The Lunar Society of Birmingham was a British dinner club founded by several prominent men. The club was informal, having no minutes or constitution. There were several notable figures in this group, though they did not all share the same intellectual pursuits. Matthew Boulton was an English manufacturer of steam engines. Erasmus Darwin was an English physician. James Keir was a geologist and chemist. Jonathan Stokes, who created some of the first heart drugs, was also a member. Together, and with the assistance of others, they kicked off the Industrial Revolution and fostered the advancement of certain aspects of medicine. They were complex people in their friendships, business affairs, political affairs, and private relationships.

I had never heard of these men or their accomplishments, nor had I ever heard of the Lunar Society of Birmingham. I ran across this book at my local used bookstore, and picked it up because it seemed interesting and was a good price. I love that this book is essentially a biography of each of these men, though not as detailed as some biographical tomes. It is well researched, and features a lot of information about these men. I also enjoyed seeing how the French Revolution impacted the work that these men were doing. I know I am guilty sometimes of not thinking about things as a whole and only looking at one event or person, without considering mitigating circumstances. This was a great book, and I am glad I found it.