Maskelyne: Astronomer Royal by Rebekah Higgett
Nevil Maskelyne (1732-1811) was a hugely significant figure in the worlds of British science and maritime exploration. His high international standing and wide influence have in many ways been unfairly overlooked as his story has come to be dominated by his role in the campaign waged by John Harrison, the clockmaker, for a larger reward for his pioneering marine timekeepers. Maskelyne was, however, involved in all the key projects of eighteenth-century astronomy. These included ambitious expeditions to observe the transits of Venus, experiments designed to establish the shape and 'weight' of the Earth, the remaking of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and the survey of new lands on voyages of scientific exploration. The essays in this volume allow us to appreciate Maskelyne's role in these projects and to gain a new perspective on the decisions he made with the Board of Longitude. They reveal a conscientious individual, close to friends and family, with a deep sense of commitment to his work and those who depended on him for a living. These essays are written by experts in the history of science and the collections of the National Maritime Museum, which, along with the Royal Observatory, is now part of Royal Museums Greenwich. They give new insight into Maskelyne's world, looking at his interactions with colleagues, rivals and employees, and exploring the buildings in which he lived and worked.
'This book is beautifully produced, and despite the multitude of authors it hangs together nicelyIt's not really a biography of Maskelyne but perhaps better for that.' -- Ian Hopkinson Ian Hopkinson's website
Rebekah Higgitt is a lecturer in the history of science at the University of Kent, having been a curator at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and the National Maritime Museum for five years. She is fascinated by the history of the evolving relationship between science, government and the public. As well as having published academic works on the history of science, Rebekah writes regularly for the Guardian Science Blogs network. She is one of the curators working on a major exhibition on the story of longitude at the National Maritime Museum and is co-author of a book that accompanies the exhibition.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780719809125 |
| ISBN 10 | 0719809126 |
| Title | Maskelyne: Astronomer Royal |
| Author | Rebekah Higgett |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | The Crowood Press Ltd |
| Year published | 2015-02-01 |
| Number of pages | 208 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |