Plot Summary

The Glass Universe

Dava Sobel
Guide cover placeholder

The Glass Universe

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

Book Brief

Dava Sobel

The Glass Universe

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

332

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Cambridge, Massachusetts • Late 19th Century

Theme
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1330L

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Super Short Summary

In The Glass Universe, Dava Sobel recounts the significant contributions of women at the Harvard Observatory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on their roles in cataloging and analyzing stellar data captured on glass plates, which led to groundbreaking discoveries and classification systems in astronomy.

Informative

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

3,782 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dava Sobel's The Glass Universe is lauded for its engaging narrative and thorough research, highlighting the invaluable contributions of women in early astronomy. Reviewers praise its readability and inspiring subject matter. Some critique it for occasionally slow pacing and overwhelming technical details. Ultimately, it is a compelling tribute to unsung scientific pioneers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Glass Universe?

Readers captivated by the intersection of science and history will relish The Glass Universe by Dava Sobel. Fans of Hidden Figures will appreciate this narrative about women astronomers at Harvard who used glass photographic plates to map the stars, driving advances in astronomy while breaking gender barriers.

4.0

3,782 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

332

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Cambridge, Massachusetts • Late 19th Century

Theme
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1330L

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