Dutch Light: Christiaan Huygens and the Making of Science in Europe

I absolutely loved this book! I was born in Amsterdam and being from here it is impossible to not have heard the name Huygens.What was surprising to me, is how little I actually knew about one of Holland's greatist scientists and his family. His father Constantijn, which a big part of this book is dedicated to is equally fascinating.I don't understand how we have all heard of Newton but that Huygens who has contributed to modern science in so many ways seems to be much forgotten among the general public. I at least didn't remember much about him from my school days. As such this is a must read for anybody interested in science, Huygens or this fascinating and exciting period in history when a new discovery was always around the corner.The book is easy to read and really does a great job at setting the scene in the Dutch golden age. I actually liked the fact that the author isn't a Dutchman himself, I think it created a pleasant distance in the story telling. He did an amazing job describing Dutch culture and history, I learned a great deal more from this book about my own country's history than I did in school. Highly recommended read!

This wonderful book takes the reader on an amazing, page turner of a journey through 17th century Europe and science as it was understood and discovered in that era. Christiaan is the gifted polyglot of a polyglot family with both his father and brother serving the Dutch and English royal households. Wars between France, the Netherlands and England permitting, he travels frequently between The Hague, Paris and London where he meets with Descartes, Newton, Oldenburg and other giants of science.The book is a deeply personal narrative based on the very many letters and manuscripts that Christiaan, his brothers and father left behind. The author, Hugh Aldersley-Williams deserves the highest praise for lifting this man from near obscurity to his rightful place as a towering figure in European and History.

Excellent book about am amazing man and family.

This is an interesting book, but takes a while to get started. The first 100 pages are scene setting, covering life and times of the rest of the family and the Netherlands in general. It does rather ramble, and doesn’t have any real information on Huygens actual scientific work, choosing to mention things, but not really explain. So good on the social history, not a scientific explanation of his significance. So a decent read, if a bit confusing- but if you want to get into the science look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you’re looking to understand the cultural context, it’s ideal.