James Burke's "Connections" is stated as "an alternative history of change." Throughout the episodes, BBC science correspondent James Burke presents how inventions and discoveries reverberate through time. Sometimes these are presented in chains, linking all the inventions. At other times, he presents several scientific discoveries that seem unrelated until he finds a great mind who puts them together.
Admittedly, some of his connections are neither as profound, nor as clear-cut, as he presents them. If you look carefully at the series (and I've seen it several times) you begin to see weak joins.
And Burke sometimes hides aces up his sleeve from the audience. For instance, from his own philosophical prejudices he presents the disappearance of the so-called "Library of Alexandria" as one thing or another; when in fact there were more than one library at Alexandria and the books were probably stolen by the Romans (or perhaps one of a half-dozen other explanations -- in fact, no one really knows what happened to the books, but he would rather get in a dig at religion, which is his particular bugaboo, like the head of Charles I in the writings of Mister Dick). As with that example, sometimes Burke is not always as forthcoming as he presents himself; but he makes no bones about this being his personal view. Nevertheless, if you are interested in anything he says, go to your nearest college library and do supplementary reading. Don't let Burke be your sole guru.
As a whole, the series is informative; and, even more so, immensely entertaining. This is television, after all, not a series of lectures for college graduates. Enjoy the show, but take it with a grain of salt.
The first couple of episodes take a grimmer approach to life. As the series progresses, Burke lightens and loosens up and grows more entertaining, and funny. The sight of Mister Burke steering a combine harvester through a wheatfield and his subsequent explanation of the Junkers is one highlight of a series that contains many. But toward the end he gets to his grim state again and gives the stings in the tails.
And instead of having music performed directly for this, as he did in his later "Day the Universe Changed," Burke (or whomever is responsible) uses public domain classical music. The music is not always appropriate and occasionally the decibel level is set a bit high. But as a classical music lover (as well as a history lover) I enjoy a reacquaintance with old favorites.
By the way, this is a 1970s BBC documentary, and its technical level, while fine for the time, is low by twenty-first century standards. Don't let that put you off. Enjoy.
Admittedly, some of his connections are neither as profound, nor as clear-cut, as he presents them. If you look carefully at the series (and I've seen it several times) you begin to see weak joins.
And Burke sometimes hides aces up his sleeve from the audience. For instance, from his own philosophical prejudices he presents the disappearance of the so-called "Library of Alexandria" as one thing or another; when in fact there were more than one library at Alexandria and the books were probably stolen by the Romans (or perhaps one of a half-dozen other explanations -- in fact, no one really knows what happened to the books, but he would rather get in a dig at religion, which is his particular bugaboo, like the head of Charles I in the writings of Mister Dick). As with that example, sometimes Burke is not always as forthcoming as he presents himself; but he makes no bones about this being his personal view. Nevertheless, if you are interested in anything he says, go to your nearest college library and do supplementary reading. Don't let Burke be your sole guru.
As a whole, the series is informative; and, even more so, immensely entertaining. This is television, after all, not a series of lectures for college graduates. Enjoy the show, but take it with a grain of salt.
The first couple of episodes take a grimmer approach to life. As the series progresses, Burke lightens and loosens up and grows more entertaining, and funny. The sight of Mister Burke steering a combine harvester through a wheatfield and his subsequent explanation of the Junkers is one highlight of a series that contains many. But toward the end he gets to his grim state again and gives the stings in the tails.
And instead of having music performed directly for this, as he did in his later "Day the Universe Changed," Burke (or whomever is responsible) uses public domain classical music. The music is not always appropriate and occasionally the decibel level is set a bit high. But as a classical music lover (as well as a history lover) I enjoy a reacquaintance with old favorites.
By the way, this is a 1970s BBC documentary, and its technical level, while fine for the time, is low by twenty-first century standards. Don't let that put you off. Enjoy.