Items related to The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy...
Synopsis
Surveys the evaluation of man's scientific knowledge regarding the theories and principles of astronomy
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review
The story of our relationship with the stars and their celestial cousins is long, involving, and full of surprises. The Fabric of the Heavens, by science historians Stephen Toulmin and June Goodfield, outlines thinking about astronomy and dynamics from "pretheoretical" Babylonian times to the Newtonian revolution that seeded our modern conceptions of space. Fully integrating the two cultures of science and the humanities, the authors find evidence of new thinking in Milton's writing and medieval tapestries, as well as in classic scientific and prescientific works. Using language that is beautiful, compelling, and precise, they trace the threads of history that are woven into today's science (which, they predict, will find itself woven into something even more startlingly unrecognizable in years hence).
Why were the ancients so fascinated by the sky and stars? Interestingly, it seems that their concerns were mostly practical; theological significance took longer to attach itself to the patterns up above. Agricultural and navigational concerns, once resolved, gave way to deeper philosophical, mythological, and religious curiosity--which used the mathematical tools of its predecessors to great effect. The lives and works of Aristotle, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton are all thoroughly explored, and it is easier to see the continuity between them and their contemporaries in the breadth of this writing. Published in 1962, The Fabric of the Heavens was one of the first postmodern studies of the development of physical science; even were it not such a pleasure to read, it would still merit careful study. --Rob Lightner
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Search results for The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy...
Stock Image
The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy and Dynamics
Published by
Harpercollins College Div, 1979
ISBN 10: 0061305790
ISBN 13: 9780061305795
Used
Paperback
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.72. Seller Inventory # G0061305790I3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy and Dynamics
Published by
Harpercollins College Div, 1979
ISBN 10: 0061305790
ISBN 13: 9780061305795
Used
Paperback
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.72. Seller Inventory # G0061305790I5N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy and Dynamics
Published by
Harpercollins College Div, 1979
ISBN 10: 0061305790
ISBN 13: 9780061305795
Used
Paperback
Seller: Early Republic Books, Hopatcong, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: G. G TRADE-PAPERBACK. Seller Inventory # 88998
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy and Dynamics
Published by
Harper & Row, Publishers, 1965
ISBN 10: 0061305790
ISBN 13: 9780061305795
Used
Paperback
Seller: George Cross Books, Lexington, MA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Reprint edition. Good/Wraps (35306) . Trade paperback, good condition, w. ltly rubbed wraps--a few lt marks. Sme Lt tanning on r. Remainder hole on fr--also on first 10 pp. Ltly bumped sp ends, sme lt wear at sp edges, ltly bumped corners. Sme v. lt edgwr at fr edge fr wrap. Smwht tanned p. edges, ltly tanned ins wraps. Ltly tanned pp. O/w cln, tight, unmarked. 285. Seller Inventory # 35306
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy and Dynamics
Published by
Harpercollins College Div, 1979
ISBN 10: 0061305790
ISBN 13: 9780061305795
Used
Softcover
Seller: Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Used - Like New. Near fine. Paperback. 1979. Originally published at $14. Seller Inventory # W132657
Quantity: 20 available
Stock Image
The Fabric of the Heavens: The Development of Astronomy and Dynamics Toulmin, Stephen Edelston
Published by
Harpercollins College Div, 1979
ISBN 10: 0061305790
ISBN 13: 9780061305795
Used
Paperback
Seller: GridFreed, North Las Vegas, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. Collectible good with some wear, please inquire for details. Seller Inventory # 20-07645
Quantity: 1 available