This comprehensive Encyclopedia covers the full history of astronomy from its ancient origins in Africa, South America, the Middle East and China to the latest developments in astrophysics and space-based research. The initial articles, which are largely organised chronologically, are followed by numerous thematic historical articles on the constituents of the Solar System, types of stars, stellar evolution, active galaxies, cosmology and much more. These are followed by articles on tools and techniques, from the history of spectroscopy to adaptive optics. The last part of the Encyclopedia is devoted to the history of ground- and space-based telescopes and observatories, covering the full spectral range from gamma-rays through the optical waveband to radio waves. Informative and accessibly written, each article is followed by an extensive bibliography to facilitate further research, whilst consistent coverage from ancient times to the present makes this an ideal resource for scholars, students and amateur astronomers alike.

This Encyclopedia offers a comprehensive guide to the history of astronomy and astrophysics from ancient times to the present day.

About the Author
David Leverington has held a number of senior positions in the space industry, working for both the European Space Agency and British Aerospace. He is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and author of A History of Astronomy from 1890 to the Present (1996), New Cosmic Horizons: Space Astronomy from the V2 to the Hubble Space Telescope (2000) and Babylon to Voyager: A History of Planetary Astronomy (2003).

Reviews
'There are few volume[s] as comprehensive as this one - even fewer that embrace the whole history of astrophysics ... Invaluable ... A balance has been achieved between timeline history and highlighting key advances - the effect being that the reader has time for reflection and original thought. I expect no revised edition for at least ten years and hereby rename the book: Leverington's History of ...' Ian Wellend, Astronomy Now
'The presentation of the material is logical; easy access to content is possible via a detailed table of contents, and indexes ... Highly recommended. Especially valuable for lower-level undergraduates, upper-level graduates, and general readers.' J. M. Scaramozzino, Choice
'A great deal of solid research has gone into this volume, which offers a good, no-nonsense, factual reference on the history of astronomy. I recommend it particularly as a guide to modern space-based astronomy, on which Leverington has gathered much information that would be time-consuming to find elsewhere.' Lee MacDonald, Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'... a well-written volume. Recommended for libraries without comparable works or looking for a single volume on the history of astronomy and astrophysics.' Kevin McDonough, Reference Reviews
'... this is something of a tour de force by the author, which should be welcomed on the shelves of institutional libraries and all those interested in our science alike.' David Stickland, The Observatory



Book Information
ISBN 9780521899949
Author David Leverington
Format Hardback
Page Count 530
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 2000g
Dimensions(mm) 287mm * 222mm * 30mm