| Ibn al Haytham - The First Scientist - Alhazen - Ibn al Haitham - Alhacen |
"A great read."
"Steffens has
the unique ability |
Critical Acclaim for Ibn al Haytham - First Scientist
Jim Al-Khalili, author
of The House of Wisdom: How Arabic
Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance, August 1, 2021: “This new
coffee table edition of Steffens’s biography of Ibn al-Haytham is a thing of
beauty, with stunning photographs and illustrations adding to the scholarly
yet accessible biographical text. Ibn al-Haytham is rightly regarded as one of
the greatest scientists in history and should be a household name everywhere in
the world. The fact that he led such a colourful life is a delightful bonus. I
will be recommending this book to everyone I know, and even those I don’t.”
Nuh Aydin, Professor of Mathematics,
Kenyon College, August 22, 2021: “Bradley Steffens’s engaging style makes the
life and works of one of the greatest scholars in history accessible to the
modern audience. It is an excellent introduction to not only a great mind in
human history whose discoveries a millennium ago continue to benefit us in the
modern world but also the larger field of history of Islamic mathematics and
science. Unfortunately, due to the dominance of a Eurocentric narrative of
science globally, the contributions to mathematics and sciences from the
medieval Islamic civilization are largely ignored and underappreciated. The
story of the great scholar Ibn al-Haytham is a striking example of this larger
phenomenon. The fascinating story of a
remarkable polymath in this captivating book will make you finish it in one
sitting and want to keep it nearby for easy reference. Along the way, you
will also learn about the Islamic culture and the larger context and issues.
First Scientist: Ibn al-Haytham fills a significant void in the literature and
the new, updated version is even more attractive and engaging than the original
edition. It will be highly appreciated by anyone who is interested in the
history of science.
Dr. Kevin Barrett, Arabic/Islamic studies scholar and host of Truth Jihad Radio, August 31, 2021: “Bradley Steffens's engrossing account of the
life of Ibn al-Haytham is not just a good read. It's also a compelling
illustration of how Islam, far from being an impediment to free thought, frees
us from the tyranny of the opinions of human authorities, which are so often
held up as false gods."
Journal of the Islamic Medical Association of North America, March, 2010: “A true scientist, ibn al-Haytham pioneered
scientific inquiry, experimentation, debate, and discussion. He emphasized that
valid experimentation was necessary before any authentic conclusions could be
reached. Bradley Steffens in his recent biography of
this great Muslim scientist gives him the credit of being the first true
scientist of the human civilization. He states that ibn al-Haytham practiced
and exemplified these ideals during his tumultuous life. That ibn al-Haytham
was generations ahead of his time is evident when you read this lucid and
fascinating biography. Steffens has a unique ability of a storyteller
that makes the reading of his book as interesting as a spy thriller,
unfolding the events in ibn al-Haytham’s life like the clues being discovered
by a forensic detective. I was so fascinated by this rendition that I have yet
to read a biography in a shorter time in my life. I finished the book from
cover to cover in just under four hours! This book is a must read for
anyone who wishes to learn about a forgotten chapter in history and enjoys the
true spirit of inquiry and is an eternal seeker of truth. —Dr. Husain F.
Nagamia. Read the complete review here.
The
Fountain,
May-June, 2008: I congratulate Bradley Steffens for his beautiful work
about Ibn al-Haytham and his advancement of experimental science. —Dr. Ertan Salik Read the complete
review here.
Booklist, November 15, 2006: Ibn
al-Haytham (“Alhazen” in Library of Congress cataloging) was born in Basra in
965. A Muslim who studied the works of Aristotle, Euclid, Archimedes, and
Ptolemy, he developed an approach to science using experimentation and
deduction and made significant observations and discoveries, particularly in
the field of optics. Translations of his books influenced medieval European
scientists and mathematicians from Bacon to Fermat to Kepler. Steffens notes
that al-Haytham’s discovery of the camera obscura may have
changed western art as well. Steffens has organized what is known of his
subject’s life and work into a coherent narrative. He is quick to acknowledge
gaps but backs up inferences logically. Like the history of mathematics, the
history of science is incomplete without an acknowledgment of early scholars in
the Middle East. This clearly written introduction to Ibn al-Haytham,
his society, and his contributions does that. —Carolyn Phelan
Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2006: In
this clearly written, carefully reasoned profile, Steffens not only
traces the scantly documented life of one of early modern science’s giants
(better known in Europe as Alhazen), but also places him both within the
broader contexts of early Muslim society, and of the whole history of science.
A prolific writer who spent most of his life in Basra and Cairo, Ibn al Haytham
is chiefly remembered today for his work in optics, and as an exponent of
enquiry through direct, repeatable experimentation rather than inductive
reasoning alone. Along with easy-to-understand discussions of his achievements,
readers will find a speculative but credible character study of a devout,
brilliant polymath who was rather conveniently subject to mysterious bouts of
mental illness that twice rescued him from onerous government jobs. The many
color pictures enhance this illuminating narrative with maps, diagrams, prints,
and images of illustrated manuscript pages.
Midwest
Book Review,
March 6, 2007: An unusual survey of a scientific pioneer who lived from 950 to
1040 and whose work fostered several scientific and mathematical fields from
physics to astronomy and geometry. Chapters consider his life, achievements,
and experimental processes in this fine blend of history and science
biography.
