James Burke is an absolute legend.
Seconded.
I watched these the first time around. Recently rewatched on YouTube.
He’s one of those rare educators that doesn’t lecture you so much as offer you a ticket on a great ride.
I’ve just stumbled across these a week ago(?).
It’s a shame it’s too unlike entertainment, so my wife isn’t interested …sigh. Sometimes I wonder why she married a nerd
This Series is back to back amazing! If you can find it, do yourself a favour, have a drink and just watch it. It is funny and you will learn lots.
Hell, I am going to do it myself. Again.
Burke is also doing a new Connections series on Curosity Stream, with a few episodes released already. Though if I’m honest, they don’t really seem to capture the same magic these old ones do.
This and another Burke creation - The Day The Earth Changed - are among the best documentary series ever done.
Both series convey a very real sense of the random churning of humanity, fortuitous little pushes forward or sideways-then-forward-again, on the path to modern technology and how it has transformed society, our lives. And all is done in the most delightful, tongue-in-cheek manner, a sense of both joy and intellect vibrating throughout.
Masterful stuff.
