Henry Norris Russell

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Synopsis:

Henry Norris Russell lived in two universes: that of his Presbyterian forebears and that of his science. Sharp-witted and animated by nervous energy, he became one of the most powerful voices in twentieth-century American astronomy, wielding that influence in calculated ways to redefine an entire science. He, more than any American of his generation, worked to turn an observation-centered discipline into a theory-driven pursuit centered on physics.

Today, professional and amateur astronomers alike know Russell for the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the playing field for much of stellar astrophysics, as well as for his work on the evolution of stars and the origin of the solar system. But of far greater importance than his own research, which was truly remarkable in its own right, is Russell's stamp on the field as a whole. Functioning as a "headquarters scientist"--some called him General--Russell was an astronomer without a telescope. Yet he marshaled the data of the Hales and the Pickerings of the world, injected theory into mainstream astronomy, and brought atomic physics to its very core, often sparking controversy along the way. His students at Princeton went on to populate the most prestigious astronomical institutions in the United States, bringing with them Russell's beliefs that astronomy is really astrophysics and that researchers should be theoretically as well as empirically minded.

This first-ever book-length biography of the "Dean of American Astronomers" interweaves personal and scientific history to illuminate how Russell's privileged Presbyterian family background, his education at Princeton and Cambridge, and his personal inclinations and attachments both served and were at odds with his campaign to modernize astronomy. This book will be of interest not only to astronomers and historians (particularly those interested in the emergence of astrophysics), but to anyone interested in the process of disciplinary change.

From the Inside Flap:

"A marvelous book, written about one of the history's greatest astronomers, and written by one of the greatest historians of astronomy. As Henry Norris Russell shaped modern astronomy a century ago, this book gives a valued glimpse into a time long gone. DeVorkin's thoroughly researched and beautifully written book brings the man, and his time, to life again."--David H. Levy

"In the 1920s, Princeton astronomer Henry Norris Russell stood as a giant among his peers. At the vanguard of uniting modern physics with observation, he set the standard for astronomy for the twentieth century. In this masterful biography, noted historian David DeVorkin chronicles one of the most exciting eras in astronomical history and the man who was at its focal point. Combining meticulous research with a lucid prose, DeVorkin shows how an anxiety-ridden scholar, both savvy and ambitious, first revealed how stars are born, live, and die. An enthralling study of an astrophysicist's mind at work."--Marcia Bartusiak, author of Thursday's Universe and Through a Universe Darkly

"DeVorkin's work on Russell is an outstanding contribution to the history of modern astronomy and American science. In spite of its high scholarly level, it will make a good read for general readers as well as historians of science, astronomers, physicists, and others engaged in scientific work. It is the first biography of Henry Norris Russell, and as a contribution to the history of American astrophysics it is better than any other book I know of."--Helge Kragh, author of Quantum Generations

"DeVorkin's biography reveals how Russell used his talents, achievements, and connections to accelerate the integration of physical theory into American astrophysical practice. In doing so, it greatly enriches our understanding of several themes within the history of science. . . . DeVorkin's scholarship is truly impressive. This study will be mandatory reading for those in the history of modern astronomy, in the history of twentieth-century American science, and in scientific biography. In addition, it will find substantial readerships among practicing astronomers, Princeton alumni and faculty, and readers of American biography. I strongly recommend it."--Karl Hufbauer, author of Exploring the Sun: Solar Science since Galileo

Bibliographic Details

Title: Henry Norris Russell
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication Date: 2000
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: new