Children's
Literature,
May 15, 2007: Right now many schools and libraries have an acute need for books
accurately portraying Arab history and culture. Fortunately, Steffen's
biography of the remarkable medieval scientist-philosopher Ibn al-Haytham goes
a long way towards filling that need. Born in the city of Basra, Iraq, in 965
A.D., Ibn al-Haytham grew up in an intellectually vibrant and ethnically mixed
society. Though a devout Muslim, he was also an avid student of Greek
philosophy. An encounter with Aristotle's works as a student led him to believe
that physical science and mathematics were as valuable in unlocking the
mysteries of the universe as theology. Throughout his life he devised various
experiments to test his observations of the physical world. Though his
conclusions were not always correct, he did make some amazing discoveries
related to the study of vision. His Book of Optics, written between
1011 and 1021, still stands as a classic example of the scientific method at
work. Steffens deftly weaves an overview of Muslim history into this
biography. His explanation of the differences between Shi'ah and Sunnah
Muslims is especially welcome in the light of recent history. Some might
quibble with his contention that Ibn al-Haytham was the world's first
scientist, an accolade that has often gone to others, notably Aristotle
himself. No one, however, can dispute Ibn al-Haytham's unique contributions to
science in both Islam and western culture. A time line and bibliography are
included. Numerous illustrations from Arab and European sources enhance the
text. This book is part of Morgan Reynold's "Profiles in Science"
series. It would make an excellent supplement to units about world
history and the history of science.—Pat Sherman
Tri
State Young Adult Review Committee, March 2007: Recommended where the history of mathematics and
science is a priority. Steffens provides an overview of Muslim and Arab influence
including the use of zero, the advent of algebra, and the vast library called
the House of Wisdom containing the translations of Roman and Greek works into
Arabic. The life of Ibn al-Haitham, now known as Alhazen. The story of Alhazen
is fascinating with his travels, great insights, and his longevity. Excellent
for students.—Lois McNicol
School
Library Journal, July 2007: A profile of a mathematician, physicist, and
astronomer born in Basra, in what is now Iraq, in 965 C.E. The text vacillates
between relating the life of this multifaceted scientist and digressing into
lengthy accounts about the time in which he lived. The opening chapter
describes the Arab Muslims and their mass migration with a sprinkling of
references to Ibn al-Haytham's boyhood. While the historical background is
informative, it may lose readers expecting a more biographical account.
Steffens credits the man as a pioneer of the scientific method, citing his
emphasis on testing hypotheses through experimentation. The most engaging chapter
introduces The Book of Optics, a groundbreaking treatise on vision
and light. Most of the scientist's other works are mentioned only
briefly.Intriguingly, the author speculates that Ibn al-Haytham may have faked
madness so he could be released from a government post to pursue his research.
Steffens informs readers of the sparseness of information available about his
subject and indicates when he is making assumptions.He also incorporates how
religion played a part in the man's life. Boxed entries about related topics
appear throughout. All quotations are documented in the source notes. The
well-placed reproductions and detailed captions add interest and additional
facts. This book will circulate best where students seek short
biographies on people of varied cultures for reports.–Linda L. Plevak,
Bulverde/Spring Branch Library, Spring Branch, TX
Children's
Literature, April
15, 2007: Born in Basra, in what is now Iraq, in 965 A.D., Abu ‘Ali al-Hasan
ibn al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham revolutionized the practice of science. His tribal
name, Abu ‘Ali, indicates his ancestors were Arabs. He was a follower of the
teachings of the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad. His early education
took place at the mosque of Basra, where he studied theology and the nature of
God and religious truth. As a devout Muslim, he spent most of his life trying
to know and serve his God. However, he found in Aristotle a kindred spirit and
an intellectual equal. Some say that Ibn al-Haytham received an appointment
within the Muslim government as either a financial minister or revenue
administrator. Other historians believe he might have been a civil engineer, in
charge of public works projects. He wasn’t content with his role, however, and,
some believe, thought up a scheme to simulate insanity. Whether real or fake,
his mental breakdown removed him from his duties in the government, and allowed
him to return to pursuits of mathematics, geometry, and philosophy. His studies
must have been successful, for he was summoned to Egypt to build a dam on the
Nile. The Egyptian leader was impressed with Ibn al-Haytham, and agreed to give
him all the money and workers he would need. When he reached al-Janadil, he
knew it would be the ideal place for a dam, but the scope of the project would
exceed his resources. Nine hundred years later, the Egyptian government would
build a dam across the Nile in that very place. The Book of Optics is
Ibn al-Haytham’s most important work. Although there are crucial discoveries in
the book, the way he arrived at and supported these discoveries is most
significant. Although his achievements faded into history, at the beginning of
the twentieth century scholars found his works, and now celebrate the
contributions of this Iraqi scholar.—Karen Werner
Skulls
in the Stars, March
2008: Steffens has written a wonderfully clear and concise account of
al-Haytham’s life and work. Although the book is primarily intended for a
young adult audience (hence the conciseness), it also serves as a nice stepping
stone for authors (such as me) who would like an overview of his
accomplishments before delving into the academic accounts. The quality of the
book is excellent. It is wonderfully typeset and contains many full-color
illustrations that bring the era and the science to life. It is also contains
an excellent collection of references for further research. Read the complete
review here.
To see reviews of Steffens' other books, click here.
To read a sample chapter of Ibn al-Haytham: First Scientist click here.