Name: Dana Kraft's review of The Invention of Air by Steven Johnson
Item: The Invention of Air
Rating: 2
Author: Dana Kraft

Steven Johnson

Bestselling author Johnson recounts the story of Joseph Priestley--scientist and theologian, protege of Benjamin Franklin--an 18th-century radical thinker who played pivotal roles in the invention of ecosystem science, the founding of the Unitarian Church, and the intellectual development of the U.S.

A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America

The Invention of Air

Dana Kraft

First indication that this isn't a winner is that the jacket has "praise" for a different book by this author. One quote describes his writing style as "fractal" and "multifaceted". In this book, this writing style just adds unnecessary details rather than weaving an interesting story. 

My favorite nugget of learning from the book is that the Continental Army was using better (French-made) gunpowder than the British - their bullets went 50% further as a result. That's quite an advantage, and I'm surprised I've never heard that before.

Erik Moe

Joseph Priestley is a fascinating character. Johnson does a good job of creating the historical context and explaining the social networks and emerging political, scientific, and religious trends that made his work possible.

Helen Bright

'Entertaining ... clear-sighted and intelligent' New Yorker 'It fizzes' Financial Times 'Packed with excellent stuff' Russell Davies In 1794, Joseph Priestley ; amateur scientist, ordained minister and radical thinker ; set sail for America to escape persecution.

An Experiment, a Journey, a New Country and the Amazing Force of Scientific Discovery

Simon Lund Larsen

A portrait of scientist and theologian Joseph Priestly evaluates his friendships with such founding fathers as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson while citing Priestly's role in the nation's intellectual development, the pursuit of key scientific agendas and the founding of the Unitarian Church. Reprint. A best-selling book.

Dana Kraft &
The Invention of Air by Steven Johnson

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Dana Kraft &The Invention of Air by Steven Johnson

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Dana Kraft &
The Invention of Air by Steven Johnson