Glass: From the First Mirror to Fiber Optics, the Story of the Substance That Changed the World

A popularly written survey of glass, from the artifacts of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to modern lasers and telescopes, Ellis's first book offers a wondrous excursion into science, history, culture and invention. Through the prism of glassmaking, Ellis traces the imperial power of Rome; the spreading influence of Islam; Renaissance ferment refracted in the glassware of Venice, England and Bohemia; the founding of Jamestown, among whose first colonizers were half-a-dozen German glassblowers; and the scientific revolution. A former National Geographic editor and writer, Ellis draws on his global travels, from Babylonian ruins to Venetian factories to Corning research labs, for this dizzying, hugely entertaining and informative report. Filled with intriguing observations on milk bottles, thermometers, mirrors, paperweights, light bulbs (blown by hand until 1922) and the fish tank aboard the space shuttle Columbia, his investigation also examines weightier topics, such as fiber-optic communications systems and the disposal of radioactive materials through vitrification--turning waste into glass. His heady tour delves into future possibilities for glass and ideas on the drawing boards, including replacement body parts, nonflammable glass/plastic alloys and radioactive glass beads to kill diseased kidneys. A snappy overview of glass artistry extends from medieval stained-glass windows through London's Crystal Palace of 1851, corporate architecture, profiles of Seattle glass artists Dale Chihuly and William Morris, even an interview with virtuoso glass-harp player Jamey Turner. Ellis's amazing exploration of glass's resurgence in technology and art proves that glass, despite appearances, has muscle as well as soul. Includes eight pages of color illustrations, not seen by PW. Agent, Jane Dystel. (Nov.)