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Product Identifiers

PublisherPrinceton University Press

ISBN-100691049181

ISBN-139780691049182

eBay Product ID (ePID)1754696

Product Key Features

Number of Pages528 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication NameHenry Norris Russell : Dean of American Astronomers

Publication Year2000

SubjectAstronomy, Science & Technology

TypeTextbook

AuthorDavid H. Devorkin

Subject AreaScience, Biography & Autobiography

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height1.5 in

Item Weight32.1 Oz

Item Length9 in

Item Width6 in

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Intended AudienceCollege Audience

LCCN99-059472

Reviews"DeVorkin's biography reveals how Russell used his talents, achievements, and connections to accelerate the integration of physical theory into American astrophysical practice. In doing so, it greatly enriches our understanding of several themes within the history of science. . . . DeVorkin's scholarship is truly impressive. This study will be mandatory reading for those in the history of modern astronomy, in the history of twentieth-century American science, and in scientific biography. In addition, it will find substantial readerships among practicing astronomers, Princeton alumni and faculty, and readers of American biography. I strongly recommend it." --Karl Hufbauer, author of Exploring the Sun: Solar Science since Galileo, "David DeVorkin's volume is surely the definitive biography of one of America's most important astronomers. It is a must-read for historians of astronomy, and it is more than that. In arguing for Henry Norris Russell's centrality to the development of modern astrophysics, DeVorkin constructs a sweeping map of intellectual and institutional change. This map is broad enough to interest any historian of twentieth-century science, but it contains some significant surprises for the specialist." --Joann Eisberg, Isis, "Eminently readable and full of insight, detailed yet raising many questions for future scholars, this is biography at its best . . . One might say it is a twin biography, the life of one man, and the lives of the starts, forever intertwined in history."-- Steven Dick, Physics World, Known as the General, Henry Norris Russell transformed American astronomy from a simple observation of the stars into a quest to understand the origins of the universe. This meticulous, scholarly biography traces Russell's development into an innovative astrophysicist even as he clung fiercely to his Presbyterian faith. ---Eric Powell, Discover, "A detailed technical history describing the major works of Russell, showing how his ideas interacted with, modified, and moulded contemporary astronomical thought."-- John A. Kennewell, The Physicist, "David DeVorkin has carried out a remarkably thorough search into both Russell's family life and his scientific accomplishments . . . This comprehensive biography should be of interest not only to historians of science and students of astronomy, but also to psychologists who might enjoy analyzing this brilliant, domineering personality."-- Dorrit Hoffleit, Nature, Filled with rich detail, DeVorkin's account sets a high standard for scholarly scientific biographies. ---Owen Gingerich, The New York Times Book Review, David DeVorkin's volume is surely the definitive biography of one of America's most important astronomers. It is a must-read for historians of astronomy, and it is more than that. In arguing for Henry Norris Russell's centrality to the development of modern astrophysics, DeVorkin constructs a sweeping map of intellectual and institutional change. This map is broad enough to interest any historian of twentieth-century science, but it contains some significant surprises for the specialist. ---Joann Eisberg, Isis, "DeVorkin has produced such a scholarly and thorough piece of work that it's hard to believe, at least from our standpoint, that this biography will ever be superseded."-- Alan Batten, Sky and Telescope, "DeVorkin's biography is easily the most authoritative work on Russell's science . . . It will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the major astronomical problems of the 20th century." --Gale E. Christianson, Physics Today, David DeVorkin has carried out a remarkably thorough search into both Russell's family life and his scientific accomplishments . . . This comprehensive biography should be of interest not only to historians of science and students of astronomy, but also to psychologists who might enjoy analyzing this brilliant, domineering personality., A fine portrait of Russell. The man emerges as a true transitional figure, a modern in a starched collar. ---Lawrence A Marschall, The Sciences, DeVorkin has produced such a scholarly and thorough piece of work that it's hard to believe, at least from our standpoint, that this biography will ever be superseded., "Known as the General, Henry Norris Russell transformed American astronomy from a simple observation of the stars into a quest to understand the origins of the universe. This meticulous, scholarly biography traces Russell's development into an innovative astrophysicist even as he clung fiercely to his Presbyterian faith."-- Eric Powell, Discover, "[An] ample, meticulously professional and expressive biography."-- Philip Morrison, American Scientist, "DeVorkin's biography is easily the most authoritative work on Russell's science . . . It will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the major astronomical problems of the 20th century . . ." --Gale E. Christianson, Physics Today, DeVorkin's biography is easily the most authoritative work on Russell's science . . . It will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the major astronomical problems of the 20th century. ---Gale E. Christianson, Physics Today, "A fine portrait of Russell. The man emerges as a true transitional figure, a modern in a starched collar."-- Lawrence A Marschall, The Sciences, "DeVorkin has produced such a scholarly and thorough piece of work that it's hard to believe, at least from our standpoint, that this biography will ever be superseded." --Alan Batten, Sky and Telescope, A detailed technical history describing the major works of Russell, showing how his ideas interacted with, modified, and moulded contemporary astronomical thought., "Known as the General, Henry Norris Russell transformed American astronomy from a simple observation of the stars into a quest to understand the origins of the universe. This meticulous, scholarly biography traces Russell's development into an innovative astrophysicist even as he clung fiercely to his Presbyterian faith." --Eric Powell, Discover, David DeVorkin has carried out a remarkably thorough search into both Russell's family life and his scientific accomplishments . . . This comprehensive biography should be of interest not only to historians of science and students of astronomy, but also to psychologists who might enjoy analyzing this brilliant, domineering personality. ---Dorrit Hoffleit, Nature, Eminently readable and full of insight, detailed yet raising many questions for future scholars, this is biography at its best . . . One might say it