Phenomena - by Giles Sparrow (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The Atlas Coelestis was first published in 1742. Its creator, Johann Doppelmayr, set out to record in it everything known about astronomy at the time, and so it covers constellations, planets, comets, moons, and more, in exquisite detail. Phenomena begins by introducing Doppelmayr's life and work, placing his extraordinary atlas in the context of the discoveries made during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment and highlighting the significance of its publication. The introduction will also include a timeline, noting all the key discoveries from ancient times through the Copernican Revolution to the publication of the atlas, and a dramatis personae, giving short bios of all the key players up to 1742, many of whom are referenced in the atlas. Phenomena then presents the thirty beautifully illustrated and richly annotated plates, covering all the fundamentals of astronomy, from the dimensions of the solar system to the phases of the moon, and from the constellations of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to the courses of comets. Each plate is accompanied by expert analysis from astronomer Giles Sparrow, who deftly explains Doppelmayr's references and renders this important cosmological work intelligible for a modern audience. The plates are then carefully deconstructed, isolating key stars, planets, orbits, and moons for in-depth explanation. A conclusion reflects upon the atlas's influence on the development of astronomy and traces the course of the science up to the present day. This elegant and comprehensive presentation intelligently expands Doppelmayr's work, creating a spectacular handbook to the cosmos"--

Book Synopsis

Lavishly illustrated volume revealing the intricacies of a 1742 map of the cosmos.

The expansive and intricate Atlas Coelestis, created by Johann Doppelmayr in 1742, set out to record everything known about astronomy at the time, covering constellations, planets, moons, comets, and more, all rendered in exquisite detail. Through stunning illustrations, historical notes, and scientific explanations, Phenomena contextualizes Doppelmayr's atlas and creates a spectacular handbook to the heavens.

Phenomena begins by introducing Doppelmayr's life and work, placing his extraordinary cosmic atlas in the context of discoveries made in the Renaissance and Enlightenment and highlighting the significance of its publication. This oversized book presents thirty beautifully illustrated and richly annotated plates, covering all the fundamentals of astronomy--from the dimensions of the solar system to the phases of the moon and the courses of comets. Each plate is accompanied by expert analysis from astronomer Giles Sparrow, who deftly presents Doppelmayr's references and cosmological work to a modern audience. Each plate is carefully deconstructed, isolating key stars, planets, orbits, and moons for in-depth exploration. A conclusion reflects on the development of astronomy since the publication of the Atlas and traces the course of the science up to the present day. Following the conclusion is a timeline of key discoveries from ancient times onward along with short biographies of the key players in this history.

Review Quotes

"The illustrations in Phenomena are exemplary pieces of draftsmanship, but slowing down to spend time with the text yields its own delights. Sparrow's descriptions are rich, filled with anecdotes and details that explore how astronomical findings progressed over time. Sparrow explains how theoretical models--like the idea that the cosmos forms a sphere that mirrors the sphere of Earth--came to be. . . . Sparrow's recounting opens a window into the past, tracing how researchers communicated with each other and how knowledge slowly disseminated across countries and continents. . . . Phenomena demonstrates that using 'visual splendour' in conveying scientific arguments can be both effective and inspiring, but the question for twenty-first century cartographers is how it can be appropriately used today."-- "Cartographic Perspectives"

"Produced in large format, Phenomena is a visual tour de force, with cloth binding, sturdy paper, beautiful colour illustrations, clear printing, and golden-lettered text on the spine and front and back covers. . . The quality of the production is first rate, and it has much to offer to readers interested in astronomical and celestial cartographic history. . . I wholeheartedly recommend it for readers interested in learning more about Doppelmayr's Atlas Coelestis."-- "IMCOS Journal"

"Mathematician, astronomer and cartographer Johann Doppelmayr created his largely forgotten celestial atlas in Germany in 1742. This magnificent book showcases its illustrations, with formidable explanatory text by astronomer Giles Sparrow and foreword by UK astronomer royal Martin Rees."-- "Nature"

"In his new book Phenomena, Giles Sparrow presents Doppelmayr's thirty Atlas Coelestis plates in vivid, large format reproductions that are then extensively annotated to provide the modern reader with an understanding of not only what the Atlas conveyed to the readers of its day but also the significance of this information understood from our own modern day perspective. . . For anyone interested in the history of astronomy, cartography, or of early modern science in general, as well as all who relish the opportunity to spend time with a truly gorgeous book, this new presentation of Doppelmayr's Atlas is a book well worthy of consideration."-- "The Well-read Naturalist"

"Lovers of antiquarian science will
welcome the publication of this meticulously crafted edition of Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr's Celestial Atlas, first printed in 1742. . . Bound in heavy boards with handsome marbled end papers, this is a book of enduring appeal."-- "Natural History"

"It seems something of a disservice to a work of this seriousness to say how beautiful it is, but that is what will first strike the reader. . . . This is a book ultimately as accessible to the non-scientist as it is to the specialist. Doppelmayr's mathematical notations of the motions of the planets, the charts of loops, parabolas and ellipses might at first seem a baffling panorama of unknowing. With Sparrow's help, however, they give up a story of increasing fascination."
-- "Spectator"

About the Author

Giles Sparrow is an author, editor, and consultant specializing in popular science, astronomy, and space technology. His books include The Stargazer's Handbook, Physics in Minutes: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, and The Cosmic Gallery: The Most Beautiful Images of the Universe.