Guide Note
James Burke is an Irish Author, journalist, television producer and science popularizer.
Fast Facts
- Born: December 22, 1936
- Birthplace: Londonderry, Northern Ireland
- Alma Mater: Oxford University
- Awards: Royal Television Society gold and silver medals
- Adviser: SETI
- Creator: The Knowledge Web Project
- Producer: 13 television programs and series
- Author: 11 non-fiction books
Career
In the late 1960s, James Burke became fascinated by the idea of using the media to spread knowledge and awareness of science, beginning with his work as host of the BBC's Tomorrow's World. In 1978, Burke attracted international attention with his ten-part documentary series Connections. Produced by the BBC and distributed in the United States by PBS, Connections spawned two sequels and a book. The Day the Universe Changed, another successful series and companion book, was released in 1985.
Burke continues to use different mediums to spread awareness and popularity of science, history, and art. His Knowledge Web Project aims to encourage learning by illustrating connections between seemingly separate events, personalities, and technologies.
Notable Works
- 1978: Connections: Alternative History of Technology
- 1985: The Day the Universe Changed
- 2001: The Knowledge Web
- 2007: American Connections: The Founding Fathers. Networked
Quotes
- "There is always a connection but, if the link has never been made before, nobody knows its there."—James Burke1
- "Why should we look to the past in order to prepare for the future? Because there is nowhere else to look."—James Burke2
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