The Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy

This is a textbook on the history of astronomy focusing on the topics of prime importance.

Michael Hoskin (Edited by)

9780521576000, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 March 1999

380 pages, 52 b/w illus.
24.6 x 18.9 x 2 cm, 0.67 kg

'… the book is well written, informative and interesting … it admirably lives up to its title. If you want a concise general history of astronomy, this is the book. It is readable, well written, and edited by a leader in the field.' Jon Reynolds, Journal of the British Astronomical Association

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and one which has repeatedly led to fundamental changes in our view of the world. This book covers the history of our study of the cosmos from prehistory through to a survey of modern astronomy and astrophysics (sure to be of interest to future historians of twentieth-century astronomy). It does not attempt to cover everything, but deliberately concentrates on the important themes and topics. These include stellar astronomy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, at the time subordinate to the study of the solar system, but the source of many important concepts in modern astronomy, and the Copernican revolution, which led to the challenge of ancient authorities in many areas, not just astronomy. This is an essential text for students of the history of science and for students of astronomy who require a historical background to their studies.

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.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]