Goodricke's Time

What is the most important thing in life? Young John Goodricke was convinced he knew. This, and his genius, propelled him forward. Night sky observations made from his lonely garret window led to one of the most important naked eye discoveries in all of astronomy, yet he remained unassuming and humble. He was also totally deaf.

Goodricke lived and worked in late 18th century England. This may have been the peak of the so-called Enlightenment, but prospects for the deaf were bleak in a society more callous than caring. His parents, however, were determined and found him a place in the first school for the deaf in all Great Britain, setting him on the path to later pioneering work.

This is an historical novel, but not an alternate history. Well known contemporaries of Goodricke such as William Herschel, Nevil Maskelyne, Samuel Johnson and others all play their part on the page as they did in life. It is a true tale of disability, dogged science and the conflict between solitude and loneliness we all carry within.

A. C. Theokas has published non-fiction as well as articles and papers in numerous scientific journals. He holds a doctorate in astronomy from the University of Manchester in England with a speciality in binary stars. This is his first novel.