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Documentary series. Steven Johnson discovers the unsung heroes of invention in the surprising journey from the candle to the neon lights of Las Vegas and the world of lasers.

It was only a few centuries ago that the best source of light came from burning oil scooped out of a whale's head. Innovation expert Steven Johnson discovers the unsung heroes of invention in the surprising journey from the candle to the neon lights of Las Vegas and the world of lasers. And he explodes the myth of Thomas Edison's light-bulb moment of innovation.

1 hour

Last on

Thu 8 Feb 201822:00
BBC Four

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Credits

PresenterSteven Johnson
Executive ProducerJane Root
Executive ProducerPeter Lovering
Executive ProducerMichael Jackson
DirectorPaul Olding

Broadcasts

  • Sat 7 Mar 201519:30
    BBC Two England & HD only
  • Sat 7 Mar 201520:00
    BBC Two Scotland
  • Sun 8 Mar 201519:00
    BBC Two Northern Ireland
  • Sat 14 Mar 201519:30
    BBC Two Wales
  • Thu 8 Feb 201822:00
    BBC Four

Steven Johnson: "The future is incredibly hard to predict"

Steven Johnson: "The future is incredibly hard to predict"

Steven reveals how he ended up travelling the world on a very modern mission.