Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Herschel's Exploration of the Cosmos: 1. The making of an astronomer; 2. Our neighbours among the stars; 3. The riddle of the nebulae: true nebulosity?; 4. The riddle of the nebulae: true nebulosity rejected; 5. The riddle of the nebulae: true nebulosity confirmed; 6. Retrospect: Herschel and the construction of the heavens; Part II. Herschel's Cosmological Papers in Philosophical Transactions: 7. 1783: 'On the proper motion of the sun and solar system'; 8. 1784: 'Observations tending to investigate the construction of the heavens'; 9. 1785: 'On the construction of the heavens'; 10. 1789: 'Remarks on the construction of the heavens'; 11. 1791: 'On nebulous stars'; 12. 1802: 'Remarks on the construction of the heavens'; 13. 1811: 'Observations relating to the construction of the heavens'; 14. 1814: 'Observations relating to the sidereal part of the heavens'; Index.

Promotional Information

A comprehensive study of William Herschel's pivotal discoveries, including an extensive biographical section, eight original papers and full notes.

About the Author

Michael Hoskin has taught history of astronomy at the University of Cambridge throughout his career, and has authored four previous books on the Herschels. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Doggett Prizewinner of the American Astronomical Society and Jaschek Prizewinner of the European Society for Astronomy in Culture. In acknowledgement of his contribution to astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has named a minor planet Hoskin.

Reviews

'This highly recommended book stands alone as an outstanding academic summary of Herschel's most important cosmological achievements.' Astronomy Now