is a twin biography, the life of one man, and the lives of the starts, forever intertwined in history. ---Steven Dick, Physics World, It is clear that a tremendous amount of research has gone into the preparation of this biography, and the result is an unqualified success. . . . As one of the most important astronomers of the 20th century, Russell deserves a first-class biography. DeVorkin has provided it., "Filled with rich detail, DeVorkin's account sets a high standard for scholarly scientific biographies." --Owen Gingerich, The New York Times Book Review, [An] ample, meticulously professional and expressive biography. ---Philip Morrison, American Scientist, Known as the General, Henry Norris Russell transformed American astronomy from a simple observation of the stars into a quest to understand the origins of the universe. This meticulous, scholarly biography traces Russell's development into an innovative astrophysicist even as he clung fiercely to his Presbyterian faith., Eminently readable and full of insight, detailed yet raising many questions for future scholars, this is biography at its best . . . One might say it is a twin biography, the life of one man, and the lives of the starts, forever intertwined in history., It is clear that a tremendous amount of research has gone into the preparation of this biography, and the result is an unqualified success. . . . As one of the most important astronomers of the 20th century, Russell deserves a first-class biography. DeVorkin has provided it. ---Patrick Moore, Times Higher Education Supplement, "It is clear that a tremendous amount of research has gone into the preparation of this biography, and the result is an unqualified success. . . . As one of the most important astronomers of the 20th century, Russell deserves a first-class biography. DeVorkin has provided it." --Patrick Moore, Times Higher Education Supplement, "Eminently readable and full of insight, detailed yet raising many questions for future scholars, this is biography at its best . . . One might say it is a twin biography, the life of one man, and the lives of the starts, forever intertwined in history." --Steven Dick, Physics World, "David DeVorkin has carried out a remarkably thorough search into both Russell's family life and his scientific accomplishments . . . This comprehensive biography should be of interest not only to historians of science and students of astronomy, but also to psychologists who might enjoy analyzing this brilliant, domineering personality." --Dorrit Hoffleit, Nature, "A marvelous book, written about one of the history's greatest astronomers, and written by one of the greatest historians of astronomy. As Henry Norris Russell shaped modern astronomy a century ago, this book gives a valued glimpse into a time long gone. DeVorkin's thoroughly researched and beautifully written book brings the man, and his time, to life again." --David H. Levy, DeVorkin has produced such a scholarly and thorough piece of work that it's hard to believe, at least from our standpoint, that this biography will ever be superseded. ---Alan Batten, Sky and Telescope, A detailed technical history describing the major works of Russell, showing how his ideas interacted with, modified, and moulded contemporary astronomical thought. ---John A. Kennewell, The Physicist, "A detailed technical history describing the major works of Russell, showing how his ideas interacted with, modified, and moulded contemporary astronomical thought." --John A. Kennewell, The Physicist, "It is clear that a tremendous amount of research has gone into the preparation of this biography, and the result is an unqualified success. . . . As one of the most important astronomers of the 20th century, Russell deserves a first-class biography. DeVorkin has provided it."-- Patrick Moore, Times Higher Education Supplement, DeVorkin's biography is easily the most authoritative work on Russell's science . . . It will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the major astronomical problems of the 20th century . . ., "DeVorkin's biography is easily the most authoritative work on Russell's science . . . It will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the major astronomical problems of the 20th century . . ."-- Gale E. Christianson, Physics Today, "In the 1920s, Princeton astronomer Henry Norris Russell stood as a giant among his peers. At the vanguard of uniting modern physics with observation, he set the standard for astronomy for the twentieth century. In this masterful biography, noted historian David DeVorkin chronicles one of the most exciting eras in astronomical history and the man who was at its focal point. Combining meticulous research with a lucid prose, DeVorkin shows how an anxiety-ridden scholar, both savvy and ambitious, first revealed how stars are born, live, and die. An enthralling study of an astrophysicist's mind at work." --Marcia Bartusiak, author of Thursday's Universe and Through a Universe Darkly, "DeVorkin's work on Russell is an outstanding contribution to the history of modern astronomy and American science. In spite of its high scholarly level, it will make a good read for general readers as well as historians of science, astronomers, physicists, and others engaged in scientific work. It is the first biography of Henry Norris Russell, and as a contribution to the history of American astrophysics it is better than any other book I know of." --Helge Kragh, author of Quantum Generations, Honorable Mention for the 2000 Award for Best Professional/Scholarly Book in Biography, Association of American Publishers, David DeVorkin's volume is surely the definitive biography of one of America's most important astronomers. It is a must-read for historians of astronomy, and it is more than that. In arguing for Henry Norris Russell's centrality to the development of modern astrophysics, DeVorkin constructs a sweeping map of intellectual and institutional change. This map is broad enough to interest any historian of twentieth-century science, but it contains some significant surprises for the specialist., "[An] ample, meticulously professional and expressive biography." --Philip Morrison, American Scientist, "David DeVorkin's volume is surely the definitive biography of one of America's most important astronomers. It is a must-read for historians of astronomy, and it is more than that. In arguing for Henry Norris Russell's centrality to the development of modern astrophysics, DeVorkin constructs a sweeping map of intellectual and institutional change. This map is broad enough to interest any historian of twentieth-century science, but it contains some significant surprises for the specialist."-- Joann Eisberg, Isis, A fine portrait of Russell. The man emerges as a true transitional figure, a modern in a starched collar., "Filled with rich detail, DeVorkin's account sets a high standard for scholarly scientific biographies."-- Owen Gingerich, The New York Times Book Review, Filled with rich detail, DeVorkin's account sets a high standard for scholarly scientific biographies., "A fine portrait of Russell. The man emerges as a true transitional figure, a modern in a starched collar." --Lawrence A Marschall, The Sciences

