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Miss Leavitt's Stars

The Untold Story of the Woman Who Discovered How to Measure the Universe
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Miss Leavitt's Stars tells the story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, an overlooked pioneer whose discovery provided the "yardstick" for measuring the universe. Despite her crucial role in astronomy, Leavitt worked unrecognised as a calculator at Harvard Observatory, earning wages comparable to textile mill workers. George Johnson reveals her neglected history and significant scientific contributions.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in the history of science, women in STEM, and astronomy enthusiasts seeking inspiring biographies.

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"A short, excellent account of [Leavitt’s] extraordinary life and achievements." β€”Simon Singh, New York Times Book Review

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

George Johnson brings to life Henrietta Swan Leavitt, who found the key to the vastness of the universe in the form of a "yardstick" suitable for measuring it. Unknown in our day, Leavitt was no more recognised in her own: despite her enormous achievement, she was employed by the Harvard Observatory as a mere number-cruncher, at a wage not dissimilar from that of workers in the nearby textile mills.

Miss Leavitt's Stars uncovers her neglected history.

Series: Great Discoveries

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  • Miss Leavitt's Stars
    George Johnson brings to life Henrietta Swan Leavitt, who found the key to the vastness of the universe in the form of a "yardstick" suitable for measuring it. Unknown in our day, Leavitt was no more recognised in her own: despite her enormous achievement, she was employed by the Harvard Observatory as a mere number-cruncher, at a wage not dissimilar...
    Paperback
    $2899
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Illuminating, writes Richard Panek in the New York Times. Scientific American praises Johnson's grace in reviving Leavitt's life alongside clear explanations of complex science. Timothy Ferris calls it an elegant and absorbing account of a major cosmic discovery, while Laurence Marschall notes Johnson's skill in portraying Leavitt's patience that ignited astronomical creativity.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780393328561

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 June 2006

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 164g

Pages: 176

About the Author

George Johnson, an award-winning science journalist, is the author of several books, most recently The Cancer Chronicles and Strange Beauty. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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