Reviews from Amazon

Reviews elsewhere on the web:

Stuart Clark

The Sun Kings

A large solar storm can cause quite a lot of trouble on Earth in the form of power cuts, communication failures and the like. This link between solar activity and happenings on Earth isn't obvious though. In The sun kings : the unexpected tragedy of Richard Carrington and the tale of how modern astronomy began, Stuart Clark tells the story of how the link came to be recognised.

William Herschel was a keen observer of the sun and found a correlation between large numbers of sunspots and high wheat prices, suggesting that sunspots could influence Earth's climate - but this just resulted in ridicule. His son John became involved in another important piece of the puzzle, the measurement of the Earth's magnetic field. As the title suggests, much of the book looks at the work of Richard Carrington, who did regular solar observation, and in September 1859 saw a large solar flare coming from within a sunspot. Despite the fact there was disruption to telegraph communication and huge aurorae at the same time, many people still dismissed the connection as fanciful. Clark goes on to describe the work of E W Maunder, how the effects of solar activity eventually came to be accepted, and how there might indeed be something in Herschel's correlation of wheat prices and sunspots - with an unexpected link to cosmic rays.

The book also describes the politics behind the astronomy, illustrating the transition from the grand amateur to the professional astronomer. It's a well written book and doesn't require any previous knowledge of the subject. I found it to be a highly enjoyable read.

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 224 pages
ISBN: 0691126607
Salesrank: 818520
Weight:1.05 lbs

Published: 2007 Princeton University Press

Amazon price $19.96

Marketplace:New from $19.93:Used from $10.00

Buy from Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 224 pages
ISBN: 0691126607
Salesrank: 388803
Weight:1.05 lbs

Published: 2007 Princeton University Press

Amazon price £11.41

Marketplace:New from £11.41:Used from £6.73

Buy from Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 224 pages
ISBN: 0691126607
Salesrank: 191584
Weight:1.05 lbs

Published: 2007 Princeton University Press

Amazon price CDN$ 22.00

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 19.38:Used from CDN$ 16.78

Buy from Amazon.ca

Product Description
In September of 1859, the entire Earth was engulfed in a gigantic cloud of seething gas, and a blood-red aurora erupted across the planet from the poles to the tropics. Around the world, telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist. For the first time, people began to suspect that the Earth was not isolated from the rest of the universe. However, nobody knew what could have released such strange forces upon the Earth--nobody, that is, except the amateur English astronomer Richard Carrington. In this riveting account, Stuart Clark tells for the first time the full story behind Carrington's observations of a mysterious explosion on the surface of the Sun and how his brilliant insight--that the Sun's magnetism directly influences the Earth--helped to usher in the modern era of astronomy. Clark vividly brings to life the scientists who roundly rejected the significance of Carrington's discovery of solar flares, as well as those who took up his struggle to prove the notion that the Earth could be touched by influences from space. Clark also reveals new details about the sordid scandal that destroyed Carrington's reputation and led him from the highest echelons of science to the very lowest reaches of love, villainy, and revenge. The Sun Kings transports us back to Victorian England, into the very heart of the great nineteenth-century scientific controversy about the Sun's hidden influence over our planet.

Product Description

In September of 1859, the entire Earth was engulfed in a gigantic cloud of seething gas, and a blood-red aurora erupted across the planet from the poles to the tropics. Around the world, telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist. For the first time, people began to suspect that the Earth was not isolated from the rest of the universe. However, nobody knew what could have released such strange forces upon the Earth--nobody, that is, except the amateur English astronomer Richard Carrington.

In this riveting account, Stuart Clark tells for the first time the full story behind Carrington's observations of a mysterious explosion on the surface of the Sun and how his brilliant insight--that the Sun's magnetism directly influences the Earth--helped to usher in the modern era of astronomy. Clark vividly brings to life the scientists who roundly rejected the significance of Carrington's discovery of solar flares, as well as those who took up his struggle to prove the notion that the Earth could be touched by influences from space. Clark also reveals new details about the sordid scandal that destroyed Carrington's reputation and led him from the highest echelons of science to the very lowest reaches of love, villainy, and revenge.

