Though now commonly called the less pejorative "Early Middle Ages," it seems the so-called "Dark Ages"—years snubbed by history for being a time of little innovation—were actually quite bright. Cambridge science historian Seb Falk brilliantly sheds light on nearly a millennium of advancements (including inventions such as eyeglasses and mechanical clocks, groundbreaking natural investigations, and the emergence of universities) that are often clouded by talk of rats and boils. To narrow the scope, Falk follows fourteenth-century monk John of Westwyk—astrologer, adventurer, and inventor—who is an exemplary representative of an illuminated era of discovery before there were "scientists." Lovers of science, history, and invention will devour this meticulously researched journey.