Tab Article

ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: History of Science / Physics / European History

Book Review:
Patricia Fara's ''An Entertainment For Angels'' is a concise and lively account of how electricity went from a curious party trick to a force that would reshape the world. Set against the backdrop of the Enlightenment, Fara brilliantly captures the era's intellectual ferment, introducing us to the colorful cast of characters—from Benjamin Franklin to Romantic poets—who were fascinated by this mysterious power. She deftly weaves together stories of technological innovation, medical quackery, and fierce scientific rivalry, showing how new knowledge is born from a messy mix of ambition and curiosity. Described by the New Scientist as vividly capturing the creative ferment of the time, this book is a neat, stylish, and thoroughly engaging read for anyone interested in how science really happens. It's a delightful exploration of the strange birth of the force that powers our modern world.