Ken Alder

Ken Alder is an American historian and author known for his works on the history of science and technology. He is a professor at Northwestern University and has written several acclaimed books, including 'The Measure of All Things' and 'The Lie Detectors.'

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Measure Of All Things

    The Seven-Year Odyssey and Hidden Error That Transformed the World
    Cover of 'The Measure Of All Things' by Ken Alder

    Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this historical narrative delves into the ambitious quest to establish the metric system, a universal standard of measurement. The story follows two astronomers, Jean-Baptiste Delambre and Pierre Méchain, as they embark on a perilous expedition across France to measure the meridian arc from Dunkirk to Barcelona. Their journey is fraught with political turmoil, personal challenges, and scientific dilemmas, revealing the human struggles behind a seemingly straightforward scientific endeavor. The narrative explores themes of precision, error, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, highlighting the profound impact of their work on modern science and society.