Description
Book SynopsisTelling Lives collects together original essays by leading historians of science which explore for the first time the nature and development of scientific biography and its importance in forming our ideas about what scientists do and how science works. The volume will appeal to science historians and general readers interested in the popularization of science.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'This work makes for some stimulating reading and is well timed in that it has appeared when there is a notable resurgence of interest in scientific biography.' Dennis H. Rouvray, Endeavour
Review of the hardback: '… a stimulating collection of essays.' Colin A. Russell, European Review
Review of the hardback: 'This collection of essays is useful and timely.' Ludmilla Jordanova, Metascience
Table of ContentsList of contributors; Preface; Introduction Michael Shortland and Richard Yeo; 1. Existential projects and existential choice in science: science biography as an edifying genre Thomas Söderqvist; 2. Life paths: autobiography, science and the French Revolution Dorinda Outram; 3. From science to wisdom: Humphry Davy's life David Knight; 4. Robert Boyle and the dilemma of biography in the age of the scientific revolution Michael Hunter; 5. Alphabetical lives: scientific biography in historical dictionaries and encyclopedias Richard Yeo; 6. The scientist as hero: public images of Michael Faraday Geoffrey Cantor; 7. Tactful organising and executive power: biographies of Florence Nightingale for girls Martha Vicinus; 8. Taking histories, medical lives: Thomas Beddoes and biography Roy Porter; 9. The scientist as patron and patriotic symbol: the changing reputation of Joseph Banks John Gascoigne; 10. Metabiographical reflections on Charles Darwin James Moore; Index.
