The Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy

by Edited by Michael Hoskin

• ISBN13: 9780521576000
• ISBN10: 0521576008
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-03-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

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 to a survey of modern astronomy and astrophysics. It does not attempt to cover everything, but deliberately concentrates on the important themes and topics, including stellar astronomy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries--the source of many important concepts in modern astronomy--and the Copernican revolution, which led to the challenge of ancient authorities in many areas other than 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.

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.