{"title":"Fiona Smyth","description":"\u003cp\u003eFiona Smyth’s work invites readers into the fascinating crossroads of history and science, weaving rich narratives that uncover the secrets of the natural world. With a sharp eye for detail and a compelling storytelling style, her books like \u003cem\u003ePistols in St Paul's\u003c\/em\u003e explore intriguing events and phenomena through a scientific lens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect engaging explorations that combine rigorous research with accessible prose, perfect for anyone curious about the interplay between nature, technology, and historical discovery. Smyth’s writing brings clarity and depth to scientific themes, making complex ideas both captivating and understandable.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"pistols-in-st-pauls-by-fiona-smyth-9781526180209","title":"Pistols in St Paul's","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA ground-breaking account of the scientists and architects who pioneered acoustics in twentieth-century Britain.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a winter's night in 1951, shortly after Evensong, the interior of St Paul's Cathedral echoed with gunfire. This was no act of violence but a scientific demonstration of new techniques in acoustic measurement. It aimed to address a surprising question: could a building be a musical instrument?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePistols in St Paul's\u003c\/em\u003e tells the fascinating story of the scientists, architects and musicians who set out to answer this question. Beginning at the turn of the century, their innovative experiments, which took place at sites ranging from Herbert Baker's Assembly Chamber in Delhi to Abbey Road Studios and a disused munitions factory near Perivale, would come to define the field of 'architectural acoustics'. They culminated in 1951 with the opening of the Royal Festival Hall, the first building to be designed for musical tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeeply researched and richly illustrated, \u003cem\u003ePistols in St Paul's\u003c\/em\u003e brings to light a scientific quest spanning half a century, one that demonstrates the power of international cooperation in the darkest of times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47607375397100,"sku":"9781526180209","price":79.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781526180209-pistols-in-st-paul-s.jpg?v=1778163039"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/fiona-smyth.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}