Books in the Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy series

Touching on optics, gravity, trigonometry and a host of other astronomical ideas, this collection of ten lectures was originally written for the young women under the tutelage of the author. Although the practice of introducing girls to science was controversial, the work was published in 1797 to wide acclaim.

Joseph Harris (c.1704-64) was an astronomer and teacher of navigation who published a number of books on scientific subjects. Reissued in its first edition, this 1731 popular introduction to the solar system and the use of astronomical apparatus, such as globes and orreries, went through fourteen printings by 1793.

Both an amateur astronomer and a strongly religious man, Thomas Wright (1711-86) is known for his description of the Milky Way as disc-shaped. The various claims he made, based on a combination of his observations and his religious beliefs, are given in this illustrated and influential work of 1750.

In this 1874 monograph, James Nasmyth (1808-90) and James Carpenter (1840-99) look closely at the lunar surface, illustrating their work with photographs of accurate plaster models. Among the topics discussed are the possibility of a lunar atmosphere, life on the moon, and the probable causes of its craters.

Irish mathematician and astronomer Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840-1913) excelled in writing for a general readership. Including star charts, maps of the moon, and concise, non-technical explanations of basic terms, this highly illustrated introduction to astronomy was originally published in 1905.

In this entertaining and highly illustrated history of the Royal Observatory, first published in 1900, astronomer Edward Walter Maunder (1851-1928) explores the departments of the institution and the lives of its Astronomers Royal, illuminating the fabulous and often overlooked advances made there since its founding in the seventeenth century.

Spherical astronomy is concerned with the location of objects on the celestial sphere. In this technical introduction to the subject, first published in 1908 and intended for advanced students, Sir Robert Stawell Ball (1840-1913) goes through the subject systematically, including exercises derived from contemporary Cambridge examinations.

Including a biography and a wealth of previously unpublished material, this two-volume collection of papers by the astronomer William Herschel (1738-1822) first appeared in 1912. Volume 2 contains his later work, from studies of Saturn and the moons of Uranus to his final observations.

Including a biography and a wealth of previously unpublished material, this two-volume collection of papers by the astronomer William Herschel (1738-1822) first appeared in 1912. Volume 1 contains his earlier work, from the discovery of Uranus to observations relating to the likelihood of life on the Moon.

James Ferguson (1710-1776) was a Scottish self-taught astronomer, instrument-maker and artist. He was particularly famous for his clear explanation of scientific subjects. This autobiography, expanded by Ebenezer Henderson and published in 1867, contains details of many of his inventions and improvements of those of others.

Astronomer J. P. Nichol (1804-59), Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University of Glasgow, brings the discovery of Neptune, the first planet to be revealed by mathematical prediction rather than empirical observation, to a popular audience in this book, first published in 1855.

John Flamsteed (1646-1719), the first Astronomer Royal, complied a 'Catalogue of British Stars' but quarrelled with Newton and Halley over his failure to publish it. In 1835 Francis Baily (1774-1844) published Flamsteed's edited papers, with a revised version of the catalogue, rehabilitating his reputation and promoting observational astronomy.

Astronomical guides were available in the early nineteenth century, but it was rare to find examples in English since most came from the continent. This two-volume work by the astronomer William Pearson (1767-1847) sought to rectify the problem. First published in 1829, Volume 2 focuses on descriptions of useful equipment.

Astronomical guides were available in the early nineteenth century, but it was rare to find examples in English since most came from the continent. This two-volume work by the astronomer William Pearson (1767-1847) sought to rectify the problem. First published in 1824, Volume 1 includes extensive tables and instructions.

The Concise Knowledge Astronomy, published in 1898, was one of a series of popular reference books by experts. Illustrated by over 100 photographs and drawings, the book aims to provide the educated non-specialist reader with an understanding of current astronomical knowledge and theories, including a historical outline of astronomy.

A fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a pioneer in modern astronomy, Isaac Roberts made significant advances in the field of stellar photography. This second volume of Photographs of Stars, published in London in 1899, contains 29 plates of stars, and his conclusions about their origins and nature.

A fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a pioneer in modern astronomy, Isaac Roberts made significant advances in the field of stellar photography. This first volume of Photographs of Stars, published in London in 1893, contains 51 collotype plates of stars, and descriptions of his instruments and methods.

The distinguished astronomer Edwin Dunkin published The Midnight Sky in 1869 and is best known for this classic work of Victorian popular astronomical writing. It includes material from Dunkin's famous articles describing the London midnight sky during each month of the year, and over 90 star maps and engravings.