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James Gleick Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: James Gleick: Author, Historian of Science, and Cultural Critic

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James Gleick: Author, Historian of Science, and Cultural Critic Study Guide

Biographical Foundations

James Gleick is primarily recognized as a theoretical physicist credited with developing the foundational principles of quantum mechanics.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided information identifies James Gleick as an American author and historian of science, rather than a theoretical physicist.

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James Gleick was born in New York City and attended Harvard College.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick was indeed born in New York City and pursued his undergraduate studies at Harvard College.

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James Gleick's undergraduate degree from Harvard University was in Computer Science and Engineering.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the source material, James Gleick's undergraduate degree from Harvard University was in English and linguistics, not Computer Science and Engineering.

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James Gleick held a teaching role at Princeton University from 1989 to 1990.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick held a teaching role at Princeton University from 1989 to 1990.

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The 'Authority control' section in the Wikipedia article serves to provide external links to James Gleick's social media accounts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Authority control' section in the Wikipedia article provides links to databases that help uniquely identify James Gleick and catalog his works, rather than linking to social media accounts.

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James Gleick's official website is listed as around.com.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material lists 'around.com' as the domain name for James Gleick's official website.

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What is James Gleick's primary profession and area of expertise?

Answer: An American author and historian of science focusing on technology's cultural impact

Explanation: James Gleick is primarily recognized as an American author and historian of science, focusing on the cultural impact of modern technology.

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What academic role did James Gleick hold at Princeton University?

Answer: McGraw Distinguished Lecturer

Explanation: From 1989 to 1990, James Gleick held the position of McGraw Distinguished Lecturer at Princeton University. This role likely involved lecturing or teaching, focusing on his areas of expertise in science and technology.

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What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section in the Wikipedia article about James Gleick?

Answer: To provide links to databases that help uniquely identify him and catalog his works

Explanation: The 'Authority control' section provides hyperlinks to various international and national databases designed for cataloging information pertaining to James Gleick. These identifiers, including ISNI, VIAF, and GND, serve to establish a unique identity for him and ensure consistency in the cataloging of his works and biographical data across diverse library and archival systems.

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What does the image caption 'Gleick in 2016' signify?

Answer: The year a photograph of James Gleick was taken

Explanation: The image caption 'Gleick in 2016' denotes that the accompanying photograph of James Gleick was taken in that specific year. This visual representation aids readers in identifying him and provides a contemporary depiction of the author.

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Which university is listed as James Gleick's 'Alma mater'?

Answer: Harvard University

Explanation: James Gleick's 'Alma mater' is identified as Harvard University. This designation signifies the institution where he completed his tertiary education.

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What is the domain name listed for James Gleick's official website?

Answer: around.com

Explanation: The source material lists 'around.com' as the domain name for James Gleick's official website.

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Journalism and Media Career

James Gleick worked for The New York Times for approximately five years, primarily as a science correspondent.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that James Gleick worked for The New York Times for ten years, beginning as an editor on the metropolitan desk before becoming a science reporter.

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The 'Fast Forward' column, written by James Gleick for The New York Times Magazine, focused on the societal impacts of the Internet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Fast Forward' column, penned by James Gleick for The New York Times Magazine, indeed concentrated on the societal implications and growth of the Internet.

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After graduating from Harvard, James Gleick moved to Minneapolis and co-founded an alternative weekly newspaper called *Metropolis*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his graduation from Harvard, James Gleick did relocate to Minneapolis and co-found an alternative weekly newspaper named *Metropolis*.

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James Gleick's reporting at The New York Times included profiles of notable scientists and anticipated future antitrust issues concerning Microsoft.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick's journalistic work at The New York Times encompassed profiles of prominent scientists and analyses that foreshadowed future antitrust concerns regarding Microsoft.

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James Gleick's recent articles in *The New York Review of Books* have covered topics such as artificial intelligence and the concept of free will.

Answer: True

Explanation: Recent articles by James Gleick in *The New York Review of Books* have indeed addressed subjects including artificial intelligence and the philosophical concept of free will.

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What was James Gleick's first significant role in journalism after graduating from Harvard?

Answer: Co-founder of an alternative weekly newspaper called Metropolis

Explanation: Following his graduation from Harvard, James Gleick relocated to Minneapolis, where he co-founded an alternative weekly newspaper named *Metropolis*.

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For how long did James Gleick work at The New York Times, and in what capacity did he start?

Answer: Ten years, starting as an editor on the metropolitan desk

Explanation: James Gleick commenced his employment at The New York Times in 1979, continuing for a decade. Initially, he occupied a position as an editor on the metropolitan desk before transitioning to the role of a science reporter.

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What was the primary subject matter of James Gleick's 'Fast Forward' column in The New York Times Magazine?

Answer: The growth and implications of the Internet

Explanation: The 'Fast Forward' column, penned by James Gleick for The New York Times Magazine, indeed concentrated on the societal implications and growth of the Internet.

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James Gleick's 2002 book, *What Just Happened*, is primarily based on what?

