Demonstrates the reason for Herschel's renown was due to the notion that his voyage was aligned with imperial ambition. It is the purpose of this book to make a case for the scientific, cultural and political singificance of his voyage and observations, as a means of demonstrating the relationship of science to imperial culture.
'... all astronomers with an interest in the historical background of their subject will learn much from this informative account of one of the greatest contributions to observational astronomy.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association '... contains a wealth of detailed information, in particular about the progress through the press of the volume of Cape observations, and this will be of much interest to students of John Herschel.' Journal for the History of Astronomy 'This closely focused and clearly presented book makes a significant contribution to the substantial literature on the life and scientific achievements of John Herschel.' Journal of Southern African Studies 'With clear writing informed by thorough archival investigation, Steven Ruskin supplies an intriguing analysis of John Herschel's 1833-38 trip to Cape Town and of the events leading to the publication of his Cape results.' Notes and Records 'I recommend that you add it to your library.' Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage '... likely to be of immense value not only to Herschel buffs and historians of astronomy, but also to historians of science in the Cape and other British colonies.' BJHS
