Book ID: CBB001422549

Maskelyne: Astronomer Royal (2014)

unapi

Higgitt, Rebekah (Editor)


Robert Hale


Publication Date: 2014
Physical Details: 328 pp.; ill.
Language: English

Nevil Maskelyne (1732-1811) was a hugely significant figure in the worlds of British science and maritime exploration. His high international standing and wide influence have in many ways been unfairly overlooked, as his story has come to be dominated by his role in the campaign waged by John Harrison, the clockmaker, for a larger reward for his pioneering marine timekeepers. Maskelyne was, however, involved in all the key projects of 18th-century astronomy. These included ambitious expeditions to observe the transits of Venus, experiments designed to establish the shape and weight of the Earth, the remaking of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and the survey of new lands on voyages of scientific exploration. The essays in this volume allow us to appreciate Maskelyne's role in these projects, and to gain a new perspective on the decisions he made with the Board of Longitude. They reveal a conscientious individual, close to friends and family, with a deep sense of commitment to his work and those who depended on him for a living. These essays are written by experts in the history of science and the collections of the National Maritime Museum, which, along with the Royal Observatory, is now part of Royal Museums Greenwich. They give new insight into Maskelyne's world, looking at his interactions with colleagues, rivals, and employees, and exploring the buildings in which he lived and worked.

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Reviewed By

Review Stephen Case (2016) Review of "Maskelyne: Astronomer Royal". Journal for the History of Astronomy (pp. 443-444). unapi

Review Dixon, John (2015) Review of "Maskelyne: Astronomer Royal". Endeavour: Review of the Progress of Science (p. 127). unapi

Review Hilster, Nicolàs de (2015) Review of "Maskelyne: Astronomer Royal". Mariner's Mirror (pp. 229-232). unapi

Citation URI
https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB001422549/

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Authors & Contributors
Schrimpf, Andreas
Barrett, Katy
Orchiston, Wayne
Waring, Sophie
Schiavon, Martina
Schaffer, Simon
Concepts
Astronomy
Longitude and latitude
Astronomical observatories
Travel; exploration
Venus
Navigation
Time Periods
18th century
19th century
20th century, early
Places
Great Britain
Germany
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Hawaii (U.S.)
United States
Sweden
Institutions
Great Britain. Board of Longitude
United States Naval Observatory
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Oxford University
Jesuits (Society of Jesus)
Cambridge University
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