Glass History explores the remarkable story of glass, a material that has profoundly shaped civilization. From its likely origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3500 BCE, glass has driven advancements in science, art, and technology. Its unique properties – transparency, moldability, and chemical inertness – have made it invaluable across diverse fields, acting as both a mirror reflecting societal progress and a lens magnifying our understanding of the world.
The book begins by introducing fundamental concepts of glass science, such as its atomic structure and vitrification. It then progresses chronologically, detailing glassmaking's evolution from antiquity through the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and the Industrial Revolution. Major milestones include the Venetian glassmaking monopoly and the invention of the telescope and microscope.
By drawing on archaeological findings, historical texts, and scientific studies, Glass History connects glass to broader themes in archaeology, art history, and materials engineering. This book uniquely combines historical narratives with scientific explanations, offering a holistic view of glass's journey from ancient origins to modern applications like fiber optics and smart glass. Readers will gain insights into how technological innovation, societal needs, and scientific understanding have intertwined to make glass the transformative material it is today, while also addressing ongoing debates in the field.
