William Broad Livres

The Oracle of Delphi would enter into ecstatic union with the god Apollo and bring back his prophecies and counsel for all who came seeking answers. Though the air of magic that surrounds her might cast her as a legend, the Oracle did really exist--and her visions caused her to become the single most influential figure in all of ancient Greece. Eyewitness accounts describe temple practices in detail, claiming that the Oracle breathed in vapors rising from the temple floor. In 1892 French archaeologists unearthed the temple, but could find no evidence that the rocky ground had brought vapors of any kind. Science journalist Broad tells a modern-day detective story that blends history and science to describe how a team of scientists, working from subtle clues scattered throughout the ancient literature, as well as from the latest findings in geology, uncovered scientific evidence to explain the Oracle's powers.--From publisher description

Set against a backdrop of darkness and ancient mysteries, the narrative delves into 20th Century intrigues filled with alien creatures and the treasures of lost civilizations. As secrets unravel, the quest may lead to uncovering the ultimate truth about life itself, promising a thrilling adventure through a richly woven tapestry of the unknown.

Examines the health claims of modern yoga, drawing on scientific and cultural research to offer advice on how to recognize authentic yoga practice and gain actual benefits.

The Science of Yoga draws on a hidden wealth of science, history, and surprising facts to cut through the fog that surrounds contemporary yoga and to show - for the first time - what is uplifting and beneficial and what is delusional, flaky, and dangerous. At heart, it illuminates the risks and rewards. The book takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of undiscovered yoga that goes from old libraries in Calcutta to the world capitals of medical research, from little-known archives to spotless laboratories, from sweaty yoga classes with master teachers to the cosy offices of yoga healers. In the process, it shatters myths, lays out unexpected benefits, and offers a compelling vision of how to improve the discipline.

* A sober, frightening yet unforgettable narrative of cutting-edge science and spycraft The atrocities in New York and Washington on 11 September have highlighted as never before the Western world's vulnerability to terrorist attacks of all kinds. As the global coalition seeks justice and retribution so millions of people around the world consider their exposure to further outrages. Bio-terrorism, the subject of this book, is at the heart of many fears: the poor man's hydrogen bomb, a biological weapon of mass destruction can be made in a laboratory and transported in a briefcase -- yet it can silently devastate an entire population. This chillingly authoritative report reveals the spread of germ weaponry throughout the world and the massive, and until now largely undisclosed, effort to stop it. Readers see first-hand the vast extent of the Soviet Union's biological weapons program, with its rows of silos filled with tons of anthrax germs. They learn of efforts by Iran, Iraq and other rogue states to recruit the scientists who created this horror. And they learn of the West's secret effort to thwart the spread of such germ technology to those who would use science not to heal but t

The book delves into the history and implications of germ warfare, exploring past incidents and the chilling potential for future attacks. It offers an authoritative examination of the evolution of biological weapons, highlighting the terrifying reality of their use and the heightened awareness among Americans following recent anthrax letter attacks. The narrative combines historical insights with a thought-provoking look at the ongoing threat posed by germ weapons.

To many people, the four Gospels are seen as biographies of Jesus of Nazareth, who was declared by God to be his Son. To many more, these Gospels are works of theology, incorporating the myths, stories, and legends surrounding a then little-known young Jew who lived two thousand years ago. This book explores the reasons why such a comparatively obscure person should be called "Son of God" soon after his death. William Broad sets stories of Jesus against the backdrop of the religions of the time and shows how St. Paul in Greece chose the mythical title "son of a god" for Jesus as being one that would attract the attention of his Gentile hearers and reveal his great significance. However, Broad notes that Jesus was not the first historical person to have been called a son of god. Alexander the Great had been so titled 350 years before. Alexander or Jesus? explores stories of this remarkable king and shows that these tales significantly affected the way the Gospels declared the Divine Sonship of Jesus. It further reveals that Jesus' birth and his epiphany are not the unique events that many believe.

Exploring the historical context of Jesus' divine title, this book examines how early Christian narratives were influenced by contemporary religions and figures, particularly St. Paul's choice of the term "son of a god" to resonate with Gentile audiences. It highlights the parallels between Jesus and Alexander the Great, who was similarly titled 350 years earlier, suggesting that the stories surrounding both figures shaped perceptions of Jesus' divine sonship. The text challenges the notion of Jesus' uniqueness concerning his birth and epiphany, revealing broader mythological themes.

William J. Broad, führender Wissenschaftsjournalist der New York Times, praktiziert Yoga seit mehreren Jahrzehnten. Im Rahmen einer investigativen fünf Jahre langen Recherche schreibt er hier über Wahrheit und Illusion der beliebten Meditationspraxis und lüftet dabei so manches Geheimnis und Vorurteil.