Great Astronomers


Read by MaryAnn

(4.8 stars; 48 reviews)

Of all the natural sciences there is not one which offers such sublime objects to the attention of the inquirer as does the science of astronomy. From the earliest ages the study of the stars has exercised the same fascination as it possesses at the present day. Among the most primitive peoples, the movements of the sun, the moon, and the stars commanded attention from their supposed influence on human affairs.

From the days of Hipparchus down to the present hour the science of astronomy has steadily grown. One great observer after another has appeared from time to time, to reveal some new phenomenon with regard to the celestial bodies or their movements, while from time to time one commanding intellect after another has arisen to explain the true import of the facts of observations. The history of astronomy thus becomes inseparable from the history of the great men to whose labours its development is due. In the ensuing chapters we have endeavoured to sketch the lives and the work of the great philosophers, by whose labours the science of astronomy has been created. (from the Introduction)

(9 hr 15 min)

Chapters

Preface and Introduction 11:49 Read by MaryAnn
Ptolemy 35:38 Read by MaryAnn
Copernicus 18:47 Read by MaryAnn
Tycho Brahe 28:20 Read by MaryAnn
Galileo 43:26 Read by MaryAnn
Kepler 28:17 Read by MaryAnn
Isaac Newton 44:32 Read by MaryAnn
Flamsteed 22:34 Read by MaryAnn
Halley 38:43 Read by MaryAnn
Bradley 21:50 Read by MaryAnn
William Herschel 23:48 Read by MaryAnn
Laplace 21:20 Read by MaryAnn
Brinkley 21:24 Read by MaryAnn
John Herschel 37:02 Read by MaryAnn
The Earl of Rosse 21:32 Read by MaryAnn
Airy 21:52 Read by MaryAnn
Hamilton 51:52 Read by MaryAnn
Le Verrier 33:02 Read by MaryAnn
Adams 29:42 Read by MaryAnn

Reviews

(5 stars)

The reader is by far the best I've ever heard. Pronunciation perfect, Voice exquisite. Pk Sydney Australia

More book read by this wonderful reader

(5 stars)

Beautifully read by Mary Ann. It was a pleasure to listen to her voice. Her clarity and expression was remarkable. This book has filled in the important history of many great mathematicians and what had driven them to fullfill their passions. Astronomy has been a continuing interest of mine since my childhood this book has reignited my interest. I look forward to more Librivox book on these topics. (preferably read my by my favourite reader Mary Ann Spiegel)

Who will be added to the list next?

(5 stars)

Now I need to find more like this one

Great Astronomers

(5 stars)

A useful introduction. Beautifully read.

(5 stars)

Most excellent history of the works of our past astronomers. Mary Ann is a pleasure to listen to and never seems to faulter on any of the terminology.

Good book, great reading

(5 stars)

The book is very detailed and contains mainly biography with a smaller amount of scientific advancements. The book often alludes to the discovery but spares the details of it. I've listened to dozens of Librivox recordings and Mary Ann is by far the greatest. She captures the authors emotion. This book contains many Latin, French, and other foreign quotes which the she pronounces without missing a beat. Great work!