'There is no author whose books I look forward to more' Bill Gates

'There is perhaps no other academic who paints pictures with numbers like Smil' Guardian

Explore how speed influences every aspect of life on Earth, from the slow grind of geological processes and the fleeting lifespans of organisms to the astonishing speed of light and the remarkable adaptations of creatures like the swift antelope and the soaring albatross. In this ambitious and wide-ranging ideas book, internationally bestselling author Vaclav Smil uncovers the intricate connections between speed, nature, and human innovation.

With counterintuitive insights, such as how erosion actually accelerates mountain growth, Smil challenges long-held myths. For example, Smil debunks the notion that our modern lives are accelerating at an unprecedented pace: the rapid adoption of mobile phones - from 0% in 1983 to 90% in 2002 (19 years) - is like the spread of earlier technologies such as radio (22 years), colour television (24 years) and even microwave ovens (17 years).

In SPEED, Smil combines his trademark compelling statistics with insightful analysis to take readers on a captivating journey through the vast timescales of Earth's history and the complexities of modern life. He explains how we measure speed and reveals the theoretical limits that shape our societies, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the forces that define our world. This eye-opening book encourages readers to see speed's vital role in everything around us.

ÖVRIGT:
Mediatyp: Bok
Bandtyp: Häftad
Författare: Vaclav Smil
Förlag: Penguin Books Ltd.
Språk: Engelska
Omfång: 352 sidor
Mått (bxhxd): 155x235x28 mm
Vikt: 455 gram
Illustrerad: Nej

Streckkod: 9780241754542
SKU: 702311