Benjamin Banneker Scientist and Mathematician

by Kevin Conley, Nathan Irvin Huggins (Editor)

A biography of the black tobacco farmer who taught himself math, astronomy, and clockmaking, became famous for his almanacs, and assisted in the original survey of Washington, D.C

Genres: Biography, History, African American

109 pages, Library Binding

First published November 1, 1989

Reviews

[Steven Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin Banneker was a free black born and raised in Maryland. He was a tobacco farmer who liked to tinker more than farm. He built a wooden clock in his spare time and it kept accurate time for 50 years. He lived a pretty solitary life until his 50s when the Ellicotts moved into the area. George Ellicott became a friend and loaned him instruments so Banneker could teach himself astronomy. Later, another Ellicott asked him to help survey the land for the new capital, Washington, D. C. In the 1790s, Banneker, again with help from the Ellicotts, published an almanac for about 5 years. He also carried on a correspondence with Thomas Jefferson where he chided him for continuing to hold on to slaves after he said "all men are created equal."
It is interesting to note that we would never have heard of Banneker if the Ellicott family had not happened to move nearby and take an interest in the clock he created. This is a good book for teens to help learn about this interesting man.

[Chris Bartal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting and well-written story. How Banneker's maternal grandparents met and married was perhaps as interesting as his own rise to fame. Perhaps Benjamin Banneker is best known for building an accurate wooden clock based on the internal movements of a pocket watch that a friend lent him in his twenties. But he learned how to use surveying and astronomical instruments in his forties, and later went on to help survey the 10-square mile area that would become the heart of our nation's capital. This book is well worth the quick read.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about one of the first free, black scientists during the early years after America gained independence from England. It was interesting that Banneker wrote to Thomas Jefferson and received a reply.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy introduction to astronomy by James ferguson
astronomy explained upon sir Isaac Newtons principles by James Ferguson
A complete system of astronomy by Charles leadbetter
Mayer's Tables by Charles Leadbetter

[Namiko]

It is a good book but I'm frustrated that there are some sections I cannot understand because of unfamiliar words. I think it is a little difficult for me.

However, I can see how great Benjamin Banneker is.