Time in History: The Evolution of Our General Awareness of Time and Temporal Perspective

by G . J . Whitrow (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1988

  $3.25

  Questions about some of the fundamental characteristics of the concept of time are discussed in this study which traces the evolution of our general awareness of time and its significance from the dawn of history to the present day. The author examines the development of our methods of measuring time and discusses the way in which our changing concept of time has influenced history itself. Professor Whitrow presents an account of the different ways in which time has been perceived by various civilizations throughout history, from prehistoric times to the present day and ranging from Ancient Egypt and Persia, Israel and the Islamic world to China, India, Europe and America.

• Used

  Paperback
  1989

  $3.25

  It seems the more accurately we are able to measure time, the more we worry about it and the more it dominates our lives. However, most of us are so accustomed to the ideas of time, history, and evolution that we forget that these concepts have not always been perceived in the way they are today. This fascinating book traces the evolution of our general awareness of time and its significance from the dawn of history to the present day. G. J. Whitrow's absorbing narrative examines not only the development of our methods of measuring time, from the formulation of early calendars to the standardization of time-keeping throughout the world, but also discusses the way in which our changing concept of time has influenced history itself. 'No one is better qualified than G. J. Whitrow to review ideas of time down the ages ...an admirable survey, authoritative and readable, of the evolution of our awareness of time and our methods of measuring it.' TLS.