The History of Time: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Time, History
Cover of the book The History of Time: A Very Short Introduction by Leofranc Holford-Strevens, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Leofranc Holford-Strevens ISBN: 9780191578007
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: August 11, 2005
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Leofranc Holford-Strevens
ISBN: 9780191578007
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: August 11, 2005
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Why do we measure time in the way that we do? Why is a week seven days long? At what point did minutes and seconds come into being? Why are some calendars lunar and some solar? The organisation of time into hours, days, months and years seems immutable and universal, but is actually far more artificial than most people realise. The French Revolution resulted in a restructuring of the French calendar, and the Soviet Union experimented with five and then six-day weeks. Leofranc Holford-Strevens explores these questions using a range of fascinating examples from Ancient Rome and Julius Caesar's imposition of the Leap Year, to the 1920s' project for a fixed Easter. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why do we measure time in the way that we do? Why is a week seven days long? At what point did minutes and seconds come into being? Why are some calendars lunar and some solar? The organisation of time into hours, days, months and years seems immutable and universal, but is actually far more artificial than most people realise. The French Revolution resulted in a restructuring of the French calendar, and the Soviet Union experimented with five and then six-day weeks. Leofranc Holford-Strevens explores these questions using a range of fascinating examples from Ancient Rome and Julius Caesar's imposition of the Leap Year, to the 1920s' project for a fixed Easter. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Immigration Law Handbook by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Schopenhauer: A Very Short Introduction by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book The Past, Present, and Future of Theologies of Interreligious Dialogue by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Work and Object by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Language and Character in Euripides' Electra by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Daisy Miller and An International Episode by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Clinical Examination and Practical Skills by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Annuity Markets by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book New Governance of Addictive Substances and Behaviours by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book International Protection of Adults by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book New Trends in the Physics and Mechanics of Biological Systems by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Borrowed Words by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book Character in the Criminal Trial by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
Cover of the book The Meme Machine by Leofranc Holford-Strevens
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy