident, genius, or discovery. For instance, in "The Marriage of Figaro to Stealth Fighter," Burke's twin tracks start with the composer of the opera and the French spy from whose play he stole the plot. The tracks then encompass, among other things, freemasonry, the War of Independence, Captain Cook, jellyfish, Jane Austen, and audio tape. Ultimately, the convergence of the two Figaro tracks sets the stage for the development of Gulf War Stealth aircraft.

Wonderfully accessible and lucidly written, Twin Tracks offers an amusing and instructive new view of the past and the future.

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

Twin Tracks is a landmark book of real-world stories that investigates the nature of change and divines as never before the unlikely origins of many aspects of contemporary life. In each of the work's twenty-five narratives, we discover how the different outcomes of an important historical event in the past often come together again in the future.

Each chapter starts with an event -- such as the U.S. attack on Tripoli in 1804 -- that generates two divergent series of consequences. After tracking each pathway as it ranges far and wide through time and space, Burke shows how the paths finally and unexpectedly converge in the modern world.

Twin Tracks pinpoints the myriad ways the future is shaped, whether by love, war, accident, genius, or discovery. For instance, in "The Marriage of Figaro to Stealth Fighter," Burke's twin tracks start with the composer of the opera and the French spy from whose play he stole the plot. The tracks then encompass, among other things, freemasonry, the War of Independence, Captain Cook, jellyfish, Jane Austen, and audio tape. Ultimately, the convergence of the two Figaro tracks sets the stage for the development of Gulf War Stealth aircraft.

Wonderfully accessible and lucidly written, Twin Tracks offers an amusing and instructive new view of the past and the future.

More books from Simon & Schuster

Cover of the book All Hands Down by James Burke
Cover of the book Rosie's Walk by James Burke
Cover of the book The Soul of a Butterfly by James Burke
Cover of the book UnStrung by James Burke
Cover of the book Standoff by James Burke
Cover of the book Because of Thursday by James Burke
Cover of the book Of Witches and Wind by James Burke
Cover of the book The Healthy Guide to Unhealthy Living by James Burke
Cover of the book The Sun and Other Stars by James Burke
Cover of the book Good-bye, Havana! Hola, New York! by James Burke
Cover of the book The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by James Burke
Cover of the book Blood Brothers by James Burke
Cover of the book Mind Games by James Burke
Cover of the book Sally Ride by James Burke
Cover of the book The Impossible Fortress by James Burke
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