The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began (Hardcover)

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Key Phrases: great auroral exhibition, magnetic crusade, solar photography, Royal Society, Royal Astronomical Society, Astronomer Royal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this well-researched and very well-written book, Clark tells the embattled, little-known history of modern astronomy, a spry tale full of intrigue, jealousy, spite, dedication and perseverance. Peopled with a large, colorful cast, author and editor Clark (Journey to the Stars) delivers a tale rich in conflict and passion, beginning with William Herschel, an 18th century pioneer of telescope construction, who sets the status quo when he's ridiculed for discovering a relation between sunspot activity and grain harvests. In the 19th century, Clark covers a period of "deep crisis for British science," which saw the Astronomer Royal, George Biddell Airy, do all he could to suffocate solar research in England because he couldn't believe "in any link beyond mere sunlight between the Sun and Earth." Naturally, Airy couldn't stop progress, and solar observation continued through the 19th century under the direction of Greewich Observatory's Walter Maunder; in the 20th century, Clark describes the work of George Hale, instigator of the research that would eventually vindicate old Herschel by showing a profound correlation between sunspots and agricultural production; in the present, Clark considers the success and legacy of space-based observatories (SOHO and STEREO) and land-based radio telescopes. Though it might sound dry, Clark's parade of historical characters dramatize the narrative nicely, and Clark conveys the significance of their scientific observations with plenty of context and thorough references, making this a fascinating work for both casual stargazers and serious astronomy buffs.
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From Booklist

Among the several pioneering solar observers whom Clark discusses, an Englishman named Richard Carrington holds center stage, as much for his disappointments in his pursuit of a scientific career as for his discoveries. To cite but one of his credits, Carrington proved the sun has differential rotation and hence is gaseous. Though accorded recognition in 1859 by Britain's Royal Society, Carrington never obtained the jobs in astronomy he desired, was ever pressed by the demands of owning a brewing business, and made a puzzling marriage to a woman who was illiterate and, as Carrington tragically learned too late, had an angry beau in her background. Other scientists in Clark's cast are far more historically prominent (William Herschel and George Hale, for example), but the author has recovered a touchingly dramatic story in Carrington. Well paced and well chosen. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press; illustrated edition edition (March 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691126607
• ISBN-13: 978-0691126609
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #748,726 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Solar Book ever, May 12, 2007

By	Ralph G. Marantino "h-alpha" (New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been an amatuer Solar observer for twenty years and own an extensive library of volumes dedicated to Solar Physics and the history of Solar observation."The Sun Kings:The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How modern Astronomy began" by Stuart Clark is one of the best that I have ever read.I was amazed that on allmost every page was a jewel of history that that I was previously unaware of.Mr Clark's writing was easy to follow and a joy to read.I highly recomend this book to anyone interested in the history of Solar observation.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Book, May 16, 2007

By	mademoiselle_josephine_clementine_pilgrim (1550 N. Fern Circle) - See all my reviews

I read this book after hearing Seth Shostak's great interview with Stuart Clark on the SETI podcast. It is a fabulous tale of astronomy in Victorian times, complete with tragic motifs and quirky insights into what amateur astronomers and gentleman scientists thought about the Sun in those times. Great book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The author is brilliant and this work should be required reading for any who are concerned about EMP, June 26, 2009

By	William R. Forstchen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began (Paperback)

Before going into any details I must congratulate the author of this work for his expectional writing style and brilliant research.

This book is of particular interest to me because I'm an historian with a specialization in the history of technology and the author of "One Second After," a novel about the impact of an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) event. Up front I pray that "The Sun Kings" will get the recognition it deserves and wind up on the best seller list. EMP is not only a potential miitary threat, it is also a potential natural/environmental threat that could cripple our country.

It was not until after my novel was released in March 2009 that I heard of the "Carrington Event." A friend, having read "The Sun Kings" insisted I read it. Read it? I devoured the book in one sitting. Not only did it open my eyes to other aspects of EMP, I was compelled to turn page after page because of the author's brilliant, well written and even witty delivery. He is an exceptional author who truly brings a fascinating and all but unknown field of history alive. (His footnote on a 19th century test, using chickens to test the velocity of tornadoes is hysterical, even though those of us who lean towards PETA will cringe!)

If you are interested in the history of technology read this book. Astronomy, read this book. National security in the face of potential EMP scenarios, definitely read this book! I now recommend it to any who will listen.

I hope someday I can meet the author, it will be an honor to shake his hand. He is a great historian, he is also an author who through a fascinating tale raises an issue of deep concern to all of us. Another solar cycle is upon us (and please spare me any Mayan Prophecy foolishness!) and our delicate electrical/electronic infrastructure is at risk. There are numerous reasons to read this book and one of the better ones beside all the issues I am concerned about with EMP. . .it is above all else a magnificent and highly informative experience.

Most sincerely,

William R. Forstchen Ph.D.
author of "One Second After"