The Ramayana through Western eyes

By J. C Shaw and J.C. Shaw

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• ISBN: B004BHV4FS
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Bangkok: , 1993
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A classic science fiction "what if..." story

It all begins with a simple invention -- "slow glass", an improved version of regular glass that's better and stronger. Plus, its refractive index is so high that light travels much more slowly through it, allowing thinner lenses. But, every improvement comes with unintended consequences. Windshields made of slow glass are incredibly stong; but images seen through them are slightly delayed, causing judgement errors and crashes. Efforts to improve or capitalize on effect this cause further surprises. In the end, this "simple" invention completely revolutionizes society! The story is told from the inventor's perspective, who sees technological advancements as fundamentally "good", even when they turn out to have huge consequences -- things that create a dystopian future that no one would consider good. The story is a thought provoking one; how can we balance the benefits of a new technology against its potential for harm?

Other days,other eyes - Time travel by glass !!

The discovery that a super toughened glass,first used in car windshields, actually delays the passage of light, is an intriguing concept for a s.f. story. Bob Shaw uses the "slow glass" to paint many different scenarios as to how this discovery changes the world for many different people. From its use as a window on different worlds (leave a large thick pane of glass, the thicker the glass the longer the light takes to pass through, beside a beautifull view for a couple of months/years then sell it to a householder - instant picture window) but beware glass is two way !! Say a crime is commited in a room with "slow glass" the cops take away the window and, after a period of time, the crime is replayed just like a movie. The possibilities are endless. A well crafted and enjoyable book by a much loved and sadly deceased author, one of my favourites.