| The Life of Roger Langdon Contributor(s): Langdon, Roger (Author), Langdon, Ellen (Author) |
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ISBN: 1108021646 ISBN-13: 9781108021647 Publisher: Cambridge University Press OUR PRICE: $33.24 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: November 2010 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | Astronomy |
| Series: Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy |
| Physical Information: 0.26" H x 5.5" W x 8.5" (0.33 lbs) 110 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: First published in 1909, this autobiography details the astonishing life of Roger Langdon (1825-94), a country station-master and amateur astronomer. Langdon's life is a remarkable story of self-education and determination: he started work as a farmer's boy at the age of eight, ran away from the home to work for a shipowner in Jersey at fourteen, and was then employed by a blacksmith, canvas manufacturers, and a solicitor before finding work with the Great Western Railway. Langdon was from an early age interested in astronomy, and eventually constructed four telescopes and his own observatory. He developed his own method for photographing the moon and the transit of Venus, and presented a paper to the Royal Astronomical Society, which is included in the appendices. Langdon died before completing his autobiography, and the latter chapters on his scientific achievements and final years were completed by his daughter Ellen. |