Answer: His essays charting the growth of the Internet

Explanation: James Gleick's 2002 book, *What Just Happened: A Chronicle from the Electronic Frontier*, is principally derived from his essays that chronicle the evolution of the Internet. It offers reflections on the formative period and the cultural influence of the digital age.

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Which topics has James Gleick recently written about in *The New York Review of Books*?

Answer: Free will, artificial intelligence, and futurology

Explanation: In recent contributions to *The New York Review of Books*, James Gleick has reviewed works pertaining to subjects such as free will and artificial intelligence ('The Fate of Free Will', July 2025), futurology and predictive methodologies ('The Prophet Business', February 2025), and the implications of AI ('The Parrot in the Machine', July 2025). These reviews engage with contemporary scientific and philosophical discourse.

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Literary Works and Scientific Influence

James Gleick's influential book *Chaos: Making a New Science* was published in the year 1997.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publication year for James Gleick's influential book *Chaos: Making a New Science* is cited as 1987, not 1997.

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The book *Chaos: Making a New Science* is credited with popularizing concepts like the 'butterfly effect' to a wider audience.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, *Chaos: Making a New Science* is widely recognized for popularizing concepts such as the 'butterfly effect' among a broader readership.

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Michael Crichton's novel *Jurassic Park* drew inspiration from James Gleick's biography of physicist Richard Feynman.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Michael Crichton's novel *Jurassic Park* was inspired by James Gleick's work on chaos theory, not specifically his biography of Richard Feynman.

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James Gleick's books have achieved global recognition, being translated into over fifty languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that James Gleick's books have been translated into over thirty languages, not more than fifty.

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James Gleick's book *Faster* examines the historical development of transportation technologies.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Gleick's book *Faster* explores the increasing speed and acceleration of modern life and technology, rather than focusing solely on the historical development of transportation technologies.

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James Gleick authored a biography on the influential scientist Isaac Newton.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick is indeed the author of a biography focusing on the significant scientist Isaac Newton.

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The central theme of *The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood* is the evolution of communication technologies like the telegraph and the internet.

Answer: True

Explanation: The central theme of *The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood* is the evolution of information itself, encompassing communication technologies such as the telegraph and the internet.

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James Gleick's 2016 book, *Time Travel: A History*, primarily focuses on the scientific feasibility of building a time machine.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Gleick's 2016 book, *Time Travel: A History*, examines the cultural and scientific exploration of the concept of time travel, rather than focusing exclusively on its scientific feasibility.

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The fictional mathematician Ian Malcolm from *Jurassic Park* was inspired by James Gleick's theories on relativity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Ian Malcolm was inspired by James Gleick's work on chaos theory, not his theories on relativity.

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James Gleick's book *Chaos: Making a New Science* influenced the themes in Tom Stoppard's play *Arcadia*.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick's *Chaos: Making a New Science* is cited as an influence on the thematic content of Tom Stoppard's play *Arcadia*.

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Which fictional character was partly inspired by James Gleick?

Answer: Ian Malcolm from *Jurassic Park*

Explanation: James Gleick served as a partial inspiration for the character Ian Malcolm within the *Jurassic Park* franchise. Ian Malcolm is a mathematician recognized for applying principles of chaos theory to real-world phenomena.

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Which of the following are identified as two of James Gleick's prominent international bestselling books?

Answer: *Chaos: Making a New Science* and *The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood*

Explanation: Two of James Gleick's seminal international bestsellers are *Chaos: Making a New Science*, published in 1987, and *The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood*, published in 2011. These volumes meticulously explore complex scientific and technological concepts.

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Approximately how many languages have James Gleick's books been translated into?

Answer: More than 30 languages

Explanation: James Gleick's literary works have been translated into more than thirty languages, a testament to their broad international appeal and readership.

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Which of the following works was influenced by James Gleick's *Chaos: Making a New Science*?

Answer: The play *Arcadia* by Tom Stoppard

Explanation: James Gleick's *Chaos: Making a New Science* is cited as an influence on the thematic content of Tom Stoppard's play *Arcadia*.

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Following the publication of *Chaos: Making a New Science*, what was one of James Gleick's subsequent projects?

Answer: He collaborated on a book with photographer Eliot Porter titled *Nature's Chaos*.

Explanation: Subsequent to the release of *Chaos*, James Gleick collaborated with photographer Eliot Porter on the volume *Nature's Chaos*. He also contributed to a software project titled *Chaos: The Software* developed with Autodesk. His subsequent literary endeavors included biographies of Richard Feynman and Isaac Newton.

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What subject is covered in James Gleick's 1992 biography *Genius*?

Answer: The life and scientific contributions of Richard Feynman

Explanation: Published in 1992, *Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman* is a comprehensive biography chronicling the life and scientific contributions of the eminent theoretical physicist Richard Feynman. The work also explores his distinctive personality.

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What is the central theme of James Gleick's 1999 book, *Faster*?

Answer: The increasing speed and acceleration of modern life

Explanation: James Gleick's 1999 book, *Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything*, investigates the pervasive increase in speed across various facets of contemporary life and technological advancement. It analyzes the societal and experiential impacts of this acceleration.

