The book takes readers on a journey through history, science, and culture, uncovering the surprising, quirky, and sometimes bizarre ways in which light has shaped our world. The stories range from the brilliant to the bizarre, covering real-life events, notable and obscure figures, and curious experiments in the development of artificial light.

Among the remarkable individuals featured are William Murdoch, inventor of gas lighting and a bagpipes-blowtorch hybrid; James Bowman Lindsay, the often-overlooked pioneer of electric lighting; and Alhazen, who wrote a seminal book on light over 1,000 years ago while in hiding from a ‘mad Caliph.’ The collection also delves into peculiar concepts, such as extramission – the ancient belief that light emanates from the eyes – and the strange case of Patient M, who saw the world upside down after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

On a more serious note, Stories with Light explores how rivalries in lighting technology led to early forms of fake news, trolling, and influencers, with light serving as a tool of propaganda, a weapon of war, and a means of social control.

In just four human lifetimes, we have come to experience hundreds of thousands of times more artificial light in our daily and nightly lives than any of our ancestors. Around 250 years ago, what we term the Great Illumination marked an extraordinary surge in the consumption of artificial light. As this transformation gained momentum, it was met with the same mix of suspicion, fascination, and anxiety as today’s digital revolution. Concerns over health, privacy, and safety emerged, alongside a widening technological divide between urban and rural areas. The Great Illumination reshaped work patterns, spread ideas, influenced trade, and fuelled consumption – all at significant environmental cost.

Whether you come from a creative field, an academic background, or simply enjoy a great story, we hope there’s something here for everyone. Join us for a wander through the lit world…