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richardrbecker's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
5.0
David Barron uses the total solar eclipse of 1878 (not 2024) as a metaphor for change in a country recovering from a Civil War and anxious to find its footing on the world's scientific stage. He notes many changes were taking place in America, from the final days of the frontier to the first semblance of women's suffrage and the eventual emergence of a new empire.
In doing so, he captures American adventurism as eclipse chasers head west, alone or in tight groups. Many of them hold a renowned place in history, including James Craig Watson, E.L. Trouvelot, Maria Mitchell, and, of course, Thomas Edison. While all of them had their own agendas — from looking for a new planet to testing a new invention that could potentially measure the heat from the sun to proving women had a place in astronomy — they all share a certain tenacity to brave uncertain weather conditions, Native Americans, and the wild west, complete with train robberies.
Barron covers it all, revealing a passion for American history as much as his modern enthusium for witnessing a total eclispe. More than that, his words are infectious, encouraging us all on to set three minutes aside to see this remarkable phenononon first hand not matter where in the world it might happen next. He rightly shares that in such moments, we come to terms with the vastness of the universe. And, although not meaning too, he conveys how we come to terms with the vastness of time as well — as they are one in the same.
Expect to learn about much more than one star. This book is five stars.
In doing so, he captures American adventurism as eclipse chasers head west, alone or in tight groups. Many of them hold a renowned place in history, including James Craig Watson, E.L. Trouvelot, Maria Mitchell, and, of course, Thomas Edison. While all of them had their own agendas — from looking for a new planet to testing a new invention that could potentially measure the heat from the sun to proving women had a place in astronomy — they all share a certain tenacity to brave uncertain weather conditions, Native Americans, and the wild west, complete with train robberies.
Barron covers it all, revealing a passion for American history as much as his modern enthusium for witnessing a total eclispe. More than that, his words are infectious, encouraging us all on to set three minutes aside to see this remarkable phenononon first hand not matter where in the world it might happen next. He rightly shares that in such moments, we come to terms with the vastness of the universe. And, although not meaning too, he conveys how we come to terms with the vastness of time as well — as they are one in the same.
Expect to learn about much more than one star. This book is five stars.
badseedgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I was fortunate enough to live just a couple hours from the path of totality of what is being called 2017 Great American Eclipse, and was even more fortunate to have a Mom who lived in the path so I had a convenient place to stay. I purchased nd read this book to give me a better idea of what I could look forward to. Although I did learn a whole lot about eclipses, what I enjoyed most about this book was how very difficult women scientist of the time had it. I mean it really sucked being a female scientist in the 1800's. I found it amazing and informative.
And the eclipse was amazing. I was able to view the wonder of God's work with my own eyes. It made feel both insignificant and consequential at the same time. As an added bonus, I was able to experience it with most of my family.
And the eclipse was amazing. I was able to view the wonder of God's work with my own eyes. It made feel both insignificant and consequential at the same time. As an added bonus, I was able to experience it with most of my family.
waynediane's review against another edition
3.0
Somewhat, a timely book in that the eclipse is coming next month. The amazing thing about this story is what was going on in 1876. As usual women are place as second place delicate objects not taken seriously. A college did a study to see if women going to college would adversely affect their physical stature and cognitive stamina: Whoo thank god they came out okay.
Edison and Watson lots of patents/inventions with much astronomy for the time period. Enjoyable, I would afford 3.5 stars for this read.
Edison and Watson lots of patents/inventions with much astronomy for the time period. Enjoyable, I would afford 3.5 stars for this read.
jamonbread's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Wonderful narrative of an American eclipse, following the different threads of people and demonstrating how they come together and stand apart adds quite a bit of intrigue for a story on its outset about a phenomena that lasts 3 or so minutes. I was reminded of the devil in the white city.