Men and Measures

This volume traces the surprisingly tangled history of the units we still use today, from the Egyptian cubit to the modern Imperial system. It unpacks how ancient societies defined length, weight, and volume, revealing the practical and cultural forces that shaped each standard. Readers will discover the surprising connections between far‑flung measurements—how a Roman mile, a Persian cubit, and a medieval English foot all evolved from earlier concepts.

The author weaves together a wealth of examples, examining everything from stone‑age land‑measures to the intricate trade weights of the medieval wool market. Chapters explore regional variations across Britain, the colonies, and the wider world, while also delving into the scientific refinements that led to today’s metric instincts. By the end, listeners gain a clear picture of why our measuring sticks look the way they do and how they have managed to persist through centuries of change.