Great Astronomers
Robert Stawell Ball
Read by MaryAnn
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)
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
Pteryx Karma
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
Billfilson
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?
Enjoyable
Now I need to find more like this one
Great Astronomers
Olddurro
A useful introduction. Beautifully read.
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
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!