The Sun Kings transports us back to Victorian England, into the very heart of the great nineteenth-century scientific controversy about the Sun's hidden influence over our planet.

Awake to the New Cycle *****
The Sun King was recently referenced in an article about the sun entering the new solar maximum and the recommendation caused me to make the worthy purchase from Amazon. The book is a great read about the human quest for knowledge and early solar science of the late 1800's and early 1900's. I particularly enjoyed the human side of Richard Carrington and the determination of those described in finding answers to the questions posed by solar flares. As we enter a new solar maximum period in 2010, I think this 2007 book a value so as to have a grounded understanding of solar science and how space weather may impact the Earth in the near-term. If the solar scientists who predict an unusually active sun the next 30-months or so, this book provides a meanigful foundation to the state of our understanding today. Therefore, I urge readers to consider this book for a causal and enjoyable read to better understand or sun and the impact it has on space weather and earth. You will not regret the purchase and investment of time in Stuart Clark's work.

Awake to the New Cycle *****

The Sun King was recently referenced in an article about the sun entering the new solar maximum and the recommendation caused me to make the worthy purchase from Amazon. The book is a great read about the human quest for knowledge and early solar science of the late 1800's and early 1900's. I particularly enjoyed the human side of Richard Carrington and the determination of those described in finding answers to the questions posed by solar flares.

As we enter a new solar maximum period in 2010, I think this 2007 book a value so as to have a grounded understanding of solar science and how space weather may impact the Earth in the near-term. If the solar scientists who predict an unusually active sun the next 30-months or so, this book provides a meanigful foundation to the state of our understanding today. Therefore, I urge readers to consider this book for a causal and enjoyable read to better understand or sun and the impact it has on space weather and earth. You will not regret the purchase and investment of time in Stuart Clark's work.

Nice Read; Great Book *****
This book was very well written and very nicely interspersed the science behind, and the reasons for, solar observing, with anecdotes about those key people engaged in the science historically. In formatting his book in this way, the author keeps the momentum and interest of the reader going. I especially liked the details of the lives of the people behind the science. I found the book so enjoyable and well written that I read it front to back over two days, an indication for me at least, that the book is a good one. I recommend it to any reader looking for a lively history of solar science.

Nice Read; Great Book *****

This book was very well written and very nicely interspersed the science behind, and the reasons for, solar observing, with anecdotes about those key people engaged in the science historically. In formatting his book in this way, the author keeps the momentum and interest of the reader going. I especially liked the details of the lives of the people behind the science. I found the book so enjoyable and well written that I read it front to back over two days, an indication for me at least, that the book is a good one. I recommend it to any reader looking for a lively history of solar science.

A lesson forgotten? *****
This book left a profound mark on me, because it shows how it has always been a struggle for the truth about things to emerge, due to vested interests and reputations staked on a particular belief. Too often ego has got in the way of good science, but eventually the truth prevails. A good scientist should always be a sceptic, because this is what enables progress. With all of this global warming hysteria based on bad as well as one sided science recently, lets hope the truth emerges once again and common sense can return prevail over political agendas. Reading the news recently gives me a sense of deja vu after reading The Sun Kings. I would highly recomend this book for the perspective it offers, as well as the fluid writing, knowledge it expounds and the wit throughout.

A lesson forgotten? *****

This book left a profound mark on me, because it shows how it has always been a struggle for the truth about things to emerge, due to vested interests and reputations staked on a particular belief. Too often ego has got in the way of good science, but eventually the truth prevails. A good scientist should always be a sceptic, because this is what enables progress. With all of this global warming hysteria based on bad as well as one sided science recently, lets hope the truth emerges once again and common sense can return prevail over political agendas. Reading the news recently gives me a sense of deja vu after reading The Sun Kings.

I would highly recomend this book for the perspective it offers, as well as the fluid writing, knowledge it expounds and the wit throughout.

