Science 27 March 2020

Jerry Goldsmith was one of the most prolific film and television composers, with almost 200 scores to his credit, as well as being a consistent award winner in both mediums. His music is omnipresent in the American psyche, most notably in one of the creepy themes from The Twilight Zone. Unlike many film composers, he had few immediately identifiable traits; instead, he seemed to subsume his identity to that of the film and its moods. He did not, however, avoid innovation; some of his experiments with music for science fiction films, such as the adaptations of standard orchestral instruments for the score of his 1968 The Planet of the Apes, were on the leading edge of innovation when he created them.

One of the great teachers of the twentieth century shows a more intimate side in this collection of letters, written to a young person who was suffering in both body and mind.

This is the story of a seductive idea. Over the past century, the potential of new technology to solve social dilemmas has captivated modern culture. From apps that encourage physical activity to airport scanners meant to prevent terrorism, the concept that clever innovation can improve society is irresistible, but faith in such technological fixes is seldom questioned. Where did this idea come from, what makes it so appealing, and how does it endanger our future?

The #1 internationally bestselling, gripping true story of a frontline trauma surgeon operating in the world's most dangerous war zones