History of Astronomy: An Encyclopedia (Garland Encyclopedias in the History of Science)
While there are several astronomy encyclopedias on the market (e.g., The Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992), this encyclopedia, which launches a new series from Garland, is the first devoted to the subject's historical aspects. It sets a very high standard for the volumes to come. Focusing on developments since the Scientific Revolution, the signed articles by 74 contributors (who read like a Who's Who of astronomy and space scholars) fall into five broad categories: an historical overview of astronomy, astronomy in national contexts (e.g., Chinese astronomy), the history of observatories, the social history of astronomy (e.g., Women in Astronomy), and biographies, with a special effort to avoid duplicating existing biographical encyclopedias. Recommendations for further reading are well chosen and current. An excellent and much-needed work; highly recommended. [Astronomy Book Club main selection.]?Donald Marion, Univ. of Minnesota Science & Engineering Lib., Minneapoli.-?Donald Marion, Univ. of Minnesota Science & Engineering Lib., MinneapolisCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.