The author is brilliant and this work should be required reading for any who are concerned about EMP *****
Before going into any details I must congratulate the author of this work for his expectional writing style and brilliant research. This book is of particular interest to me because I'm an historian with a specialization in the history of technology and the author of "One Second After," a novel about the impact of an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) event. Up front I pray that "The Sun Kings" will get the recognition it deserves and wind up on the best seller list. EMP is not only a potential miitary threat, it is also a potential natural/environmental threat that could cripple our country. It was not until after my novel was released in March 2009 that I heard of the "Carrington Event." A friend, having read "The Sun Kings" insisted I read it. Read it? I devoured the book in one sitting. Not only did it open my eyes to other aspects of EMP, I was compelled to turn page after page because of the author's brilliant, well written and even witty delivery. He is an exceptional author who truly brings a fascinating and all but unknown field of history alive. (His footnote on a 19th century test, using chickens to test the velocity of tornadoes is hysterical, even though those of us who lean towards PETA will cringe!) If you are interested in the history of technology read this book. Astronomy, read this book. National security in the face of potential EMP scenarios, definitely read this book! I now recommend it to any who will listen. I hope someday I can meet the author, it will be an honor to shake his hand. He is a great historian, he is also an author who through a fascinating tale raises an issue of deep concern to all of us. Another solar cycle is upon us (and please spare me any Mayan Prophecy foolishness!) and our delicate electrical/electronic infrastructure is at risk. There are numerous reasons to read this book and one of the better ones beside all the issues I am concerned about with EMP. . .it is above all else a magnificent and highly informative experience. Most sincerely, William R. Forstchen Ph.D. author of "One Second After"

The author is brilliant and this work should be required reading for any who are concerned about EMP *****

Before going into any details I must congratulate the author of this work for his expectional writing style and brilliant research.

This book is of particular interest to me because I'm an historian with a specialization in the history of technology and the author of "One Second After," a novel about the impact of an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) event. Up front I pray that "The Sun Kings" will get the recognition it deserves and wind up on the best seller list. EMP is not only a potential miitary threat, it is also a potential natural/environmental threat that could cripple our country.

It was not until after my novel was released in March 2009 that I heard of the "Carrington Event." A friend, having read "The Sun Kings" insisted I read it. Read it? I devoured the book in one sitting. Not only did it open my eyes to other aspects of EMP, I was compelled to turn page after page because of the author's brilliant, well written and even witty delivery. He is an exceptional author who truly brings a fascinating and all but unknown field of history alive. (His footnote on a 19th century test, using chickens to test the velocity of tornadoes is hysterical, even though those of us who lean towards PETA will cringe!)

If you are interested in the history of technology read this book. Astronomy, read this book. National security in the face of potential EMP scenarios, definitely read this book! I now recommend it to any who will listen.

I hope someday I can meet the author, it will be an honor to shake his hand. He is a great historian, he is also an author who through a fascinating tale raises an issue of deep concern to all of us. Another solar cycle is upon us (and please spare me any Mayan Prophecy foolishness!) and our delicate electrical/electronic infrastructure is at risk. There are numerous reasons to read this book and one of the better ones beside all the issues I am concerned about with EMP. . .it is above all else a magnificent and highly informative experience.

Most sincerely,

William R. Forstchen Ph.D.
author of "One Second After"

Scientists as People *****
Of all the objects in our sky, the sun is undoubtedly the most important. Without it, our little planet would be a lifeless ball of ice. But the sun's importance means that when something is stirring on the sun, things on earth change, from our weather to our ability to communicate over long distances. This book is about how astronomy, which had been interested mostly in the stars, became interested in our closest star. The author does an excellent job of blending science with the often quirky lives of those who make science, along with the culture out of which science comes. In this case, the culture is that of mid-nineteenth century Britain, a society in which even a self-taught amateur such as Richard Carrington could become a well-respected astronomer. Given the author's success with this book and at portraying scientists and people rather than icons, I can only hope he next takes up the equally fascinating and controversy-filled development of quantum mechanics in the early twentieth century. --Michael W. Perry, editor of Eugenics and Other Evils : An Argument Against the Scientifically Organized State

Scientists as People *****

Of all the objects in our sky, the sun is undoubtedly the most important. Without it, our little planet would be a lifeless ball of ice. But the sun's importance means that when something is stirring on the sun, things on earth change, from our weather to our ability to communicate over long distances. This book is about how astronomy, which had been interested mostly in the stars, became interested in our closest star.

