Donald W. Olson
Springer | 2014 | 368 páginas | rar - pdf | 18,2 Mb
For a general audience interested in solving mysteries in art, history, and literature using the methods of science, 'forensic astronomy' is a thrilling new field of exploration. Astronomical calculations are the basis of the studies, which have the advantage of bringing to readers both evocative images and a better understanding of the skies.
Weather facts, volcano studies, topography, tides, historical letters and diaries, famous paintings, military records, and the friendly assistance of experts in related fields add variety, depth, and interest to the work. The chosen topics are selected for their wide public recognition and intrigue, involving artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, and Ansel Adams; historical events such as the Battle of Marathon, the death of Julius Caesar, the American Revolution, and World War II; and literary authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Joyce, and Mary Shelley. This book sets out to answer these mysteries indicated with the means and expertise of astronomy, opening the door to a richer experience of human culture and its relationship with nature.
Each subject is carefully analyzed. As an example using the study of sky paintings by Vincent van Gogh, the analytical method would include:
- computer calculations of historical skies above France in the 19th century
- finding and quoting the clues found in translations of original letters by Van Gogh
- making site visits to France to determine the precise locations when Van Gogh set up his easel and what celestial objects are depicted.
For each historical event influenced by astronomy, there would be a different kind of mystery to be solved. As an example:
- How can the phase of the Moon and time of moonrise help to explain a turning point of the American Civil War - the fatal wounding of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville in 1863?
For each literary reference to astronomy, it was determined which celestial objects were being described and making an argument that the author is describing an actual event. For example, what was the date of the moonlit scene when Mary Shelley first had the idea for her novel “Frankenstein?”
These and more fun riddles will enchant and delight the fan of art and astronomy.
Contents
Preface vii
Foreword ix
Acknowledgments xiii
Part I Astronomy in Art
1 Monet and Turner, Masters of Sea and Sky 3
2 Vincent van Gogh and Starry Skies Over France 35
3 Edvard Munch: Mysterious Skies in Norway 67
4 Yosemite Moonrises and Moonbows 113
Part II Astronomy in History
5 Moons and Tides in the Battle of Marathon,
Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, and the Sinking of the Titanic 147
6 Lincoln, the Civil War Era, and American Almanacs 199
7 Th e Moon and Tides in World War II 237
Part III Astronomy in Literature
8 Literary Skies Before 1800 277
9 Literary Skies Aft er 1800 317
Index 351