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Which historical figure is the subject of James Gleick's 2003 biography?

Answer: Isaac Newton

Explanation: James Gleick's 2003 biography centers on the profoundly influential English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, Isaac Newton. The book, *Isaac Newton*, meticulously examines the life and groundbreaking scientific achievements of this seminal figure in scientific history.

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What is the central theme explored in James Gleick's 2011 book, *The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood*?

Answer: The evolution and impact of information itself

Explanation: *The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood*, published in 2011, fundamentally explores the history and evolutionary trajectory of information itself. Its scope encompasses concepts ranging from the earliest forms of communication to contemporary digital information theory.

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What concept does James Gleick examine in his 2016 book, *Time Travel: A History*?

Answer: The cultural and scientific exploration of the concept of time travel

Explanation: In his 2016 publication, *Time Travel: A History*, James Gleick scrutinizes the concept of time travel as it has been conceptualized and explored throughout history, across scientific inquiry, and within cultural narratives. The work traces the evolution of this idea from its origins to its modern interpretations.

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James Gleick's 2003 biography focuses on which pivotal figure in scientific history?

Answer: Isaac Newton

Explanation: James Gleick's 2003 biography centers on the profoundly influential English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, Isaac Newton. The book, *Isaac Newton*, meticulously examines the life and groundbreaking scientific achievements of this seminal figure in scientific history.

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Professional Ventures and Recognition

James Gleick served as the first editor of the anthology series *The Best American Science Writing*.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick indeed served as the inaugural editor for the anthology series *The Best American Science Writing*.

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James Gleick was elected president of The Authors Guild in the year 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: James Gleick was elected president of The Authors Guild in 2017.

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James Gleick founded 'The Pipeline' primarily to develop advanced algorithms for search engines.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Gleick founded 'The Pipeline' as a reaction to a negative user experience with existing internet software, not primarily to develop algorithms for search engines.

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'The Pipeline', founded by James Gleick, was recognized as the first Internet Service Provider to offer a graphical user interface integrating multiple online services.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, 'The Pipeline' was recognized as an early Internet Service Provider that pioneered the integration of multiple online services via a graphical user interface.

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James Gleick sold his company 'The Pipeline' to the technology giant Microsoft.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Gleick sold his company 'The Pipeline' to PSINet in 1995, not to Microsoft.

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In what year was James Gleick elected president of The Authors Guild?

Answer: 2017

Explanation: James Gleick was elected president of The Authors Guild in 2017.

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What prompted James Gleick to found the Internet Service Provider 'The Pipeline'?

Answer: A negative user experience with existing internet software like 'procmail'

Explanation: James Gleick established 'The Pipeline' in 1993 as a direct response to his unsatisfactory user experience with the email configuration software 'procmail' provided by the internet service provider Panix. His aim was to engineer a superior online experience.

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What was a key innovation of 'The Pipeline' as an early Internet Service Provider?

Answer: It provided the first integrated graphical user interface for email, chat, Usenet, and the Web.

Explanation: Indeed, 'The Pipeline' was recognized as an early Internet Service Provider that pioneered the integration of multiple online services via a graphical user interface.

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To which company did James Gleick sell 'The Pipeline' in 1995?

Answer: PSINet

Explanation: James Gleick sold his company 'The Pipeline' to PSINet in 1995, not to Microsoft.

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Personal Life and Writing Style

On December 20, 1997, James Gleick was involved in an aircraft accident where ice build-up caused engine power loss.

Answer: True

Explanation: On December 20, 1997, James Gleick was involved in an aircraft accident attributed to engine power loss caused by ice build-up.

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The 1997 aircraft accident tragically resulted in the death of James Gleick's wife and serious injuries to himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1997 aircraft accident resulted in the death of James Gleick's eight-year-old son, Harry, and serious injuries to James Gleick himself. His wife was not involved in the accident.

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Peter Gleick, mentioned in the source, is identified solely as James Gleick's business partner in 'The Pipeline'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Peter Gleick is identified in the source material as James Gleick's brother, not solely as his business partner in 'The Pipeline'.

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What was the cause of the aircraft accident James Gleick was involved in on December 20, 1997?

Answer: Engine power loss due to ice build-up in the carburetor

Explanation: On December 20, 1997, James Gleick was piloting his Rutan Long-EZ experimental aircraft when ice build-up in the engine's carburetor caused a loss of power during the landing approach at Greenwood Lake Airport in New Jersey. The aircraft subsequently crashed short of the runway.

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What were the consequences of the 1997 aircraft accident for James Gleick and his family?

Answer: James Gleick sustained serious injuries, and his son died

Explanation: The aircraft accident resulted in the death of James Gleick's eight-year-old son, Harry, and serious injuries to James Gleick himself. His wife was not involved in the accident.

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According to the source, what is the relationship between James Gleick and Peter Gleick?

Answer: Peter Gleick is James Gleick's brother

Explanation: Peter Gleick is identified in the source material as James Gleick's brother, not solely as his business partner in 'The Pipeline'.

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