The author does an excellent job of blending science with the often quirky lives of those who make science, along with the culture out of which science comes. In this case, the culture is that of mid-nineteenth century Britain, a society in which even a self-taught amateur such as Richard Carrington could become a well-respected astronomer.

Given the author's success with this book and at portraying scientists and people rather than icons, I can only hope he next takes up the equally fascinating and controversy-filled development of quantum mechanics in the early twentieth century.

--Michael W. Perry, editor of Eugenics and Other Evils : An Argument Against the Scientifically Organized State

A forgotten pioneer *****
This book tells the story of Richard Carrington and other pioneers of early astronomy. Although dealing with arcane topics it is written in such an accessible style that anyone can understand it. The tales of scientific skulduggery will astound you and its conclusions cast much doubt on the hypothesis of Global Warming by man-made gases. In addition, the story of Richard Carrington's observation and its terrestrial effects must sound a note of caution to all those advocating a digital future. Not to put too fine a point on it, such a flare today would reduce virtually all electronic equipment to useless junk. All in all, it is a fine tale, told in a readable and gripping manner. Read it, you will enjoy it, the twists and turns of the story are as good as any detective story.

A forgotten pioneer *****

This book tells the story of Richard Carrington and other pioneers of early astronomy. Although dealing with arcane topics it is written in such an accessible style that anyone can understand it. The tales of scientific skulduggery will astound you and its conclusions cast much doubt on the hypothesis of Global Warming by man-made gases. In addition, the story of Richard Carrington's observation and its terrestrial effects must sound a note of caution to all those advocating a digital future. Not to put too fine a point on it, such a flare today would reduce virtually all electronic equipment to useless junk. All in all, it is a fine tale, told in a readable and gripping manner. Read it, you will enjoy it, the twists and turns of the story are as good as any detective story.

A brilliant and fascinating read *****
2009 was the 150th anniversary of one of the most important events in Science. Yes, I hear you say, we all know about Charles Darwin publishing The Origin of Species -- but that`s not what I`m referring to. No, just before noon on September 1st 1859, the British astronomer Richard Carrington observed a huge solar flare which caused a massive coronal mass ejection (CME), to travel directly toward Earth, causing a huge geomagnetic storm, and the failure of telegraph systems all around the world. The Sun Kings, written by Stuart Clark, is a fascinating account of the Carrington Event as it has become known, and also a vivid unveiling of the life of Carrington which was touched by frustration and tragedy. On the morning of Thursday 1st September 1859, he opened up his two-metre-long brass telescope and manoeuvred it into position so it could project an eleven-inch image of the Sun onto a board with two gold crosswires. What he saw that day astounded him -- a sunspot complex that was ten times the diameter of the Earth! He was then taken aback when two sets of intense bright light appeared over the sunspot group. These were Coronal Mass Ejections. Eighteen hours later, there were almighty displays of Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis. And there was disruption of the global telegraph system like nothing before. The Sun Kings documents not just these events and Carrington`s attempts to make sense of them (often disputed by the scientific establishment), but also the personal and private life of Carrington, and in particular his disastrous marriage -- which these days would be a topic on The Jeremy Kyle Show. Stuart Clark has written an astounding book, which manages to be both informative and hugely entertaining. I recommend this brilliant work without any reservation.

A brilliant and fascinating read *****

2009 was the 150th anniversary of one of the most important events in Science. Yes, I hear you say, we all know about Charles Darwin publishing The Origin of Species -- but that`s not what I`m referring to. No, just before noon on September 1st 1859, the British astronomer Richard Carrington observed a huge solar flare which caused a massive coronal mass ejection (CME), to travel directly toward Earth, causing a huge geomagnetic storm, and the failure of telegraph systems all around the world.
The Sun Kings, written by Stuart Clark, is a fascinating account of the Carrington Event as it has become known, and also a vivid unveiling of the life of Carrington which was touched by frustration and tragedy.
On the morning of Thursday 1st September 1859, he opened up his two-metre-long brass telescope and manoeuvred it into position so it could project an eleven-inch image of the Sun onto a board with two gold crosswires.
What he saw that day astounded him -- a sunspot complex that was ten times the diameter of the Earth! He was then taken aback when two sets of intense bright light appeared over the sunspot group. These were Coronal Mass Ejections.
Eighteen hours later, there were almighty displays of Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis. And there was disruption of the global telegraph system like nothing before.
The Sun Kings documents not just these events and Carrington`s attempts to make sense of them (often disputed by the scientific establishment), but also the personal and private life of Carrington, and in particular his disastrous marriage -- which these days would be a topic on The Jeremy Kyle Show.
Stuart Clark has written an astounding book, which manages to be both informative and hugely entertaining.
I recommend this brilliant work without any reservation.

