Mask of the Sun

The Science, History and Forgotten Lore of Eclipses

John Dvorak

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Paperback

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English

Pegasus
10 April 2018

Mathematics & Sciences; Astronomy, space & time

"What do Emily Dickinson, slave revolts, Babylonian Kings, and Monticello all have in common? A solar eclipse. Whether it was deciding on the location of a grand home (or castle), inspiring poetry, timing battles and revolts, or planning expeditions, eclipses have inspired fear and fascination. Solar eclipses allowed Ptolemy to determine the length of the Mediterranean and helped Einstein establish his General Theory of Relativity. Preliterate societies recorded eclipses on turtle shells found in ""The Wastes of Yin"" and on the Mayan ""Dresden Codex."" Eclipses were later instrumental in the creation of longitude and allowed Hubble to understand the expansion of the Universe (and disprove another theory of Einstein's in the process). John Dvorak, the acclaimed author of Earthquake Storms and The Last Volcano, examines this amazing phenomena and reveals the humanism behind the science. With insightful detail and vividly accessible prose, he provides explanations as to how and why eclipses occur—as well as insight into the eclipse of 2017, which was visible across North America."

By: John Dvorak
Imprint: Pegasus
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 224mm, Width: 142mm, Spine: 23mm
Weight: 318g
ISBN: 9781681776682
ISBN 10: 1681776685
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 10 April 2018
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for Mask of the Sun: The Science, History and Forgotten Lore of Eclipses

Inspiring. -- Scientific American [praise for John Dvorak] Unarguably the best, the most comprehensive, and compellingly readable book about the great fault that will one day affect all our lives. -- Simon Winchester, New York Times bestselling author [praise for John Dvorak] Dvorak is a great storyteller with a keen eye for details. His descriptions of the intense heat almost singe the page. Riveting. -- The Wall Street Journal [praise for John Dvorak] This book provides an excellent overview of how eclipses work and how people have interpreted them through time. Dvorak explains complex scientific ideas succinctly and clearly without resorting to formula or jargon. Furthermore, he does an excellent job of conveying the wonder of eclipses, describing both their historical-cultural value and the inspirational effect they have on people. A splendid introduction to all aspects of eclipses; for all readers interested in science. -- Library Journal (starred)