Edwin Hubble: Mariner of the Nebulae

by Gale E. Christianson

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

Genres: Biography, Astronomy, Science, Nonfiction, History Of Science, Space, History

435 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

About the author

Gale E. Christianson is retired from Indiana State University, where he served as Distinguished Professor of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of History. He is a Guggenheim Fellow, a Huntington Library Fellow, and the recipient of numerous other grants and awards. Christianson lives in Terre Haute, where he continues to research and write.

Reviews

[Duane Nickell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of Hubble. Well-written and very readable, although I should mention that I have a degree in astronomy. Non-scientists should have very little trouble with this book; it is a popular biography, not a scientific treatise. My only mild criticisms: 1. There's a bit too much information on the family at the beginning; and 2. There's a little too much on Hubble's social life near the end. Nevertheless, I could hardly put the book down!

[Rob Sedgwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is out of print I think (I read it on Open Library), but doesn't deserve to be if it is, being a solid biography of America's foremost astronomer of the 20th century. It's always difficult in science biographies to get the right balance between the person and the science, but this is about right for me.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a complete but fairly impersonal account of the great astronomer's life. I was very disappointed to see a major factual misstep in the first half of the book - a reference to the "permanently dark side" of the Moon.

[Irvin Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book by my former professor.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history of astronomy and celebrity social life of 20's and 30's.

[Philip Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating to see all that is involved in the making of the person and scientific advances.

[Jonathan Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography that tells about both the man and his work. Really great read.