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What the ...s Did For Us
What the Victorians Did for Us by Adam Hart-Davis
When Victoria came to the throne in 1837, Britain was on the brink of world supremacy in the production of iron, steel, and steam engines, and had seen an explosion of growth and developments that included railways, the electric telegraph, and wool production. The tremendous feeling of national pride was celebrated in the Great Exhibition of 1851. Drawing on his consummate skill as a storyteller, Adam Hart–Davis shows how Victorian movers and shakers changed our world.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 8, 2017
Written to accompany the television series of the same name.
April 25, 2010
An entertaining and insightful book on a wide variety of inventions, social advances and other things that we take for granted today but were all brought into being by the Victorians.
This book is the companion piece to the BBC TV series by the same name. (The author is the presenter of the show as well) Of course, the book is able to go into greater detail and more depth than the series, as well as additional topics not covered in the series. The series, however, is well worth watching as it illustrates quite nicely numerous aspects of the book that I had problems envisioning. (The series is segmented on YouTube)
I've read this book twice now, and found it even more enjoyable the second time -- with the addition of the BBC TV programmes to accompany it.
This book is the companion piece to the BBC TV series by the same name. (The author is the presenter of the show as well) Of course, the book is able to go into greater detail and more depth than the series, as well as additional topics not covered in the series. The series, however, is well worth watching as it illustrates quite nicely numerous aspects of the book that I had problems envisioning. (The series is segmented on YouTube)
I've read this book twice now, and found it even more enjoyable the second time -- with the addition of the BBC TV programmes to accompany it.
October 4, 2013
A great, interesting and accessible overview of the Victorian era from celebrity nerd Adam Hart-Davis. I wasn't even aware of the TV series when I picked up this book in a charity shop (Best Bookshops Ever) but seeing as I almost always prefer books over TV I probably won't be seeking it out. It's impossible to cram everything into this book so don't expect masses of detail but for a general overview with some interesting insights and anecdotes it's ideal. I liked the interjection of 'experiments', attempts to recreate Victorian innovations with Victorian technology in the modern day. The first few chapters on transport nearly put me off, especially when AHD started talking about pistons and engines etc (yawn), but well-worth persevering with. An excellant book.
March 3, 2013
Very informative
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews