The Telescope: A Short History - Hardcover

Richard Dunn

3.66

32 ratings by Goodreads

9781906367046: The Telescope: A Short History

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1906367043 ISBN 13: 9781906367046

Publisher: National Maritime Museum, 2009

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This book offers an overview of the history of the telescope which burst onto the world stage four centuries ago. It traces the development from its invention in the Netherlands in 1608 to its everyday usage in the modern world, both on earth and beyond. Along the way we enter the world of the innovators and adventurers who helped shape the story, discovering how Galileo used the telescope to create his reputation as one of the great scientists of all times, what Isaac Newton was doing with arsenic and why the most advanced telescopes owe so much to the science of spying. But the real excitement in this book lies in the less familiar stories; you should expect to find out about the dangers of termites, some imaginative uses of a well . . . and a Model T Ford. The important development of the telescope as a modest hand-held device, and its impact on culture and society is covered with as much enthusiasm and interest as the well-known stories of scientific ingenuity. � Published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the telescope � Written by the curator of the history of navigation at the National Maritime Museum � First book to examine the social and cultural impact of the telescope, as well as the technological developments

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Review:

The telescope s long evolution to massive radio arrays on Earth and Hubble in space is stylishly narrated in this beautifully produced and illustrated book --The Guardian

A simple instrument, at least to begin with, that transformed our perception of the world . . . and beyond. Richard Dunn's brief history of the Telescope is, quite literally, eye-opening. --Classic FM

About the Author:

Richard Dunn trained as a historian of science and has published on subjects including navigation, astrology, scientific instruments and museums. As Curator of the History of Navigation at the National Maritime Museum, he currently works in a superb office in the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

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