Dewey Edition21

IllustratedYes

Dewey Decimal520/.92 B

Table Of ContentPREFACE xi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xvii CHAPTER 1 Religious Heritage 3 CHAPTER 2 Russell at Princeton 21 CHAPTER 3 Graduate Years: Entering the Profession 39 CHAPTER 4 Postdoctoral Years at Cambridge 51 CHAPTER 5 Return to a New Princeton 68 CHAPTER 6 Parallaxes, Pedagogy, and the Lives of the Stars: Russell's First Years on the Princeton Faculty 79 CHAPTER 7 Building a Life at Princeton 98 CHAPTER 8 Building a Case for Giants 106 CHAPTER 9 At the Theoretical Interface: Defending His Theory 121 CHAPTER 10 Shifting Allegiance 138 CHAPTER 11 The Great War: Transformations 153 CHAPTER 12 Russell's Turn to Mount Wilson 166 CHAPTER 13 Rationalizing Stellar Spectra 177 CHAPTER 14 "A Reconnaissance of New Territory" 199 CHAPTER 15 Princeton Astronomy in the 1920s 221 CHAPTER 16 Stellar Evolution 236 CHAPTER 17 Binary Stars and the Formation of the Solar System 257 CHAPTER 18 The Royal Road 273 CHAPTER 19 A Summer Place: The Lowell Observatory 292 CHAPTER 20 Influencing Institutions and the Profession 309 CHAPTER 21 Astronomical Isolationism 327 CHAPTER 22 Searching for a Replacement 339 CHAPTER 23 Russell's Universe 361 ABBREVIATIONS AND ARCHIVAL SOURCES 373 NOTES 377 GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS 449 BIBLIOGRAPHY 451 INDEX 479

SynopsisHenry Norris Russell lived in two universes: that of his Presbyterian forebears and that of his science. Sharp-witted and animated by nervous energy, he became one of the most powerful voices in twentieth-century American astronomy, wielding that influence in calculated ways to redefine an entire science. He, more than any American of his generation, worked to turn an observation-centered discipline into a theory-driven pursuit centered on physics. Today, professional and amateur astronomers alike know Russell for the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the playing field for much of stellar astrophysics, as well as for his work on the evolution of stars and the origin of the solar system. But of far greater importance than his own research, which was truly remarkable in its own right, is Russell's stamp on the field as a whole. Functioning as a "headquarters scientist"--some called him General--Russell was an astronomer without a telescope. Yet he marshaled the data of the Hales and the Pickerings of the world, injected theory into mainstream astronomy, and brought atomic physics to its very core, often sparking controversy along the way. His students at Princeton went on to populate the most prestigious astronomical institutions in the United States, bringing with them Russell's beliefs that astronomy is really astrophysics and that researchers should be theoretically as well as empirically minded. This first-ever book-length biography of the "Dean of American Astronomers" interweaves personal and scientific history to illuminate how Russell's privileged Presbyterian family background, his education at Princeton and Cambridge, and his personal inclinations and attachments both served and were at odds with his campaign to modernize astronomy. This book will be of interest not only to astronomers and historians (particularly those interested in the emergence of astrophysics), but to anyone interested in the process of disciplinary change.

LC Classification NumberQB36.R78D49 2000

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Henry Norris Russell : Dean of American Astronomers by David H. DeVorkin (2000, Hardcover)

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