Time in History: Views of Time from Prehistory to the Present Day - Softcover

Whitrow, G. J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192852116 ISBN 13: 9780192852113

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1989

Synopsis

Never before has time obsessed humanity as much as now. The more accurately we measure it, the more it worries us. Although we complain that it passes too quickly, we seldom question its fundamental characteristics or the methods we use to measure it.
Having grown so accustomed to the ideas of time, history, and evolution, we find it hard to imagine that these concepts were not always considered important. If, however, we wish to understand why time dominates our way of life and thought, we must examine the role it has played throughout history.
G.J. Whitrow provides just the study we need. His compelling, groundbreaking volume traces the evolution of our general awareness of time and its significance from the dawn of history to the present day. He examines not only the development of our methods of measuring time, but also discusses how changing concepts of time have influenced history itself. From prehistoric times to the twentieth century, and ranging from Ancient Egypt, Greece, Israel, the Islamic World, India, and China, to Europe and America, Whitrow presents an absorbing account of the different ways that various civilizations throughout history have perceived time.

About this title

About the Author:

About the Author:
G.J. Whitrow is Emeritus Professor at the University of London and Senior Research Fellow of the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London. He is the author of The Natural Philosophy of Time.

Review:

'Whitrow's staightforward approach guides the reader with equal ease through the mathematical complexities of measuring time and intricate philosophies that have been inspired by it.' Books

`fascinating survey of "time" as it has been seen throughout history ... This history of time is both authoritative and thought-provoking, and essential reading for anyone fascinated by time.' New Scientist

'No one is better qualified than G.J. Whitrow to review ideas of time down the ages. His book is well written and judiciously selective. This is an admirable survey, authoritative and readable, of the evolution of our awareness of time and our methods of measuring it.'
Times Literary Supplement

'If you have any interest in time ... buy it:it's not expensive. Then read it;scientist or non-scientist, you'll enjoy it and probably learn quite a lot.'
Derek Howse

'sober but intriguing book'
Sunday Correspondent

'this paperback version offers very good value'
David Penney, The Antiquarian Horological Society

`Whitrow's staightforward approach guides the reader with equal ease through the mathematical complexities of measuring time and intricate philosophies that have been inspired by it.'
Books

`fascinating survey of "time" as it has been seen throughout history ... This history of time is both authoritative and thought-provoking, and essential reading for anyone fascinated by time.'
New Scientist

`No one is better qualified than G.J. Whitrow to review ideas of time down the ages. His book is well written and judiciously selective. This is an admirable survey, authoritative and readable, of the evolution of our awareness of time and our methods of measuring it.'
Times Literary Supplement

`If you have any interest in time ... buy it: it's not expensive. Then read it; scientist or non-scientist, you'll enjoy it and probably learn quite a lot.'
Derek Howse

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0192852116
• ISBN 13: 9780192852113
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240