The Immortal Fire Within
The Immortal Fire Within
$37.00
USDThis first full-length biography of Edward Emerson Barnard tells the remarkable tale of endurance and achievement of one of the leading astronomers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. As "a man who was never known to sleep", Barnard scoured the heavens endlessly, leaving an astonishing legacy of observations that make him one of the greatest observers of all time. This book traces Barnard's life from impoverished origins to status as an internationally recognized astronomer. His success as a professional astronomer unfolds in 1842 as he discovers the fifth satellite of Jupiter (the first since Galileo) and pioneers wide-angle photography of the Milky Way, which leads to the recognition of dark nebulae--clouds of dust on the galactic plane. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book provides a complete history of Barnard's fascinating life and work, based largely on previously unpublished archival material, that will be of interest to astronomers and historians of science.
- A full-length biography of one of the greatest observational astronomers of all time, based largely on material that was previously unpublished
- Well illustrated throughout with many rare photographs, including some of Barnard's historic wide-field photographs of comets and the Milky Way
- Both a complete biography of Barnard's life and work, and an unusual insight into the astronomers and observatories of his time
Reviews & endorsements
"...Barnard's achievments are remarkable, and with this biography William Sheehan has given us the first detailed account of Barnard's step-by-step journey toward scientific prominence....a well-written and meticulously researched biography that makes judicious use of voluminous archives. With its numerous photographs (including many of Barnard's own) it is a handsome and well-produced volume....this biography recounts an inspiring example of what one individual can accomplish with hard work and dedication, against all odds. It is a lesson that should not go unheeded by students or professionals, even in the era of big science." Steven J. Dick, Science
"...chock full of footnotes and contains an extensive bibliography. Sheehan's prose is eloquent and easily understandable to Astronomy readers. Barnard's photographs appear throughout, and Sheehan quotes frequently from Barnard's own papers. The Immortal Fire Within not only gives the reader a comprehensive overview of Barnard's life, but it also conveys a real feeling for what it was like to be an astronomer at the turn of the century, when the science was undergoing profound transformations." Robert Naeye, Astronomy
"...provides a complete history of Barnard's fascinating life and work, based largely on previously unpublished archival material, that will be of interest to astronomers and historians of science." Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society
"...This is a gold mine for anyone with a taste for astronomy's historical highlights." New Scientist
"Amply illustrated, this book fills a gap in the astronomical literature. Although this work may be read by the general reader, amateur astronomers and college students could be inspired by Barnard's life and work. Strongly recommended..." K. Larsen, Choice
"A mastery of archival sources and a deft literary style, and the result is a biography the eny of professional historians." Ronald Kline, Isis
Product details
November 2007Paperback
9780521046015
444 pages
241 × 172 × 21 mm
0.719kg
64 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Key to abbreviations in notes
- 1. Through rugged ways
- 2. Ardent and faithful work with a telescope
- 3. Mars
- his moons and his heavens
- 4. A seeker of comets
- 5. Vanderbilt astronomer
- 6. In the realm of the nebulae
- 7. Go west, young man!
- 8. Hanging fire
- 9. On Mt. Hamilton
- 10. A year of wonders
- 11. The young rebel
- 12. 'I am tired here'
- 13. Immortality
- 14. Travels and travails
- 15. Barnard and Mars
- 16. Nature's true artisan
- 17. A tide in his affairs
- 18. Yerkes observatory
- 19. Disappointments and triumphs
- 20. The comet and Milky Way photographs
- 21. Comet tales
- 22. Observer of all that shines - or obscures
- 23. Eclipse and decline
- 24. Ad astra
- Index.
