Augustin Fresnel (1788-1827) shocked the scientific elite with his view of the physics of light. The lens he invented was a feat of engineering that made lighthouses blaze many times brighter, further and more efficiently than they had before. As secretary of France's Lighthouse Commission, he planned and oversaw the lighting of the nation's coast. Although Fresnel died young, his brother Leonor presided over the spread of the new technology around the globe. The new lights were of strategic importance in navigation and the Fresnel legacy played an important role in geopolitical events. Levitt's scientific and historical account, rich in anecdote and personality, is a compelling read.

About the Author
Theresa Levitt held the McDonnell-Barksdale Chair of History of Science at the University of Mississippi and is associate professor of history there. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she has a master's degree in history from Iowa State University and a PhD from Harvard University. She was the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant and a Fulbright IIE Graduate Research Fellowship, among other honors. She is the author of numerous articles and papers on a variety of scientific subjects.

Reviews
"Levitt's detailed history is worth ploughing through to see how important scientists and engineers have been in saving sailors' lives." -- Nature
"An excellent book and a joy to read." -- The Wall Street Journal
"...this books is expertly researched as well as skillfully written...a thoroughly enjoyable read..." -- World Lighthouse Society
"A splendid read." -- The Tablet



Book Information
ISBN 9780393350890
Author Theresa Levitt
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 223g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 18mm