James Burke

James Burke is a British science historian, author and TV producer.

Born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland and educated in Oxford he received his MA from Jesus College. Later he moved to Italy where he lectured at universities in Bologna and Urbino[?] as well as English schools in that country.

During that time he was engaged in creation of English-Italian dictionary and the publication of an Encyclopedia of Art. After a period of broadcasting work in 1966 he moved to London to join the BBC's science section where he hosted and co-hosted a number of programs. He was fascinated by the possiblities of television and the potential to educate and entertain by making programs about science and technology.

Burke first made his name as a reporter on the popular and very long-running BBC science series, Tomorrow's World. His very important work is a highly-acclaimed 10-part documentary series Connections(1979) that was first aired on the BBC, and subsequently on PBS channel in the US. The series was a great success for Burke. Later it was shown in more than 50 countries and appeared in about 350 university and college curriculums. Additionally the book that followed the series was also a best-seller on both sides of the Atlantic.

Other documentary series made by James Burke :

• The Real Thing on the human brain and various aspects of perception
• Connections2
• The Day the Universe Changed
• The Masters of Illusion on Reinessanse painting
• After the Warming on the Greenhouse effect

His books :

• The Axemaker's Gift

James Burke is the leading figure of the KnowledgeWeb Project

In the closing scenes of The Day the Universe Changed, Burke suggested that a forthcoming revolution in communication and computer technology would allow people all over the world to exchange ideas and opinions instantaneously. Subsequent events seem to have proved him right.