The Astronomer and the Countess: A Novel of Intrigue at the Forefront of Science [Paperback]

A question posed by a charming Countess sets Philip Frobisher, a Harvard astronomer, on a quest to make a more important contribution to science and society. Anna Grad, a talented Harvard student, interns in Washington for a Senator known for his opposition to science and finds herself caught up in the intrigues of astro-politics playing out in Cambridge, Normandy, Washington, Prague and St. Petersburg. A light-hearted look at the goings-on at the frontiers of science, politics, and romance, described by an irreverent participant.Peter Foukal has 50 years of experience in research and teaching at Caltech and Harvard, and as CEO of the high-tech firm Cambridge Research and Instrumentation, Inc. His publications include cover articles in Science, Nature, and Scientific American and the textbook Solar Astrophysics.

... very well written and easy to read. Neil Sheeley, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

This novel invites readers to experience an inside view of how science in and out of the Ivy League works all while following a suspenseful story. Gerald North, Distinguished University Professor, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

This is a charming novel set in the life of an astrophysicist. Readers are treated to beautiful descriptions of meetings, towns particularly Pragueand thought provoking ideas. Zdenka Smith, NOAA Space Weather Predictions Center (ret), Boulder, CO