A History of Astronomy from Thales to Kepler

by John Louis Emil Dreyer

A masterpiece of historical insight and scientific accuracy, this is the definitive work on Greek astronomy and the Copernican Revolution. Beginning with the ancient Egyptians, it ranges from the Pythagoreans and Plato to medieval European and Islamic cosmologies, concluding with detailed surveys of the works of Copernicus, Brahe, and Kepler.

Genres: Science, History, Astronomy, Philosophy, Nonfiction, History Of Science

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Markus Himmelstrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this overview of the history of astronomy and it is at its best when Dreyer diverges from the most influential men of astronomy and deals with the (in the grand scheme of things) more minor parties to the development (and retrogression) of astronomy.

As a complementary reference work to course literature, I think this book is quite good and if I ever take a formal course on the history of astronomy there are great quotes.

On the whole, however there is nothing special with this particular overview that elevates it above or below many others hence the judgment is great but does not leave you with the sense of having read anything special.

I was at the time of reading also more interested in methods over results and while there are well-described anecdotes such as about sighting of Canopus in Rhodes is evidence of a spherical earth -- overall the book is focused on Ideas; when they enter the historical record and how they developed over time.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used this in my masters, there are earlier editions. Good read.

[Eric Sowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It's a bit older, but I don't know of a newer one that covers all that it discuss. It really made me appreciate the difficulty of the science of astronomy, and the book itself is a great example of solid, detailed work.

[Daniel S. Flamarich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously a bit outdated, but worth a try if you like not only astronomy, but history also.