Discoverers of the Universe

"The Herschels, claims Hoskin, were foremost in changing the view of the universe from a static, mechanical creation to that of a living, changing cosmos... Drawing from William's papers, as well as journals and autobiographies penned by Caroline, Hoskin relates the fascinating story of a man who pursued his passion and left a large legacy to science, and the sister who abandoned a singing career to familial obligations, which in time produced rewards for her as well."--Publishers Weekly "The fascinating story of how the Herschels ventured to Slough and beyond is told well in this book written for the general reader by Michael Hoskin."--Peter Rodgers, Nature "In this joint biography, written with the cooperation of the Herschel family, historian of astronomy Michael Hoskin portrays the siblings' shared passion for the night sky, and the triumphs and pitfalls of their work. Using an amateur telescope, the pair charted thousands of stars and nebulae in catalogues that are still used today."--Nature "[Hoskin brings] the Herschels to life against the background of late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century society in England... This is an elegant and enjoyable book that will delight equally readers who have no background in astronomy and those who think they already know about the Herschels."--John Gribbin, Literary Review "This is very readable and deeply informed."--Steven Carroll, The Age "Brisk and engagingly written... [Hoskin is] such an experienced historian of astronomy that his account and evaluation of the Herschels' technical progress within that discipline is unrivalled."--William Poole, Times Higher Education "Fascinating... A very highly readable account of the Golden Age of British astronomy, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in getting a look at just how those astronomers of yore operated."--David Dickinson, Astroguyz "An amazing book... Although everyone interested in astronomy should read this book, you will love it because it takes readers back in time to visit the Herschels and witness their interactions with people ranging from the king to commoners."--Dr. Milton Friedman, Montgomery News "All in all I found this a great read, and Michael Hoskin is to be congratulated for producing a volume that gives us far more than a mere scientific or technical account of the Herschels. This fascinating book deserves to be on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the history of astronomy."--Wayne Orchiston, Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage "This is a charming book... It is also beautifully produced with quality illustrations throughout to complement the text. I could not recommend it more highly. Read it and you will never again be able to read or hear the name 'Herschel without recalling the vivid characters it depicts."--Jacqueline Mitton, Journal of the British Astronomical Association "Hoskin provides a comprehensive scientific and social biography of siblings William and Caroline Herschel, told with a liveliness that often reads like a novel... Amateur astronomers of today should find inspiration in this work."--Choice "This splendid account brings the characters to life and will be enjoyed by anyone with the remotest interest in the history of science, and even those who just like a good story."--David Stickland, Observatory "Hoskin's sympathetic and balanced portrait of this remarkable family is a culminating lesson from a Cambridge don: science is composed of equal parts passion and hard work, while great contributions require openness to the evidence, even when it contradicts the prevailing view. This book will interest amateur stargazers, scientists, those interested in women's history and 18th-century English life, and anyone who has gazed in wonder at the night sky."--Susan Meadows, Santa Fe New Mexican Pasa Tiempo "

Michael Hoskin is fellow of Churchill College at the University of Cambridge, where he lectured in the history of astronomy from 1959 until his retirement in 1988, and founding editor of the "Journal for the History of Astronomy". His books include "The Herschel Partnership as Viewed by Caroline" and "The Cambridge Illustrated History of Astronomy".

List of Illustrations vii Preface ix The Herschel Family xiii Prologue ? August 1772: The Partnership Convenes 1 Chapter 1: 1707-1773: A Musician's Odyssey 6 Chapter 2: 1773-1778: Vocations in Conflict 28 Chapter 3: 1779-1781: An Enthusiasm Shared 44 Chapter 4: 1781-1782: Royal Patronage 57 Chapter 5: 1782-1783: "Astronomer to his Majesty" 69 Chapter 6: 1783-1785: The Construction of the Heavens 82 Chapter 7: 1782-1790: "One of the Greatest Mechanics of his Day" 108 Chapter 8: 1786-1788: "Gold Can Glitter as Well as the Stars" 129 Chapter 9: 1788-1798: "Noble and Worthy Priestess of the New Heavens" 138 Chapter 10: 1788-1810: "The Most Celebrated of All the Astronomers of the Universe" 146 Chapter 11 ? 1792-1822: The Torch is Handed On 158 Chapter 12 ? 1822-1833: John's "Sacred Duty" 186 Chapter 13 ? 1833-1848: "The Completion of My Father's Work" 197 Abbreviations 209 Notes 211 Bibliographic essay 223 Further Reading 225 Index 229