Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: An Autobiography and Other Recollections

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin became acclaimed in her lifetime as the greatest woman astronomer of all time. Her own story of her professional life, work and scientific achievements is augmented by the personal recollections of her daughter, Katherine Haramundanis, as well as a scientific appreciation by Jesse Greenstein, a historical essay by Peggy Kidwell and, in this new edition, an introduction by Virginia Trimble. Payne-Gaposchkin's overwhelming love for astronomy was her personal guiding light, and her attitude and approach have lessons for all. She received many prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to science and in 1956 became the first woman to be advanced to the rank of Professor at Harvard University, as well as being the first woman departmental chair. This book will interest both astronomers and those studying the advancement of the position and status of women in society.

Table of Contents:
Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin: an Introduction Virginia Trimble; An introduction to The Dyer's Hand Jesse L. Greenstein; A historical introduction to The Dyer's Hand Peggy A. Kidwell; A personal recollection Katherine Haramundanis; The Dyer's Hand: an autobiography Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; Dedication; Foreword; Part I. The Vision Splendid: 1. Backgrounds; 2. Beginnings; 3. Prelude to education; 4. Birth of a dream; 5. Dramatic interlude; 6. The dream fulfilled; 7. Pathway to the stars; Part II. The Light Of Common Day: 8. England and the United States; 9. Harvard College Observatory; 10. The cradle of astrophysics; 11. Harlow Shapley; 12. Stellar atmospheres; 13. Spectra and luminosities; 14. Editorial experiences; 15. Visiting astronomers; 16. At the cross roads; Part III. The Dyer's Hand Subdued: 17. Turning point; 18. Prolegomena to various stars; 19. International problems; 20. End of an era; 21. Retrospect; Part IV. Reflections: 22. On being a woman; 23. Science and myth; 24. Worlds not realized; Bibliography of works by Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin; Postlude; Index.

Review :
'The book artfully records a life of warmths and delight won against obsessive, powerful but pervasive forces. The record has a value beyond its period and circle. This is a chronicle of affirmation and hope, a near-poetic witness to a burst of profound discovery insufficiently recognised.' Philip Morrison, Scientific American 'The book is an unalloyed joy, full of wisdom and delight. The fun, rewards and challenge of astronomy spark from every page. So does the humanity of Payne-Gaposchkin. My advice is simple - read this book, by the end you will feel as though you have been in the company of the great.' David Hughes, New Scientist 'The stunningly moving memoir of this remarkable figure ... brings home to me directly and personally the tragedy of the invisibility of women's lives.' Evelyn Fox Weller, The Woman's Review of Books '[Payne-Gaposchkin] did not receive fair treatment in her career, but this book is testement to her dogged persistence.' Journal of the British Astronomical Association '... this book is to be highly recommended.' Irish Astronomical Journal 'I encourage you to read the book, as it is a source of inspiration for any weary astronomer.' The Observatory