Astronomies and Cultures in Early Medieval Europe

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 252 pages
• Published by: Cambridge University Press November 20, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0521778522
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521778527
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Weighs: 13.4 ounces

Product Review
' an interesting read not only to those with an interest in early medieval astronomy, but also to readers with a more general interest in the history of this period Moreover, the copious footnotes make this book a useful source of reference '. John Steele, Astronomy Now ' very interesting for all those interested in the history and the development of science and especially astronomy in Europe in the very early stages.' Review of Astronomical Tools 'Besides providing a novel view of early-medieval astronomical knowledge in the Latin West, McCluskey furnishes a highly successful example of an approach that integrates the history of scientific knowledge with cultural history McCluskey's study ought to serve as an inspiring exemplar for charting the history of other sorts of scientific knowledge and in other periods.' P. M. Rattansi, The Times Higher Education Supplement 'McCluskey's survey provides a fine introduction to early medieval astronomy, astrology, and computus This is not another 'progress of science' treatment of its topic. The book begins before the early Middle Ages, actually in prehistory with solar holizon calendars (perhaps Stonehenge) and in classical antiquity with stellar calendars.' Early Medieval Europe

Product Review
"McCluskey gives an interesting and informative surveythis is an interesting volume, and a work of considerable expertise." R.N. Swanson, International Journal of the Classical Tradition

"This book presents strong theses, clearly explained and defended. Its view of astronomy (or 'astronomies') in early medieval Europe stakes out a large and previously ill-defined topic for interpretation and exposition. It invites and will surely receive responses with alternate interpretations--clear proof of its value." Bruce Eastwood, Isis

"well-written.[Astronomies and Cultures in Early Medieval Europe] will be the standard treatment of European astronomy before the coming of Aristotle and Ptolemy for the foreseeable future." American Historical Review

"This book presents strong theses, clearly explained and defended. Its view of astronomy (or 'astronomies') in early medieval Europe stakes out a large and previously ill-defined topic for interpretation and exposition. It invites and will surely receive responses with alternate interpretations--clear proof of its value." Bruce Eastwood, Isis

"well-written.[Astronomies and Cultures in Early Medieval Europe] will be the standard treatment of European astronomy before the coming of Aristotle and Ptolemy for the foreseeable future." American Historical Review

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Astronomies and Cultures in Early Medieval Europe (Hardcover) Best discourse on how we have culturally arrived at both arbitrary and practical concepts on time; this book needs to be read in conjunction with Stephen Hawking's Brief History of Time. McCluskey shows the theological underpinnings for the division of days into practical sub units and their relationship to theology and mathematics. In order to fully appreciate this work, one should play some Benedictine chants and approach it from a pastoral or idyllic setting, with telescope at hand.