Maria Mitchell: A Life in Journals and Letters

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Summary: MARIA MITCHELL:A LIFE IN JOURNALS AND LETTERS/Henry Albers
Review: Many people know of Nantucket Island. To some, it has the reputation of a beautiful seaport with well restored buildings, cobble stoned streets, very active tourism activity, and a particularly affluent summer colony. Others know of its rich history, particularly the prosperous whaling industy that existed in the 1800's. A visitor soon finds out that there's much more. You don't have to walk far from the ferry landing to be aware of the outstanding museums, one of which has the collection of he Maria Mitchell Association.
The Mitchell family, William, Lydia, and their ten children, lived and were active in the prosperous whaling town, but had different interests. Maria, the third child, and her father became ardently interested in astronomy. Her mostly self education, particularly in science and mathematics, will amaze you as you read the Albers book. Few people know much of this extrordinary woman.
The book, a collection of Miss Mitchell's letters, diaries and other related materials, was edited by the fifth director of he Vassar College Observatory, Dr. Albers. Maria Mitchell was the first. She organized the astronomy department of the then new college, Vassar, in 1865.
Biiographies , and actually much non-fiction , do not have wide appeal to many readers. This book is truly refreshing and an enlightening read. In the background is the fascinating story of the island where she grew up and he status of women in 18th century America, although one doesn't have to be a history buff or a feminist to enjoy this book.

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Summary: A Woman Way Ahead of Her Time
Review: One doesn't have to be an astronomer to enjoy this book about an extremely gifted,intelligent and independent woman. This book is mostly from her own diaries and wonderfully edited and annotated. In order to pursue the interest in astronomy fostered by her father, she actually taught herself mathematics, including calculus. She spent clear nights, whatever the temperature on in the small observatory of her Nantucket home. At the age of 29 she became world-famous for discovering a comet, an accomplishment that brought her awards, recognition and even a gold medal awarded from the King of Denmark.
Her world travels are fascinating as are the many famous people she met. There's a very amusing anecdote about a trip in Europe with Nathanial Hawthorne and his family.
She became professor of astronomy at Vasser in 1865 and carried on a constant correspondence with the president and trustees of Vassar with her peppery, terse and
assertive letters requesting equal salary equal to male professors - a struggle still experienced by today's women.
Her contemporaries and friends were suffragists such as Julia Ward Howe and Elizabeth Cady, writers such as Emerson and Alcott and other famous people. It was a given that she would become President of the Association for the Advancement of Women and was in great demand as a speaker.
A woman reader will be constantly amazed to find so much in comman with this 19th century woman. However, men,too, will enjoy her achievements, intelligence and travelogues.