The Comet Sweeper (Icon Science): Caroline Herschel's Astronomical Ambition (Icon Science)

by Claire Brock

0 ratings • 0 reviews • 0 shelved
Book cover for The Comet Sweeper (Icon Science)

Bookhype may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.

Having escaped domestic servitude in Germany by teaching herself to sing, and established a career in England, Caroline Herschel learned astronomy while helping her brother William, then Astronomer Royal.



Soon making scientific discoveries in her own right, she swept to international scientific and popular fame. She was awarded a salary by George III in 1787 - the first woman in Britain to make her living from science.



But, as a woman in a male-dominated world, Herschel's great success was achieved despite constant frustration of her ambitions. Drawing on original sources - including Herschel's diaries and her fiery letters - Claire Brock tells the story of a woman determined to win independence and satisfy her astronomical ambition.

  • ISBN10 1785781669
  • ISBN13 9781785781667
  • Publish Date 5 January 2017
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country GB
  • Imprint Icon Books
  • Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
  • Pages 304
  • Language English