Edwin Hubble: Mariner of the Nebulae - Softcover

Christianson, Gale E.

3.84

50 ratings by Goodreads

9780226105215: Edwin Hubble: Mariner of the Nebulae

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226105210 ISBN 13: 9780226105215

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1996

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In 1923 Edwin Hubble confirmed the existence of other galaxies. By the
end of the decade, he proved that the universe is expanding, thus laying
the very cornerstone of the big bang theory. A revealing portrait of a
scientific genius at work, this book also offers an incisive narrative
of the history of astronomy, and an evocation of what we see when gazing
at the stars.

"Highly entertaining. . . . Hubble may have been the most important
astronomer since Galileo. Perhaps since Copernicus."—Dick Teresi,
New York Times Book Review

"Hubble's own story has not been adequately told until now. . . . A
riveting portrait of a great scientist and a haunted man, and the best
look we are likely to have of the real Hubble."—Dennis Overby, Los
Angeles Times Book Review

"Displays remarkable strength in its steadfast balance and scrupulous
honesty. The greatness of the discoveries is set off against the
contrasting pettiness of the man."—Hans Christian von Baeyer,
Boston Sunday Globe

"Fascinating. . . . This is one of the most impressive scientific
biographies of recent years."—Kirkus Review, starred review

— "Notable Books for the Year 1995" selection, New York Times Book
Review

—"Best Books of 1995" selection, Library Journal

—Selected as one of the five best science books in 1995 by Carl Sagen,
Washington Post

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Review:

Prior to Hubble, the universe was known to consist solely of the stars in the Milky Way and believed to be relatively stable in size. But because of Hubble's discoveries, we now know that the universe consists of an unimaginably large number of galaxies (containing Carl Sagan's beloved "billions and billions . . ." of stars) and that this unimaginably large universe is continually expanding. In this first serious biography of Hubble, Christianson deals both with the enormous importance of these discoveries and, paradoxically, the apparent unimaginably small-spirited and petty nature of the man himself. Highly Recommended.

About the Author:

Gale E. Christianson is a Guggenheim fellow and professor of history at Indiana State University.

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