Brilliant

Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light (2010) by Jane Brox. In this thoroughly researched book, Brox explores the history of artificial light -- starting with stone lanterns burning animal fat in prehistoric days, and progressing up to the present day, when electric lights have created light pollution and tremendous demands on the electric grid. In between the beginning and the end, she ranges far afield, exploring the history of lamps of all kinds, from kerosene to gaslight; the taming of Niagara; the blackouts made necessary by bombing in World War II; the unplanned blackouts in the U.S. in the late 20th century; and modern innovations in fluorescent lights. She also covers much, much more, to the point where at times I felt overwhelmed with information. This is not a long book, but there's an awful lot packed into it. It was something of chore to read, but it rewards the patient reader. Grade: B+