Rethink The Surprising History of New Ideas

Paperback (06 Apr 2017)

Not available for sale

Includes delivery to the United States

Out of stock

This service is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Publisher's Synopsis

'Clever and entertaining.' Sunday Times

'Elegantly written and full of surprises.' Daily Telegraph

'Always entertaining and often eye-opening.' Financial Times


Old ideas that were mocked or ignored for centuries are now storming back to the cutting edge of research and informing the way we lead our lives. In Rethink, Steven Poole explains why today's chess grandmasters, quantum physicists and psychologists are mining the last 2,000 years of history for answers to the problems of the present. He explores how long-neglected thinkers could transform our everyday lives: from improving the way boardrooms operate, to inspiring grand projects for social and political change. And above all, he shows that by rethinking discarded ideas we can each gain a better understanding of the world - and perhaps be better equipped to change it.

'A whirlwind of discovery … Among the greatest compliments you can give a book is that it helps you to see things differently.' Guardian

'When it comes to describing a complex idea clearly, Poole is one of the best writers around.' Sunday Times

'Fascinating … Poole confirms his standing as one of our liveliest and most thought-provoking writers on science and technology.' Spectator

Book information

ISBN: 9781847947581
Publisher: Random House
Imprint: Random House
Pub date:
DEWEY: 153.35
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 314
Weight: 230g
Height: 131mm
Width: 196mm
Spine width: 21mm