Download or read book Celestial Sleuth written by Donald W. Olson and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-10-02 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Investigating Art History and Literature with Astronomy written by Donald W. Olson and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-03-17 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can shadows determine the date and time of a painting by Johannes Vermeer? How did the Moon and tides cause the loss of King John’s crown jewels? In his newest book, Professor Olson, author of Celestial Sleuth and Further Adventures of the Celestial Sleuth, explores how astronomical clues can uncover fascinating new details about art, history, and literature. He begins with an accessible introduction to amateur “celestial sleuthing,” showing how to use your astronomical knowledge, software, archives, vintage maps, historical letters and diaries, military records, and other resources to investigate the past. Follow along as Professor Olson then explores twenty real-world cases where astronomy has helped answer unresolved questions or correct longstanding interpretations about an event. Examples involve artists such as Vermeer, Monet, and O’Keeffe; the historical exploits of Alexander the Great, the desert travels of the Death Valley ’49ers, and a meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill in Marrakech; and literary works by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Longfellow. Packed with dozens of full-color illustrations, this book will enrich your knowledge of the past and equip you with all the tools you’ll need to become a celestial sleuth yourself. “Many people have a passion for art, or world history, or great literature, or even astronomy — but seldom in all these things at once. This remarkable book by Donald Olson of Texas State University will put you in touch with such seemingly unrelated endeavors. It will open your eyes and broaden your mind as little else could.” Roger W. Sinnott, Sky & Telescope
Download or read book Further Adventures of the Celestial Sleuth written by Donald W. Olson and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-01-31 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the author of "Celestial Sleuth" (2014), yet more mysteries in art, history, and literature are solved by calculating phases of the Moon, determining the positions of the planets and stars, and identifying celestial objects in paintings. In addition to helping to crack difficult cases, these studies spark our imagination and provide a better understanding of the skies. Weather archives, vintage maps, tides, historical letters and diaries, military records and the assistance of experts in related fields help with this work. For each historical event influenced by astronomy, there is a different kind of mystery to be solved. How did the changing tides affect an army's battle plans? How did the phases of the moon affect how an artist painted a landscape? Follow these exciting investigations with a master “celestial sleuth” as he tracks down the truth and helps unravel mysteries as far back as the Middle Ages and as recent as the iconic 1945 photograph of a kiss in Times Square on VJ Day. Topics or "cases" pursued were chosen for their wide public recognition and intrigue and involve artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet; historical events such as the campaigns of Braveheart in Scotland and battles in World War II and the Korean War; and literary authors such as Chaucer, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Byron, and Edgar Allan Poe.
Download or read book The Spartan Scytale and Developments in Ancient and Modern Cryptography written by Martine Diepenbroek and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2023-11-16 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a comprehensive review and reassessment of the classical sources describing the cryptographic Spartan device known as the scytale. Challenging the view promoted by modern historians of cryptography which look at the scytale as a simple and impractical 'stick', Diepenbroek argues for the scytale's deserved status as a vehicle for secret communication in the ancient world. By way of comparison, Diepenbroek demonstrates that the cryptographic principles employed in the Spartan scytale show an encryption and coding system that is no less complex than some 20th-century transposition ciphers. The result is that, contrary to the accepted point of view, scytale encryption is as complex and secure as other known ancient ciphers. Drawing on salient comparisons with a selection of modern transposition ciphers (and their historical predecessors), the reader is provided with a detailed overview and analysis of the surviving classical sources that similarly reveal the potential of the scytale as an actual cryptographic and steganographic tool in ancient Sparta in order to illustrate the relative sophistication of the Spartan scytale as a practical device for secret communication. This helps to establish the conceptual basis that the scytale would, in theory, have offered its ancient users a secure method for secret communication over long distances.
Download or read book For the Love of the World written by Edwin Zackrison and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2021-08-04 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The “world” can be subject to interpretations that cause Christians to disagree and even fight. Interpretations often end in startling disputes. For some, that world includes the inheritance of denominational interpretations. Historically conditioned conclusions are taken out of their context. Booklets have been produced for young people that largely define the world as dancing, smoking, drugs, music, theater, and music. This book will not spend time on these parochial notions. Rather, it will deal with God’s love for the world. While Christians are often warned against the world, God loved the world from a different standpoint and made the ultimate sacrifice to give this world the chance to be restored to rightness with him.
Download or read book A Liturgy of Grief written by Leslie C. Allen and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2011-09 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this commentary on Lamentations, a respected Old Testament scholar and volunteer hospital chaplain presents a biblical model for helping those coping with grief.
