Edwin Hubble: Mariner of the Nebulae

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University of Chicago Press, 1996 - Biography & Autobiography - 435 pages
In 1923 Edwin Hubble confirmed the existence of other galaxies. By the
end of the decade, he proved that the universe is expanding, thus laying
the very cornerstone of the big bang theory. A revealing portrait of a
scientific genius at work, this book also offers an incisive narrative
of the history of astronomy, and an evocation of what we see when gazing
at the stars.

"Highly entertaining. . . . Hubble may have been the most important
astronomer since Galileo. Perhaps since Copernicus."—Dick Teresi,
New York Times Book Review

"Hubble's own story has not been adequately told until now. . . . A
riveting portrait of a great scientist and a haunted man, and the best
look we are likely to have of the real Hubble."—Dennis Overby, Los
Angeles Times Book Review

"Displays remarkable strength in its steadfast balance and scrupulous
honesty. The greatness of the discoveries is set off against the
contrasting pettiness of the man."—Hans Christian von Baeyer,
Boston Sunday Globe

"Fascinating. . . . This is one of the most impressive scientific
biographies of recent years."—Kirkus Review, starred review

— "Notable Books for the Year 1995" selection, New York Times Book
Review

—"Best Books of 1995" selection, Library Journal

—Selected as one of the five best science books in 1995 by Carl Sagen,
Washington Post
 

Contents

Marshfield
3
An Awful Moment
21
A Thing So Outlandish
36
A Son of Queens
59
Heavens Gate
84
Reconnaissance
112
The Cosmic Archipelago
137
Uncharted Waters
152
Now Whom Do We Want to Meet?
249
Landlocked
273
Dark Passage
304
Home Is the Sailor
334
Epilogue
361
Notes and Abbreviations of Frequently Used Sources
367
Bibliography
397
Acknowledgments
403

Mariner of the Nebulae
178
Your Husbands Work Is Beautiful
203
Almost a Miracle
226

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