Goodricke's Time

by A.C. Theokas

What is the most important thing in life? Young John Goodricke was convinced he knew. This, and his genius, propelled him forward. Night sky observations made from a lonely garret window led to one of the most important naked eye discoveries in the history of astronomy, yet he remained unassuming and humble. He was also deaf.

Goodricke worked in late 18th century England. It may have been the height of the so-called Enlightenment, but prospects for the deaf were bleak in a society more callous than caring. His parents, however, were determined and placed him in the first school for the deaf in all Great Britain, setting him on the path to later pioneering work.

This is an historical novel, but not an alternate history. Goodricke's contemporaries such as William Herschel, Nevil Maskelyne, Samuel Johnson and others all play their part on the page as they did in life. It is a true tale of disability, dogged science and the conflict between solitude and loneliness we all carry within.

Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2018

About the author

A.C. Theokas has long been lured by the history of science. Through it we learn about great men and women who thought freely and, in doing so, went against convention. There is often great drama in this with compelling stories that follow such as John Goodricke’s. Theokas believes the best way to relate to the past is through historical fiction. If it is true that travel broadens the mind, then what are we to make of the notion that the past is a foreign country? How might we journey there? Museums or theme parks come to mind, but the more the past is appreciated for its own sake, the less real or relevant it becomes. It is literature that offers the more immersive experience. Theokas holds a doctorate in astronomy from The Victoria University of Manchester and studied urban design at Harvard University. In addition to residing in England for many years he has lived in the West Indies and West Africa. He has lectured in astronomy at Villanova University and Harvard College, has published numerous papers in professional journals and a non-fiction work by Liverpool University Press. Other historically themed titles on Lowell, Massachusetts and the island of Martha’s Vineyard are soon to be published by Fonthill Media. Goodricke’s Time is his first novel.