Table of Contents

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: an Introduction Virginia Trimble; An introduction to The Dyer's Hand Jesse L. Greenstein; A historical introduction to The Dyer's Hand Peggy A. Kidwell; A personal recollection Katherine Haramundanis; The Dyer's Hand: an autobiography Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; Dedication; Foreword; Part I. The Vision Splendid: 1. Backgrounds; 2. Beginnings; 3. Prelude to education; 4. Birth of a dream; 5. Dramatic interlude; 6. The dream fulfilled; 7. Pathway to the stars; Part II. The Light Of Common Day: 8. England and the United States; 9. Harvard College Observatory; 10. The cradle of astrophysics; 11. Harlow Shapley; 12. Stellar atmospheres; 13. Spectra and luminosities; 14. Editorial experiences; 15. Visiting astronomers; 16. At the cross roads; Part III. The Dyer's Hand Subdued: 17. Turning point; 18. Prolegomena to various stars; 19. International problems; 20. End of an era; 21. Retrospect; Part IV. Reflections: 22. On being a woman; 23. Science and myth; 24. Worlds not realized; Bibliography of works by Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; Postlude; Index.

Promotional Information

Scientific and personal autobiography of the greatest woman astronomer of all time. The most famous graduate from Newnham College.

Reviews

'The book artfully records a life of warmths and delight won against obsessive, powerful but pervasive forces. The record has a value beyond its period and circle. This is a chronicle of affirmation and hope, a near-poetic witness to a burst of profound discovery insufficiently recognised.' Philip Morrison, Scientific American 'The book is an unalloyed joy, full of wisdom and delight. The fun, rewards and challenge of astronomy spark from every page. So does the humanity of Payne-Gaposchkin. My advice is simple - read this book, by the end you will feel as though you have been in the company of the great.' David Hughes, New Scientist 'The stunningly moving memoir of this remarkable figure ... brings home to me directly and personally the tragedy of the invisibility of women's lives.' Evelyn Fox Weller, The Woman's Review of Books '[Payne-Gaposchkin] did not receive fair treatment in her career, but this book is testement to her dogged persistence.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association '... this book is to be highly recommended.' Irish Astronomical Journal 'I encourage you to read the book, as it is a source of inspiration for any weary astronomer.' The Observatory