# Size

Canonical: https://www.bookquiver.com/vaclav-smil/size

![Size](https://quivercdn.com/covers/penguin/vaclav-smil/size_978-02-4199-214-2.jpg?v=2026-04-25%2018%3A34%3A45)

- Authors: [Václav Smil](https://www.bookquiver.com/vaclav-smil)
- Language: en_GB
- Published: 2023-05-04

## Description

The New York Times bestselling author returns with a mind-opening exploration of how size defines life on Earth. Explaining the key processes shaping size in nature, society and technology, Smil busts myths around proportions - from bodies to paintings and the so-called golden ratio - tells us what Jonathan Swift got wrong in Gulliver's Travels - the giant Brobdingnagian's legs would buckle under their enormous weight - and dives headfirst into the most contentious issue in ergonomics: the size of aeroplane seats. It is no exaggeration to say this fascinating and wide-ranging tour de force will change the way you look at absolutely everything.

## Editions

### Size

- Publisher: Penguin
- ISBN: 978-02-4199-214-2
- Pages: 304
- Published: 2023-11-09
- Language: en_GB

### Size

- Publisher: Penguin
- Medium: ebook
- ISBN: 978-02-4199-213-5
- Published: 2023-05-04
- Language: en_GB

### Size

- Publisher: Penguin
- Medium: audio
- Length: 8 h 43 min
- ISBN: 978-02-4199-741-3
- Published: 2023-05-04
- Language: en_GB