Handmade: A Scientist's Search for Meaning through Making

The book Handmade provides a fresh and entertaining perspective on materials science by exploring the craftspeople who work with materials such as clay, stone, steel, and wool. Author and material scientist Anna Ploszajski journeys into the domain of makers and craftspeople to comprehend how the most popular materials work, building a fuller picture of materials and their place in society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A captivating and enlightening exploration of materials science, delving into the world of craftspeople who have dedicated their careers to working with diverse materials such as clay, stone, steel, and wool. Scientific advancements have provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the properties of numerous materials, ranging from atomic structures to theories about magnetic forces. However, most scientists cannot simply observe steel to determine its temperature, sculpt stone into various shapes, or experience the sensation of blowing up a glass balloon. Handmade is a narrative that unravels the story of materials through the lens of making and doing. Author and material scientist Anna Ploszajski embarks on a journey to delve into the realm of makers and craftspeople, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind the most popular materials. With a unique perspective as a leading figure in the field, Anna shares her personal accounts of learning from masters of their respective crafts in each chapter. Through her experiences, she paints a vivid picture of materials and their profound impact on society, as well as how they have intertwined with her own life journey, encompassing thrilling adventures like land racing on American salt flats and swimming the English Channel.

Anna explores the craftsmanship of blacksmithing, delving into the transformative power of working with the primal material, clay. She discovers how this humble substance has played a pivotal role in the development of advanced technologies. Furthermore, she delves into the atomic scale of glass, unraveling the secrets that make it "glassy." Handmade offers a fresh and profound understanding of the materials we encounter in our daily lives, fostering a deep appreciation for the skilled craftsmanship required to shape them into objects that are perfectly suited for their intended purposes. By exploring the handmade world, we gain a newfound appreciation for the intricate interplay between materials, craftsmanship, and the human touch, enhancing our appreciation for the world around us.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472971074