The Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy
The Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy
Out of Print
Expertly written and lavishly illustrated, The Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy offers a unique account of astronomical theory and practice from antiquity to the present day. How did Moslems of the Middle Ages use astronomy to calculate the direction of Mecca from far-flung corners of the Islamic world? Who was the only ancient Greek to suspect that the earth might revolve around the sun? How did Christopher Columbus abuse his knowledge of a lunar eclipse predicted by an astronomical almanac? Packed with anecdotes and intriguing detail, this book describes how we observed the sky and interpreted what we saw at different periods of history; how this influenced our beliefs and mythology; and how great astronomers contributed to what we now know. The result is a lively and highly visual history of astronomy - a compelling read for specialists and non-specialists alike.
- The only authoritative illustrated guide to the history of astronomy
- Packed with intriguing details about astronomical discoveries of the past
- Science made accessible, with clear explanations of technical ideas
Reviews & endorsements
'… has the weight of authority you would expect from a combination of Cambridge University Press and an author who was formerly head of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science in Cambridge. Everything from Stonehenge to the Hubble Space Telescope, with potted biographies as well as great ideas, good illustrations, a useful glossary and a chronology.' Good Book Guide
'The Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy is a book that professional as well as amateur historians of science should have on their bookshelves … beautifully illustrated … You will find yourself sitting down to glance at this book and end up reading late into the night … well written and a wonderful source of information.' Raymond F. Haynes, Metascience
'… a hardbound book of such size and attractiveness for £25 is remarkable value … a volume that historians, librarians and enthusiasts will want to have within easy reach for many years to come.' P. D. Hingley, Astronomy and Geophysics
'… the best account of the history of astronomy in one volume to date.' Albert van Helden, Journal for the History of Astronomy
'The illustrations (both colour and black and white) are not only beautifully reproduced, but opportunity has been taken to use some which have never or rarely been seen before … This is a book that has been produced at a price that is very reasonable, and I would recommend it to all who have an interest in the history of astronomy.' A. J. Kinder, Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'… well written and a wonderful source of information.' AAHPSSS
'… a most useful and enjoyable book, published at what is, by present-day standards, a very reasonable price. Strongly recommended.' Sir Patrick Moore, Modern Astronomer
'… excellent book.' Martin Ince, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'… beautifully produced, sumptuously illustrated, well organised and accessible.' Allan Chapman, Astronomy Now
'This is a lavishly illustrated and well produced account of astronomical theory and practice from earliest times to the present day.' Aslib Book Guide
'Reading this excellent book will give everyone an understanding of how great scientists work and how their work has produced great astronomy.' Paul Murdin, Endeavour
'… this is a fine volume which treats its topics thoroughly and fills a niche in the current historical literature in astronomy. Considering some of the prices charged now for such books this can be regarded as a bargain and comes highly recommended.' Robert Argyle, The Observatory
Product details
January 1997Hardback
9780521411585
400 pages
261 × 210 × 33 mm
1.575kg
140 b/w illus. 60 colour illus.
Unavailable - out of print July 2003
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Astronomy before history Clive Ruggles and Michael Hoskin
- 2. Astronomy in antiquity Michael Hoskin
- Astronomy in China Christopher Cullen
- 3. Islamic astronomy Michael Hoskin
- The Astrolabe Michael Hoskin
- 4. Medieval Latin astronomy Michael Hoskin and Owen Gingerich
- 5. From geometry to physics: astronomy transformed Michael Hoskin
- The refracting telescope in the seventeenth century J. A. Bennett
- 6. Newton and Newtonianism Michael Hoskin
- 7. The astronomy of the universe of stars Michael Hoskin
- 8. The message of starlight: the rise of astrophysics David Dewhirst and Michael Hoskin
- 9. Astronomy's widening horizons Michael Hoskin and Owen Gingerich
- Chronology
- Glossary
- Further reading
- Index.
