Fire in the Sky: Comets and Meteors, the Decisive Centuries, in Art and Science
Editorial Reviews
Review
'... an intriguing book ... it is beautifully and profusely illustrated ... As a text, this book is not only eminently readable, erudite and full of insight, but also skilfully weaves together the conversion of comets from mere celestial wanderers to objects of considerable astrophysical interest, the development of the public's interest in comets, and the advances in art as paintings and prints eventually competed with chromolithographs and photographs. The authors and publishers must be congratulated on bringing this fascinating symbiosis between science, politics and art to the attention of a wider public.' David Hughes, New Scientist
'My first reaction to this book ... was 'What a fascinating subject!'; my second to admire the apparent thoroughness and scholarship with which the authors had approached their interdisciplinary subject, and the delightful way in which the publishers had enabled them to illustrate their chosen field in a comprehensive manner.' A. D. Morrison-Low, The Observatory
' ... this book's biggest attraction is not this monochrome fare but the lavish meal of full-colour images it contains'. History of Science
Book Description
Fire in the Sky collects many representations of comets and meteors in Britain during the eighteen and nineteenth century when a large number of works inspired by these celestial objects were produced. Over 100 photographs--and two sections of luscious color plates--beautifully portray the inspired output of some of the world's most talented artists, fully capturing the phenomenon that obsessed not only a nation but an era as well. Olson and Pasachoff reveal the many different ways that comets and meteors have appeared in paintings and literature and link these works to the achievements of British science in the wake of Newton and Halley. They also examine the different symbolism that writers and artists have attached to these spectacular objects. Throughout, Fire in the Sky conveys how the development of new technologies, and the burgeoning interest of the general public in science and art, dovetailed with an interest in nature and a strong literary tradition of comet and meteor symbolism. Beautifully illustrated and packed with engaging stories, this book will delight anyone with an interest in the art and astronomy of comets.
Fire in the Sky: Comets and Meteors, the Decisive Centuries, in Art and Science,Roberta J. M. Olson,Jay M. Pasachoff,Cambridge University Press,0521663598,Astronomy - General,European,History,Science,Science/Mathematics,Art treatments & subjects,Art, British--18th century,Cosmology & the universe,Science / Astronomy
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