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Summary: A Wonderful Reflection on a Fascinating Subject
Review: 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".
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Summary: Just Pendergrast
Review: 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.
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Summary: Mirror Mirror: A History of the Human Love Affair with Refle
Review: I find Mark Pendergrast's "Mirror Mirror: ..." compellingly satisfying reading. I even bought two extra copies to give to friends. Pendergrast brings life to the topic of mirrors in a manner that is capitivating, and anything but boring and academic. His balanced and lively treatment of topics, from the history of mirrors through modern-day applications, is well-researched and fascinating reading. The chapters on mirrors in astronomy are particularly interesting and factually accurate. I highly recommend this book to anybody interested in a largely neglected, albeit important, facet of human culture and technology.
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Summary: A fascinating book
Review: 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.
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Summary: A fascinating book
Review: 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.
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Summary: Reflections on Mirror Mirror
Review: 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.
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Summary: Most Interesting Book I've Read All Year
Review: This is a must-read. Interesting, informative, stimulating, well-written, and well-researched. I will recommend it to all my friends and so should you. It's high on my list of gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Buy it and see what I mean. You'll thank me.
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Summary: A nice addition to a sparse literature!!!
Review: _Mirror Mirror_ is an interesting addition to Mark Pendergrast's growing list of helpful books. Following his important contributions to a better general understanding of how the world works -- from the history and influence of coffee and Coca-Cola to exposing the dangers of falsely created memories -- I enjoyed the sweep of _Mirror Mirror_. I was taken by all the ways mirrors have attracted people over the ages, the eclectic uses to which they have been put. And the ultimate compliment -- we have given copies of the book to a number of friends. Paula Gordon, Atlanta, GA
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