Download or read book Astrophysics written by Azhar ul Haque Sario and published by Azhar Sario Authorship and Publishing. This book was released on 2024-11-19 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Embark on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos with "Astrophysics: Cosmos, Life, Future"! This book is your comprehensive guide to the wonders of the universe, exploring everything from distant exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life to the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Dive into the fascinating world of gravitational waves, the formation of galaxies, and the life cycle of stars. Unravel the secrets of black holes, the Big Bang, and the future of our universe. We'll also delve into astrobiology, the role of AI in astrophysics, and the impact of space weather on Earth. Plus, explore the latest in space exploration, from the search for Earth-like planets to the study of comets and asteroids. This book stands out by offering a unique blend of cutting-edge research and captivating storytelling. It goes beyond the basics, providing in-depth insights into the latest discoveries and advancements in astrophysics. "Astrophysics: Cosmos, Life, Future" not only explains complex concepts in a clear and accessible way but also inspires a sense of wonder and curiosity about our place in the vast universe. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever looked up at the stars and wondered about the mysteries they hold.
Download or read book The Secret Life of Space written by Heather Couper and published by Aurum. This book was released on 2015-05-14 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Secret Life of Space is the definitive guide to understanding the key breakthroughs and discoveries mankind has made to unravel the mysteries of the Cosmos. This engaging and fast-paced narrative debunks the urban myths of astronomy, revealing the true stories behind our biggest breakthroughs. Starting with the discovery that Stonehenge was actually built to celebrate the winter solstice rather than the summer, this book leads us through history to reveal that the telescope was not invented by Galileo, Einstein did not predict the presence of black holes or the Big Bang and Copernicus’s theory that the Sun was at the centre of the Universe might have actually disappeared without a trace had it not been for the efforts of one of his fanatical disciples. Renowned scientists and authors Nigel Henbest and Heather Couper also uncover the unsung heroes and heroines who have been overlooked in the history of scientific endeavor. These stories include the computer engineer who discovered more exploding stars in his back garden than anyone else in history, the teacher who developed the basis for radio astronomy and the sanitary engineer who found evidence of life on Mars. Finally, they look to today’s increasing possibility of space travel as we push the frontiers of discovery and ask the perennial question, is there life out there?
Download or read book The Howling Storm written by Kenneth W. Noe and published by LSU Press. This book was released on 2020-10-07 with total page 687 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Finalist for the Lincoln Prize! Traditional histories of the Civil War describe the conflict as a war between North and South. Kenneth W. Noe suggests it should instead be understood as a war between the North, the South, and the weather. In The Howling Storm, Noe retells the history of the conflagration with a focus on the ways in which weather and climate shaped the outcomes of battles and campaigns. He further contends that events such as floods and droughts affecting the Confederate home front constricted soldiers’ food supply, lowered morale, and undercut the government’s efforts to boost nationalist sentiment. By contrast, the superior equipment and open supply lines enjoyed by Union soldiers enabled them to cope successfully with the South’s extreme conditions and, ultimately, secure victory in 1865. Climate conditions during the war proved unusual, as irregular phenomena such as El Niño, La Niña, and similar oscillations in the Atlantic Ocean disrupted weather patterns across southern states. Taking into account these meteorological events, Noe rethinks conventional explanations of battlefield victories and losses, compelling historians to reconsider long-held conclusions about the war. Unlike past studies that fault inflation, taxation, and logistical problems for the Confederate defeat, his work considers how soldiers and civilians dealt with floods and droughts that beset areas of the South in 1862, 1863, and 1864. In doing so, he addresses the foundational causes that forced Richmond to make difficult and sometimes disastrous decisions when prioritizing the feeding of the home front or the front lines. The Howling Storm stands as the first comprehensive examination of weather and climate during the Civil War. Its approach, coverage, and conclusions are certain to reshape the field of Civil War studies.
Download or read book First Light and Beyond written by D. A. Jenkins and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-07-28 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Amateur astronomers who have been disappointed by the results of an observing session can take comfort in the guidance of this book, which advises how to still gain useful experience in seemingly "failed" nights at the telescope. In a world with imperfect seeing conditions, incredible observing sessions are often mixed with less inspiring ones, discouraging the amateur observer. This book is designed to minimize subsequent disappointment for astronomers who encounter a few bad observing sessions, helping novice observers take something worthwhile away each and every time they go out under the night sky, regardless of the observations that were originally planned. Almost every observer remembers his first sight of ringed Saturn, hanging in the blackness of space. Practitioners agree that there is something special about visual observing. Real-time observations at the eyepiece can provide fleeting yet intense feelings that connect us with the universe in unique ways. But when expectations aren't met at the eyepiece, there are other ways to profit from the practice of astronomy. These rewards, though less showy, are well worth cultivating. This is a book that will help the reader see what constitutes a “successful” visual observing session. It explains the nature of the objects that the observer is seeing and advises how best to use their equipment. There are many hints and tips about how best to locate, recall, and record observations, including suggestions for trips to areas where there are dark skies and to public observatories. Amateur astronomy is a journey from the urban backyard all the way to dark rural skies, and with this guide the journey can be smooth.
Download or read book Ansel Adams written by Mary Street Alinder and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2014-11-04 with total page 433 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traces the life and career of Ansel Adams, including his childhood in San Francisco, his marriage and affairs, his relationship with the Native Americans of Yosemite, and the influences on his photography and painting of western landscapes.
