At Day's Close: A History of Nighttime

At Day s Close is a social history of the nighttime that explores how people lived in the past, through travel accounts, memoirs, letters, folklore, poems, court records, and coroner's reports. It is also a passionate argument for less artificial light in an increasingly bright world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

A captivating and vibrant social history of the nighttime, "At Day's Close" offers a remarkable glimpse into a bygone era of darkness. This captivating book has been hailed as a splendid entertainment by Sir Patrick Moore, with the Sunday Times describing it as a triumph of social history. With nearly every page containing something that will surprise and delight the reader, it has been described as one of the most enjoyable literary experiences of the year.

Until now, the night, a vast and intricate realm that we inhabit for nearly half of our lives, has been largely forgotten by historians. In "At Day's Close," Ekirch delves into the ways in which people experienced the night in the past, drawing from a wide range of sources such as travel accounts, memoirs, letters, folklore, poems, court records, and coroner's reports. Beyond this, it becomes a passionate plea for reducing artificial light in a world that is becoming increasingly bright.

Through his meticulous research and engaging writing style, Ekirch transports readers back to a time when the night was a mysterious and enchanting realm. From the blanket fairs and night kings of ancient times to the curfews and crime of more modern times, "At Day's Close" provides a rich and detailed account of the ways in which people have navigated and celebrated the darkness.

This book is not only a valuable contribution to social history but also a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of light and darkness on human behavior and society. Ekirch challenges us to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a world that is constantly illuminated and argues for a more balanced approach to lighting that considers the needs of both humans and the natural world.

In conclusion, "At Day's Close" is a must-read for anyone who is interested in history, literature, or the natural world. It offers a fascinating and captivating exploration of the nighttime, providing a glimpse into a bygone era of darkness and a passionate argument for a less artificial world. With its rich and diverse sources, engaging writing style, and thought-provoking themes, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474624916