On June 3; 1769; the planet Venus briefly passed across the face of the sun in a cosmic alignment that occurs twice per century. Anticipation of the rare celestial event sparked a worldwide competition among aspiring global superpowers; each sending their own scientific expeditions to far-flung destinations to time the planet's trek. These pioneers used the “Venus Transit†to discover the physical dimensions of the solar system and refine the methods of discovering longitude at sea. In this fast-paced narrative; Mark Anderson reveals the stories of three Venus Transit voyages--to the heart of the Arctic; the New World; and the Pacific#151that risked every mortal peril of a candlelit age. With time running out; each expedition struggles to reach its destination—a quest that races to an unforgettable climax on a momentous summer day when the universe suddenly became much larger than anyone had dared to imagine.The Day the World Discovered the Sun tells an epic story of the enduring human desire to understand our place in the universe.
#2311557 in Books Jason H Silverman Samuel N Thomas Beverly G Evans 2002-07 2002-07-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .69 x 5.98l; .95 #File Name: 0306811472216 pagesISBN13: 9780306811470Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Review
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful. An engaging read and scholarly soundBy Jason GI purchased this book a few weeks back because it was written by one of my favorite college professors and advisor; Dr. Silverman at Winthrop; hoping the book would be as good as his lectures. I was not disapointed.For someone unitiated to the life of General Evans; like myself; the narrative portions of the book gave a real feel for his times and motivations. The battle descriptions are certainly more than who moved his forces where and such. A real sense of the character of Gen. Evans and how his leadership style meshed with the flow of the Confederate Army opened up to me the depth of the military action and struggle of battles; like Manassess; that I am already familiar with.Letting the participants speak for themselves through their own personal letters is well done; especially since the narrative flows well with the letters.Again; the only complaint would be the lack of maps; other than that this is a fine read for the general reader and for those concerned with the details of the Civil War and Confederate leadership.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Disapointed!By R. Scott PearsonI had read many short exploits on "Shanks" and was really excited to read a full book on his exploits. This book however proved disapointing. I never got the feel for his true personality. The author states that he was "honored" with a position in the Dragoons after West Point. The dragoons were where bottom of the barrel for West Point grads. Later on he's a Major on one page then a Colonel on the next page. It's not until 4-5 pages later are we informed that he was promoted. Many times during a battle the reader is left scratching his head asking what happened. The detail of a movement is described and the next thing you know the battle was over. What happened?I've read over 63 Civil War biographies and was disapointed in this one.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The partial rehabilitation of an historical drunkBy DickStanley.Evans has long been derided as one of the great insubordinate drunks of the war; a sort of Jubilation T. Cornpone who advanced as well as retreated. So it's good to see Silverman demonstrate how at least some of the drinking reputation was the backstabbing of jealous rivals. And that the insubordination was not frivolous. Indeed; Evans's refusal to retreat in the face of superior force; as Beauregard had ordered; and instead attack; made him the unsung hero of First Manassas/Bull Run.The book also will be useful for such as finally explaining why Evans withdrew his brigade south from Leesburg against Beauregard's orders four days before the October 1861 Battle of Leesburg/Ball's Bluff. Silverman says Evans had word that the Federals intended to flank him from the Aldie turnpike south of the town.The only low point for me was the author's pedestrian writing. The interesting defense of an historically-maligned hero is unfortunately more dryly journalistic than a good historical narrative ought to be. Especially when the author has access; as Silverman does; to previously unknown family and professional correspondence.
