The Immortal Fire Within; The life and Work of Edward Emerson Barnard.

Cambridge:: Cambridge University Press, 1995., 1995. Large 8vo. xiv, 429, [1] pp. Illustrations, index. Black cloth, dust-jacket. Near fine. ISBN: 0521444896 First edition. "This, the first full-length biography of E.E. Barnard, tells the remarkable tale of endurance and achievement of one of the leading astronomers of the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Barnard scoured the heavens endlessly, leaving an astonishing legacy of observations -- of planets, satellites, comets, double stars, bright and dark nebulae, and globular clusters -- that make him one of the greatest observers of all time. / This book traces Barnard's life from impoverished origins to status as an internationally recognized astronomer. His success as a professional astronomer unfolds in 1842 as he discovers the fifth satellite of Jupiter (the first since Galileo) and pioneers wide-angle photography of the Milky Way, which leads to the recognition of dark nebulae--clouds of dust on the galactic plane. / Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book provides a complete history of Barnard's fascinating life and work, based largely on previously unpublished archival material, that will be of interest to astronomers and historians of science." [CUP] Also issued in paperback in 2007; this is the hardcover original issue. REVIEW: [1] ". . . Barnard's achievements are remarkable, and with this biography William Sheehan has given us the first detailed account of Barnard's step-by-step journey toward scientific prominence . . . .a well-written and meticulously researched biography that makes judicious use of voluminous archives. With its numerous photographs (including many of Barnard's own) it is a handsome and well-produced volume . . . .this biography recounts an inspiring example of what one individual can accomplish with hard work and dedication, against all odds. It is a lesson that should not go unheeded by students or professionals, even in the era of big science." Steven J. Dick, Science. [2] ". . . chock full of footnotes and contains an extensive bibliography. Sheehan's prose is eloquent and easily understandable to Astronomy readers. Barnard's photographs appear throughout, and Sheehan quotes frequently from Barnard's own papers. The Immortal Fire Within not only gives the reader a comprehensive overview of Barnard's life, but it also conveys a real feeling for what it was like to be an astronomer at the turn of the century, when the science was undergoing profound transformations." Robert Naeye, Astronomy.