This beautiful book, part of a series of Very Short Introductions, offers a quick exploration of all things related to light. Being pocket-size (just smaller than a mini tablet), this book offers only a very high-level overview of topics. Old and modern concepts alike are given a few pages each, with some helpful figures and charts, and with only the most essential equations.
There is not enough of a gradual buildup of concepts for this to be considered a textbook, nor is there the comprehensive conciseness of a quick reference guide. However, this volume would work as a general reminder to somebody who wants the Cliff Notes on light. The two-page list of references includes many classics, both technical and nontechnical. For a book of this size, an index might seem superfluous, but it does prove to be useful.
The best way to describe this volume is as the equivalent of a book of poems, but about light concepts: not for studying, but to enjoy on the go.
Review by Bogdan Hoanca, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA.
The opinions expressed in the book review section are those of the reviewer and do not necessarily reflect those of OPN or OSA.