The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881-1939: Astronomy, Astronomers and Heritage in a Changing World (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781806550432)

The first detailed history of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich covering the period after the retirement of George Airy, seventh Astronomer Royal, in 1881.

This book charts an under-researched period in the long history of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. It covers both the scientific and social-political history of the Royal Observatory, focusing on its significance within the history of astronomy and UK history more generally. Using a wealth of archival material--much of which was previously unpublished--Lee T. Macdonald's narrative brings the day-to-day operations of the Observatory to life and reveals how its mission in positional astronomy, combined with its cutting-edge research in photographic mapping and the study of solar eclipses, continues to expand the frontiers of astronomical research.