A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS: (L to R) Church of St Mary Magdalene at Willen, Milton Keynes, designed by Hooke; An illustration of a flea “made by magnifying glasses with observations and inquiries thereupon, 1665”; a drawing of Saturn by Robert Hooke, 1666
[Chris Nyborg/CC; Public Domain]
HENRY BELL is fascinated by the underlying curiosities and contradictions of one of the great poets of the Mediterranean
DAVID RENTON recommends a books that explores the ways in which disabled people are made to feel both of and not part of this world
JONATHAN TAYLOR is fascinated by the philosophical problems that permeate the art of life-writing
GORDON PARSONS steps warily in between the lines of Britain’s most famous diarist
SIMON DUFF recommends a recording of Arvo Part that takes the listener on a pilgrimage through seemingly distant times and events of the Bible
Robert Hooke’s experimental philosophy
Felicity Henderson, Reaktion Books, £17.95
ROBERT HOOKE (1635-1703) was one of the key figures in the development of science in Britain. This excellent study, illustrated with Hooke’s own drawings and diagrams, and with pictures of instruments he designed, expounds Hooke’s approach to science.
He was one of the first to see that the new experimental philosophy – what we today call science – had the potential to improve human life beyond recognition.
SALEEM BADAT and VASU REDDY introduce a new book about an outstanding interpreter of the world, and an activist scholar committed to changing society
JOHN GREEN wades through a pessimistic prophesy that does not consider the need for radical change in political and social structures
