The Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy [Paperback]

This is a textbook on the history of astronomy focusing on the topics of prime importance.Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and one which has repeatedly led to fundamental changes in our view of the world and the sciences. This book covers the history of the subject from prehistory through to a survey of modern astronomy (sure to be of interest to future historians!). It does not attempt to cover everything, instead giving extended treatment to the important topics in the history of Western astronomy. This book is an essential text for students of the history of science, and excellent historical background for students of astronomy.Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and one which has repeatedly led to fundamental changes in our view of the world and the sciences. This book covers the history of the subject from prehistory through to a survey of modern astronomy (sure to be of interest to future historians!). It does not attempt to cover everything, instead giving extended treatment to the important topics in the history of Western astronomy. This book is an essential text for students of the history of science, and excellent historical background for students of astronomy.Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, and one which has repeatedly led to fundamental changes in our view of the world. This book covers the history of our study of the cosmos from prehistory to a survey of modern astronomy and astrophysics. It does not attempt to cover everything, but deliberately concentrates on the important themes and topics, including stellar astronomy in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries--the source of many important concepts in modern astronomy--and the Copernican revolution, which led to the challenge of ancient authorities in many areas other than astronomy. This is an essential text for students of the history of science and for students of astronomy who require a historical background to their studies.Preface; 1. Astronomy before history Clive RugglcÏ