Synopses & Reviews
This is a textbook on the history of astronomy focusing on the topics of prime importance.
Review
"...a serious one-volume history of astronomy, presenting a balanced view across its entire field of coverage....Hundreds of well-chosen illustrations make this volume a pleasure to read, browse through, or skim.... The price is right, too." ISIS"...the book has much to recommend it. The narrative is well written and engaging. The level of technical detail is not too daunting, considering the intended audience. There are many monchrome illustrations, most of which effectively augment the text..." Science Books &Films
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 341-346) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Astronomy before history Clive Ruggles and Michael Hoskin; 2 Astronomy in antiquity Michael Hoskin; 3. Astronomy in China Christopher Cullen; 4. Islamic astronomy Michael Hoskin and Owen Gingerich; 5. The Astrolabe Michael Hoskin; 6. Medieval Latin astronomy Michael Hoskin and Owen Gingerich; 7. From geometry to physics: astronomy transformed Michael Hoskin; 8. The refracting telescope in the seventeenth century J. A. Bennett; 9. Newton and Newtonianism Michael Hoskin; 10. The astronomy of the universe of stars Michael Hoskin; 11. The message of starlight: the rise of astrophysics David Dewhirst and Michael Hoskin; 12. Astronomy's widening horizons Michael Hoskin and Owen Gingerich; Reference Guide; Chronology; Glossary; Further reading; Picture acknowledgments; Index.