An engrossing history of the voyages of exploration that ignited curiosity about nature and gave birth to modern science. When Columbus first returned to Spain from the Caribbean; he dazzled King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella with exotic parrots; tropical flowers; and bits of gold. Inspired by the promise of riches; countless seafarers poured out of the Iberian Peninsula and wider Europe in search of spices; treasure; and land. Many returned with strange tales of the New World. Curiosity began to percolate through Europe as the New World’s people; animals; and plants ruptured prior assumptions about the biblical description of creation. The Church; long fearful of challenges to its authority; could no longer suppress the mantra “Dare to know!â€Noblemen began collecting cabinets of curiosities; soon others went from collecting to examining natural objects with fresh eyes. Observation led to experiments; competing conclusions triggered debates. The foundations for the natural sciences were laid as questions became more multifaceted and answers became more complex. Carl Linneaus developed a classification system and sent students around the globe looking for specimens. Museums; botanical gardens; and philosophical societies turned their attention to nature. National governments undertook explorations of the Pacific.Eminent historian Joyce Appleby vividly recounts the explorers’ triumphs and mishaps; including Magellan’s violent death in the Philippines; the miserable trek of the “new Argonauts†across the Andes on their mission to determine the true shape of the earth; and how two brilliant scientists; Alexander Humboldt and Charles Darwin; traveled to the Americas for evidence to confirm their hypotheses about the earth and its inhabitants. Drawing on detailed eyewitness accounts; Appleby also tells of the turmoil created in the all societies touched by the explorations.This sweeping; global story imbues the Age of Discovery with fresh meaning; elegantly charting its stimulation of the natural sciences; which ultimately propelled Western Europe toward modernity. 20 illustrations
#422430 in Books New York Transit Museum/ Heller; Vivian (EDT) 2004-12-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.50 x 1.00 x 9.00l; 2.71 #File Name: 0393057976224 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Great Loved itBy Edward MorrisAs someone who worked on the Subway I really enjoyed the book and couldnot put it down until i finished it. I worked all over on the system and; under therivers and; it's great to know what went into building this amazingtransportation system. I recommened it's reading to anyone who has everrode the NYC Subway.18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Saved by the photosBy Stephen ShipmanThe City Beneath Us is a superb collection of photos weighed down by a less-than-stellar text. The text reads like it was assembled by a committee; with each committee member writing a chapter. A more thorough editing could have smoothed the transitions and given the book a more unified feel. Though; the contributing writers are unified in one thing -- they are sure of who the New York subway's enemies were throughout the years. This strident finger-pointing also detracts. But then there are the pictures. Nearly all is forgiven in the face of these wonderful images. If you get geeked by trains or things underground; this is a great; if flawed; book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. He totally loved it.By Iris AnderI bought this as a present for my brother who is in charge of a main subway line in a big city. He totally loved it.
