Ceramics Books and Magazines

Author: Mark Pendergrast
Publisher: Basic Books
Category: Book

List Price: ~~$17.00~~
Buy New: $2.60
You Save: $14.40 (85%)

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

12 reviews
Sales Rank: 501504

Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 448
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.4

ISBN: 0465054714
Dewey Decimal Number: 535.323
EAN: 9780465054718

Publication Date: August 17, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Ships same day as order

Also Available In:

•	Hardcover - Mirror Mirror: A History of the Human Love Affair with Reflection
•	Paperback - Mirror Mirror: History of the Human Love Affair with Reflection
•	Hardcover - Mirror Mirror: A History of the Human Love Affair with Reflection
•	Hardcover - Mirror, Mirror

Similar Items:

•	The Mirror: A History
•	On Reflection
•	The Magic Mirror: An Antique Optical Toy
•	Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World
•	The Science of Art: Optical Themes in Western Art from Brunelleschi to Seurat

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
As our first technology for contemplation of the self, the mirror is arguably as important an invention as the wheel and perhaps even more universal. Mirror Mirror is the fascinating story of the mirror's invention, refinement, and use in an astonishing range of human activities-from the bloodthirsty smoking gods of the Toltecs, to the fantastic mirrored rooms wealthy Romans created for their orgies, to the mirror's key role in the use and understanding of light. From Archimedes to Isaac Newton to Max Factor to David Hockney, this is the fascinating tale of one of the most remarkable inventions in human history and its effects on myth, religion, science, manners, and the arts.

Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Just Pendergrast July 27, 2004
As he did with his history of coffee, Pendergrast once again grasps the influence of one item in human history and, thus, modern society. His grasp of the scientific phenomennon involvig mirrors, and the importance of the study of light in modern science, the relativisti theory, etc. makes this book a more than complete insight into human history, "Through the Looking Glass".

I value Pendergrast's books for the perspective they provide to history, and the way he manages to make the whole subject entertaining. This book is not only educative in history and science, but also an easy read.

5 out of 5 stars

A fascinating book November 20, 2003
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Mark Pendergrast has a talent for writing about a complex subject and making it both understandable and entertaining. Having read his most recent book, Mirror Mirror, I am impressed with the author's versatility and research capability. In writing about the mirror, Pendergrast has explored its history and use in religion, magic, science, art, space exploration, as well as an item of vanity and self indulgence. He has presented his findings in a way that is both enjoyable and educational. The people written about range from early scientists such as Archimedes and Galileo to the modern researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

The New York Times Book Review, which led me to purchase Mirror Mirror, states that it is the equivalent of a liberal arts education. I'm inclined to agree with that assessment. Give Mirror Mirror a 5-star rating.

5 out of 5 stars Reflections on Mirror Mirror   November 18, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Mirror, Mirror is a fascinating read not only for those lovers of the technical but also for those more interested in human history--as I am. Pendergrast explains scientific and technical concepts clearly. What I particularly loved about the book--besides learning a great deal about the history of science--was the way he wove in the human story. Pendergrast makes names like Herschel and Newton come alive as real people with distinct personalities. Reading a book of such quality and scope is my favorite way of learning about history and science.

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Reflection on a Fascinating Subject   November 18, 2003
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

As an artist and a psychotherapist-in-training, this book appealed to me on many levels. It's a well-researched investigation of the history of mirroring and mirror-making, the mystical and the everyday practical use of mirrors, the psychological dimensions, etc. The story of the importance of mirrors in the history of the telescope, and mankind's resultant ability to investigate the cosmos is comprehensively presented. Dense and technical in places, but fun and insightful in others. Worth the read just to get to the last chapter titled, "Final Reflections: Illusions and Realities".

5 out of 5 stars A nice addition to a sparse literature!!!   November 17, 2003
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

As a person somewhat 'expert' in mirror research (see Keenan et al., The Face in the Mirror: The Search for the Origins of Consciousness), I am always on the lookout for solid research on the topic of mirrors. Mark Pendergrast has put together a great book on the topic. This is the most comprehensive title that one can buy if interested in the history of mirrors.

His reserach is pretty amazing. Even though I have researched the topic for years, I still learned a tremendous amount reading this book. It is noted that Mark Pendergrast makes the reading entertaining. A nice surprise.

Thumbs up all the way...

Julian Paul Keenan

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