The Glass Universe

More about the book

Named one of the best books of the month by various esteemed publications, this work showcases Ms. Sobel's keen eye for detail and elegant prose. Critics highlight her ability to capture the intricate web of individuals who contributed to our understanding of the stars, describing the narrative as a joy to read. The book is praised for its elegant storytelling and its blend of complex scientific discussions with personal glimpses into the lives of pioneering women. It offers a compelling portrait of these women, who not only advanced female empowerment but also significantly contributed to astronomy and photography. Sobel traces a remarkable line of American female achievement, vividly illustrating how her protagonists charted the skies while finding personal fulfillment. The narrative shines a light on seven 19th- and 20th-century women astronomers who began as "human computers" at Harvard Observatory and went on to make dazzling contributions. This work is characterized as a fascinating and inspiring tale, reminding readers of the long-standing aspirations of American women to reach for the stars. Sobel's meticulous account is sensitive and filled with the wonder of discovery, providing an engaging story that places these early astronomers in their historical context for the first time.