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The Planet-Girded Suns: The History of Human Thought About Extrasolar Worlds

Nonfiction » Science and Nature » Astronomy
Nonfiction » History » Modern / General

By Sylvia Engdahl
Published by Ad Stellae Books
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: May 18, 2012
Words: 87,433 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781452491639

Short description

From the late 17th century until the end of the 19th, almost all educated people believed that the stars are suns surrounded by inhabited planets. This book, first published by Atheneum in 1974 and now updated to include the scientific knowledge gained during the past 40 years, tells the story of the rise, fall, and eventual renewal of widespread conviction that we are not alone in the universe.

Extended description

Interest in extrasolar worlds is not new. From the late 17th century until the end of the 19th, almost all educated people believed that the stars are suns surrounded by inhabited planets—a belief that was expressed not in science fiction, but in serious speculation, both scientific and religious, as well as in poetry. Only during the first half of the 20th century was it thought that life-bearing extrasolar planets are rare.

This book, first published by Atheneum in 1974, tells the story of the rise, fall, and eventual renewal of widespread conviction that we are not alone in the universe. Its chapters dealing with modern views have been revised to reflect the scientific knowledge gained during the past 40 years, including the actual detection of planets orbiting other stars.

In addition it contains a new Afterword, "Confronting the Universe in the Twenty-First Century," discussing the relevance of past upheavals in human thought to an understanding of the hiatus in space exp.. (Read more) Interest in extrasolar worlds is not new. From the late 17th century until the end of the 19th, almost all educated people believed that the stars are suns surrounded by inhabited planets—a belief that was expressed not in science fiction, but in serious speculation, both scientific and religious, as well as in poetry. Only during the first half of the 20th century was it thought that life-bearing extrasolar planets are rare.

This book, first published by Atheneum in 1974, tells the story of the rise, fall, and eventual renewal of widespread conviction that we are not alone in the universe. Its chapters dealing with modern views have been revised to reflect the scientific knowledge gained during the past 40 years, including the actual detection of planets orbiting other stars.

In addition it contains a new Afterword, "Confronting the Universe in the Twenty-First Century," discussing the relevance of past upheavals in human thought to an understanding of the hiatus in space exploration that has followed the Apollo moon landings.

FROM THE REVIEWS OF
The Planet-Girded Suns

“Engdahl has marshalled an impressive and fascinating selection of primary sources—including a roster of believers that includes Newton, Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, and rocket pioneer Robert Goddard; and excerpts from popular hymns, poetry, and 17th century proto-science fiction. . . . Whether or not any of this justifies further efforts to make contact with other life-forms, Engdahl has shown how deep this vein of speculation runs . . . and reminded us that our ancestors entertained a view of the universe that was larger and more imaginative than the history books lead us to believe. Challenging and original.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In a brisk, engrossing account Engdahl traces the theories and speculations concerning the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligent life throughout history. . . . This first nonfiction book by a noted writer of science fiction for young people is based on original research in primary sources and smoothly incorporates many quotations from scientists, philosophers, poets and theologians.” —ALA Booklist

“Although written primarily for teenagers, the substantial treatment of the history of the idea of other solar systems, based largely on research in primary documents, should make it of use to scholars.” —Isis One Hundred Second Critical Bibliography of the History of Science and Its Cultural Implications

“The Planet-Girded Suns is a beautiful example of what the disciplined imagination can do. . . . It is a fine, carefully done history of the ideas about other worlds—nicely balanced in its presentation of the informational and mystical elements of the subject.” —Horn Book

“Easy to read and on a timely subject approached from an original point of view, this also serves as a model to show how an idea is researched and documented.” —School Library Journal
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