BEYOND MEASURE The Hidden History of Measurement from Cubits to Quantum Constraints

This is the first book, first audiobook, and first audiobook narration by British journalist James Vincent, and his history of measurement is informative, enriching, and unexpectedly lively. This is one of those rare audiobooks that makes one look at the world fresh, and whole. For American ears, Vincent's distinctive British vowels and syllabication may require some adjustment. But his pacing and delivery are very good, and his degree of involvement adds vitality and enthusiasm to a subject that might seem dry but instead proves involving, even personal. The dimensions of the human body--the span, the cubit, the foot--provided the first units of commerce, construction, travel, of civilization itself. Our world is an extension of ourselves in ways we are barely aware. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]