Questioning the Millennium: A Rationalist's Guide to a Precisely Arbitrary Countdown - Hardcover

Gould, Stephen Jay

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0609600761 ISBN 13: 9780609600764

Publisher: Random House Inc, 1997

Synopsis

The noted naturalist and author of Dinosaur in a Haystack sheds new light on humankind's fascination with the approaching millennium, offering a collection of scientific and historical essays on the millennium and its rational and spiritual significance. 75,000 first printing. Tour.

About this title

About the Author

Stephen Jay Gould was one of the most influential evolutionary biologists and most acclaimed science essayists of the 20th century. He died in May 2002. He was the author of numerous books, including The Lying Stones of Marrakech and Questioning the Millennium.

From the Back Cover

stioning the Millennium, Stephen Jay Gould applies his wit and erudition to one of today's most pressing subjects:  the significance of the millennium.

In this beautiful inquiry into time and its milestones, he shares his interest and insights with his readers.  Refreshingly reasoned, erudite, and absorbing, the book asks and answers the three major questions that define the approaching calendrical event:
First, what exactly is this concept of a millennium and how has its meaning shifted?  How did the name for a future thousand year reign of Christ on earth get transferred to the passage of a secular period of a thousand years in current human history?  

When does the new millennium begin:  January 1, in the year 2000 or 2001?  

Finally, why must our calendars be so complex, leading to our search for arbitrary regularity, including a fascination with millennia?
As always, Gould brings

From the Inside Flap

stioning the Millennium</b>, Stephen Jay Gould applies his wit and erudition to one of today's most pressing subjects: the significance of the millennium.<br><br>In this beautiful inquiry into time and its milestones, he shares his interest and insights with his readers. Refreshingly reasoned, erudite, and absorbing, the book asks and answers the three major questions that define the approaching calendrical event:<br>First, what exactly is this concept of a millennium and how has its meaning shifted? How did the name for a future thousand year reign of Christ on earth get transferred to the passage of a secular period of a thousand years in current human history? <br><br>When does the new millennium begin: January 1, in the year 2000 or 2001? <br><br>Finally, why must our calendars be so complex, leading to our search for arbitrary regularity, including a fascination with millennia?<br>As always, Gould brings

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Inc
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0609600761
• ISBN 13: 9780609600764
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 190