Book · 2009 · Science
The Age of Wonder
How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science
Why people recommend it
The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes is a historical narrative that chronicles the Romantic generation of scientists and discoverers who transformed our understanding of the natural world. During an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show in an episode titled Nancy Pelosi on Joe Biden, Tim Walz and Donald Trump on August 9, 2024, Nancy Pelosi brought up the publication as part of her literary recommendations. Pelosi briefly struggled to recall the author's name on air, noting that she was momentarily blanking, but she praised the work enthusiastically by declaring it the best book and highlighting the fascinating scientific subjects it covers. The text examines pioneering figures in astronomy, chemistry, and poetry, illustrating how scientific inquiry and romantic imagination intertwined during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Readers seeking to understand the human side of scientific breakthroughs, the collaborative spirit of historic discovery, and the profound sense of awe that accompanied early explorations of electricity, astronomy, and flight frequently appreciate this engaging historical account. Pelosi's enthusiastic endorsement underscores the enduring appeal of books that celebrate curiosity, intellectual daring, and the radical expansion of human knowledge during a transformative period in modern history.
Who recommended it
- Nancy Pelosi Recommended
Nancy Pelosi — 1 mention
“there's one um I'm all of a sudden blanking on the author age of Wonder have you ever read that oh God it's the best book it talks about”