Thought provoking and fascinating history ****
A story of astronomy that I was not familiar with and very interesting indeed. It has made me think a lot more about the effect that the Sun has on our planet.

Thought provoking and fascinating history ****

A story of astronomy that I was not familiar with and very interesting indeed. It has made me think a lot more about the effect that the Sun has on our planet.

Scientists as people *****
Of all the objects in our sky, the sun is undoubtedly the most important. Without it, our little planet would be a lifeless ball of ice. But the sun's importance means that when something is stirring on the sun, things on earth change, from our weather to our ability to communicate over long distances. This book is about how astronomy, which had been interested mostly in the stars, became interested in our closest star. The author does an excellent job of blending science with the often quirky lives of those who make science, along with the culture out of which science comes. In this case, the culture is that of mid-nineteenth century Britain, a society in which even a self-taught amateur such as Richard Carrington could become a well-respected astronomer. Given the author's success with this book and at portraying scientists and people rather than icons, I can only hope he next takes up the equally fascinating and controversy-filled development of quantum mechanics in the early twentieth century. --Michael W. Perry, editor of Eugenics and Other Evils : An Argument Against the Scientifically Organized State

Scientists as people *****

Popular science at its best *****
This book kept me captivated and was a delight to read. Not only has it been carefully researched from the scientific point of view, but it has lots of fascinating personal details of the lives of those who struggled to show that the Sun has a great deal of influence on the Earth's climate and human affairs.

Popular science at its best *****

This book kept me captivated and was a delight to read. Not only has it been carefully researched from the scientific point of view, but it has lots of fascinating personal details of the lives of those who struggled to show that the Sun has a great deal of influence on the Earth's climate and human affairs.

A Superb History of Observational Solar Astrophysics *****
Although this excellent book's subtitle mentions "modern astronomy", the book is really about the sun and how certain key individuals, the "sun kings", have made important discoveries towards our better understanding of some aspects of our nearest star and how the earth can be directly affected. In particular, the role that sunspots and solar flares play in producing auroras and magnetic storms on earth is historically explored. The author weaves his remarkable tale from the mid-nineteenth to the early twenty first century. Everything is brought together in the last couple of chapters in which our current understanding of solar astrophysics is presented. Also discussed is modern research on the observed relationship between the number of sunspots and the earth's climate - another possible contributing factor to climate change. The writing style is clear, very engaging and quite friendly; this book is very difficult to put down, in part because the author skillfully includes details of individuals' personal lives intermingled with the science that they were pursuing. The book can be enjoyed by everyone since the author was very careful in avoiding scientific jargon and in meticulously explaining scientific matters. I definitely look forward to reading more of this author's books.

A Superb History of Observational Solar Astrophysics *****

Although this excellent book's subtitle mentions "modern astronomy", the book is really about the sun and how certain key individuals, the "sun kings", have made important discoveries towards our better understanding of some aspects of our nearest star and how the earth can be directly affected. In particular, the role that sunspots and solar flares play in producing auroras and magnetic storms on earth is historically explored. The author weaves his remarkable tale from the mid-nineteenth to the early twenty first century. Everything is brought together in the last couple of chapters in which our current understanding of solar astrophysics is presented. Also discussed is modern research on the observed relationship between the number of sunspots and the earth's climate - another possible contributing factor to climate change. The writing style is clear, very engaging and quite friendly; this book is very difficult to put down, in part because the author skillfully includes details of individuals' personal lives intermingled with the science that they were pursuing. The book can be enjoyed by everyone since the author was very careful in avoiding scientific jargon and in meticulously explaining scientific matters. I definitely look forward to reading more of this author's books.