Recreating Newton
Newtonian Biography and the Making of Nineteenth-Century History of Science
Published on 1. December 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-0-8229-6637-1 (ISBN)
Description
Higgitt examines Isaac Newton's changing legacy during the nineteenth century. She focuses on 1820-1870, a period that saw the creation of the specialized and secularized role of the "scientist." At the same time, researchers gained better access to Newton's archives. These were used both by those who wished to undermine the traditional, idealised depiction of scientific genius and those who felt obliged to defend Newtonian hagiography. Higgitt shows how debates about Newton's character stimulated historical scholarship and led to the development of a new expertise in the history of science.
Reviews / Votes
'"Meticulously researched . . . explores an aspect of nineteenth-century Newtonianism that will reward scholars of Victorian science, historiography, biography, and literature." * <i>Victorian Studies</i> * Higgitt has produced a well-researched and carefully crafted book which will be of interest to historians of science, literature, religion and Victorian culture. It is indeed an excellent example of the truly interdisciplinary nature of much current research in the history of science. * <i>British Journal for the History of Science</i> * Higgitt's well-researched study signals the rich resource that scientific biography offers to the historian of science. * <i>British Society for Literature and Science Online Book Reviews</i> * Reading this fine and fascinating book is a salutary experience. * <i>Isis</i> *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Pittsburgh PA
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
440 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8229-6637-1 (9780822966371)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Rebekah Higgitt is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Kent.