Block by Block

The Historical and Theoretical Foundations of Thermodynamics

By: Robert T. Hanlon

Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

At the heart of many fields - physics, chemistry, engineering - lies thermodynamics. While this science plays a critical role in determining the boundary between what is and is not possible in the natural world, it occurs to many as an indecipherable black box, thus making the subject a challenge to learn. Two obstacles contribute to this situation, the first being the disconnect between the fundamental theories and the underlying physics and the second being the confusing concepts and terminologies involved with the theories. While one needn't confront either of these two obstacles to successfully use thermodynamics to solve real problems, overcoming both provides access to a greater intuitive sense of the problems and more confidence, more strength, and more creativity in solving them.

Block by Block offers an original perspective on thermodynamic science and history based on the three approaches of a practicing engineer, academician, and historian. The book synthesizes and gathers into one accessible volume a strategic range of foundational topics involving the atomic theory, energy, entropy, and the laws of thermodynamics.

©2020 Robert T. Hanlon (P)2020 Tantor

Every Block!

The time and effort Mr. Hanlon must have devoted to this is an indication of his interest in the subject. This is a wonderful look into the lives, scientific struggles, and the search for understanding the world around us.

Must Read for Anyone Interested in this Topic

Having listened to or read much shorter books on this subject I wasn’t sure about starting this book because of its length. My bachelors degree from 30 years ago was in the social sciences. At this point in my life I’m simply enjoying learning for the sake of learning. My main focus being physics. A subject that I was overwhelmed by in my youth. For someone at my level this is the perfect book for this subject matter. I was able to understand more about the 1st law and appreciate much more about the complexity of the 2nd. Enjoyed the history and detail of those that made contributions to the development of thermodynamics. I knew from the beginning that the audiobook didn’t include any of the math and I wasn’t interested anyway. However after listening to this book I will be purchasing the hard copy for the math. Truly a delight.

A Very In-depth Narrative of Everything They DONT Teach You in School

I love this book!! The Narrator was Great..a little hyper sometimes…but Great..I really love how the Author informed us of the People that were behind and involved in the Laws of Physics/Math/Thermodynamics that (at least I) never knew of…it is extremely detailed hence the length..sometimes you may need to repeat some chapters just to make sure it sinks in..which is a good thing…So…if you love to learn as much of Everything as I do this is a Must read/listen…

Comprehensive Thermodynamics information

If you are not really into learning (about) thermodynamics, this book is probably not for you. But if you want to dig into the subject, this is a good book. It's not for the light-hearted reader. There's a LOT of information and it's a really long recording.. I'd really like to listen again someday. I bought the e-book version later, also, so that I can review the equations and concepts. again. Although I have never taken a course on Thermodynamics, I know from comments by Einstein, C.P. Snow and others that it is a core concept needed to have a firm foundation in science and it seems like it is linked to just about all the sciences. Like most audio books that treat mathematical subjects, it leaves something to be desired. If you can, get both the audio book and the print version. If I could have only one, I'd go with the print version.

Great and compelling work

The contents are great. I just wished Audible made the equations mentioned throughout the book available in a PDF.

Graphs, and Equations

The book is a terrific a compliment, but at every equation, graph, and diagram, we are reminded that they are available, in the print and e-book. After the first few hundred, it starred to get old.

Awesome book love the origin stories and narration

The math can get a bit confusing, but the overall contents are fascinating. Love the origin stories of each character's discoveries, and how not all were heading in the right direction. Great book.

An incredible piece of scholarship & a great addition to my collection

Reminiscent of Richard Rhodes’ The Making of the Atomic Bomb, Block By Block brings tantalizing clarity to the historical development of thermodynamics with rich storytelling detail that makes the journey enjoyable as well as informative.

Great book and narration--- needs a PDF

Great book and great really great narration which is difficult for a book of this type.

However the audiobook should come with at minumum the equations in a PDF file. The phrase 'which can be found in the print and e-book versions of this book' repeated hundreds of times in the narration could then be eliminated and more value---I would argue fair value---could be delivered to the purchaser of the audiobook.

Excellent science-heavy history of thermodynamics

This was a wonderful recounting of the individuals, their thoughts, and their environments that all had a part in the development of thermodynamics. It does get a little math heavy at some points, but even if you're mildly familiar with these equations it shouldn't be too hard to follow.