On June 6; 1761; the world paused to observe a momentous occasion: the first transit of Venus between the Earth and the Sun in more than a century. Through that observation; astronomers could calculate the size of the solar system—but only if they could compile data from many different points of the globe; all recorded during the short period of the transit. Overcoming incredible odds and political strife; astronomers from Britain; France; Russia; Germany; Sweden; and the American colonies set up observatories in the remotest corners of the world; only to be thwarted by unpredictable weather and warring armies. Fortunately; transits of Venus occur in pairs; eight years later; they would have another opportunity to succeed. Chasing Venus brings to life the personalities of the astronomers who embarked upon this complex and essential venture and paints a vivid portrait of the collaborations; the rivalries; and the volatile international politics that hindered them at every turn. Thanks to these scientists; neither our conception of the universe nor the nature of scientific research would ever be the same.
#32536 in Books Vintage 2012-10-02 2012-10-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.17 x 1.56 x 6.13l; 2.20 #File Name: 0307475530800 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A gem of a bookBy D.V. KOKKINOSThe author with an integrity and honesty rare in a military historian;since most of them fight alongside their nation's soldiers when writing;and with great sensitivity and admirable perception manages to both unveil the human aspect of the war and also analyse strategic situations.decisions taken courses selected and effects of chosen options with very circumspect treatment of " what if?" type of questions.All this is delivered with an elegance of style;Doric in its expression ; and a sequencing of events that keeps a keen interest in the reader.away from enthusiastic hyperboles Hastings provides a fair and sober assessment of options ;decisions and their impact on events in a reasonable and reasoned prose without verbosityIt is not an academic work. It is much more;it is a single volume masterpiece of the 2nd WW history to be enjoyed by both academic and laymanIf you read only one book about this war this is it.D.V. Kokkinos1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great!By AnotherJimPage turner; believe it or not. Unbiased history (the US did not win the war; but was indispensable to those who did). Thorough one-volume treatment with views of those at the top and the bottom.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A thorough evaluation of the human aspects of WWII.By Judith BatesMore than just a summary of critical WWII events; the author offers evaluations of leaders and their motivations. He also provides many aspects of history that I had not previously read. A good example is the revolt of the Indian troops when the Japanese attacked Singapore. He also brings out the clash of Roosevelt's harassment of Churchill over the British ideal of Imperialism while the U.S. continues to strongly condone racial segregation. Excellent comparisons of individual countries contributions; suffering and losses are noted as well as underlying conflicts that emerge during the war and immediately after. A good example is the treatment of Indian troops and civilians and the loss of over a million due to starvation. A very interesting read especially if you have read many other authors on WWII.