Download or read book Community Bookshelf written by Minneapolis Public Library and published by . This book was released on 1922 with total page 478 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Set the Stars Alight written by Amanda Dykes and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2020-06-30 with total page 415 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home. Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time. As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.
Download or read book Pixels Paintings written by David G. Stork and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2023-11-15 with total page 789 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: PIXELS & PAINTINGS “The discussion is firmly grounded in established art historical practices, such as close visual analysis and an understanding of artists’ working methods, and real-world examples demonstrate how computer-assisted techniques can complement traditional approaches.” —Dr. Emilie Gordenker, Director of the Van Gogh Museum The pioneering presentation of computer-based image analysis of fine art, forging a dialog between art scholars and the computer vision community In recent years, sophisticated computer vision, graphics, and artificial intelligence algorithms have proven to be increasingly powerful tools in the study of fine art. These methods—some adapted from forensic digital photography and others developed specifically for art—empower a growing number of computer-savvy art scholars, conservators, and historians to answer longstanding questions as well as provide new approaches to the interpretation of art. Pixels & Paintings provides the first and authoritative overview of the broad range of these methods, which extend from image processing of palette, marks, brush strokes, and shapes up through analysis of objects, poses, style, composition, to the computation of simple interpretations of artworks. This book stresses that computer methods for art analysis must always incorporate the cultural contexts appropriate to the art studies at hand—a blend of humanistic and scientific expertise. Describes powerful computer image analysis methods and their application to problems in the history and interpretation of fine art Discusses some of the art historical lessons and revelations provided by the use of these methods Clarifies the assumptions and applicability of methods and the role of cultural contexts in their use Shows how computation can be used to analyze tens of thousands of artworks to reveal trends and anomalies that could not be found by traditional non-computer methods Pixels & Paintings is essential reading for computer image analysts and graphics specialists, conservators, historians, students, psychologists and the general public interested in the study and appreciation of art.
Download or read book A Little History of Literature written by John Sutherland and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2013-11-05 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From The Epic of Gilgamesh to Harry Potter, this rollicking romp through the world of literature reveals how writings from all over the world can transport us and help us to make sense of what it means to be human.
Download or read book The Routledge Research Companion to Nineteenth Century British Literature and Science written by John Holmes and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2017-05-18 with total page 479 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tracing the continuities and trends in the complex relationship between literature and science in the long nineteenth century, this companion provides scholars with a comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date foundation for research in this field. In intellectual, material and social terms, the transformation undergone by Western culture over the period was unprecedented. Many of these changes were grounded in the growth of science. Yet science was not a cultural monolith then any more than it is now, and its development was shaped by competing world views. To cover the full range of literary engagements with science in the nineteenth century, this companion consists of twenty-seven chapters by experts in the field, which explore crucial social and intellectual contexts for the interactions between literature and science, how science affected different genres of writing, and the importance of individual scientific disciplines and concepts within literary culture. Each chapter has its own extensive bibliography. The volume as a whole is rounded out with a synoptic introduction by the editors and an afterword by the eminent historian of nineteenth-century science Bernard Lightman.
Download or read book Saints and Sinners in the Sky Astronomy Religion and Art in Western Culture written by Michael Mendillo and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2022-04-04 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, Boston University Professor of Astronomy Michael Mendillo takes readers deep into the annals of history, showing how visual depictions of the heavens evolved in tandem with science and religion throughout much of Western culture. With unprecedented scope and scale, Professor Mendillo explores how cave art, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, paintings and architecture reflected some of the great religious and secular battles taking place over the course of centuries. Enter a world of biblical proportions, where constellations of ancient heroes and pagans were thoroughly recast as Christian saints and the Twelve Apostles. This nontechnical narrative brings vitality and accessibility to some of the most enduring subjects in human history, offering a lively new exploration of the visual connections between celestial phenomena and artistic expression. “Ever wonder how religion and art became forces of imagination on our night skies? Or how the night skies became forces of imagination on our religion and art? In this brilliant study of constellations and culture, Michael Mendillo, professor of astronomy at Boston University, reveals that the canopy of stars has been an ideologically contested space from the beginning, ensuring that the next time you look up, the sky will look completely different to you.”- Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director, Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History "Saints and Sinners impressionistically reveals the connections of art, astronomy, and religion in Western culture to illuminate the age-old quest for celestial-terrestrial connections.” - Roberta J.M. Olson, author of Giotto’s Portrait of Halley’s Comet and Cosmos: The Art and Science of the Universe “Professor Mendillo’s book does a priceless service, opening the doors of our minds to images that will stir us, because the heavens are part of us, and we all long to know how and why.” - Rev. David R. Thom, MIT Chaplain and Convener of the Cambridge Faculty Roundtable on Science, Art & Religion "Over a lifetime devoted to astronomical research and teaching, Michael Mendillo has indulged a parallel passion for artistic representations of the heavenly bodies. In this sumptuous volume, he explores the projection of our changing belief systems onto the constant stars.” - Dava Sobel, author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter and The Glass Universe
