Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
An Autobiography and Other Recollections

Scientific and personal autobiography of the greatest woman astronomer of all time. The most famous graduate from Newnham College.

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (Author), Katherine Haramundanis (Edited by), Jesse Greenstein (Introduction by), Virginia Trims (Introduction by), Peggy Kidwell (Introduction by)

9780521483902, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 March 1996

300 pages, 15 b/w illus.
21.9 x 14.6 x 2.2 cm, 0.48 kg

'I encourage you to read the book, as it is a source of inspiration for any weary astronomer.' The Observatory

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin became acclaimed in her lifetime as the greatest woman astronomer of all time. Her own story of her professional life, work and scientific achievements is augmented by the personal recollections of her daughter, Katherine Haramundanis, as well as a scientific appreciation by Jesse Greenstein, a historical essay by Peggy Kidwell and, in this new edition, an introduction by Virginia Trimble. Payne-Gaposchkin's overwhelming love for astronomy was her personal guiding light, and her attitude and approach have lessons for all. She received many prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to science and in 1956 became the first woman to be advanced to the rank of Professor at Harvard University, as well as being the first woman departmental chair. This book will interest both astronomers and those studying the advancement of the position and status of women in society.

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: an Introduction Virginia Trimble
An introduction to The Dyer's Hand Jesse L. Greenstein
A historical introduction to The Dyer's Hand Peggy A. Kidwell
A personal recollection Katherine Haramundanis
The Dyer's Hand: an autobiography Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Dedication
Foreword
Part I. The Vision Splendid: 1. Backgrounds
2. Beginnings
3. Prelude to education
4. Birth of a dream
5. Dramatic interlude
6. The dream fulfilled
7. Pathway to the stars
Part II. The Light Of Common Day: 8. England and the United States
9. Harvard College Observatory
10. The cradle of astrophysics
11. Harlow Shapley
12. Stellar atmospheres
13. Spectra and luminosities
14. Editorial experiences
15. Visiting astronomers
16. At the cross roads
Part III. The Dyer's Hand Subdued: 17. Turning point
18. Prolegomena to various stars
19. International problems
20. End of an era
21. Retrospect
Part IV. Reflections: 22. On being a woman
23. Science and myth
24. Worlds not realized
Bibliography of works by Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Postlude
Index.

Subject Areas: Biography: historical, political & military [BGH]