Table of Contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations of manuscript sources; 1. The revival of the island universe theory; 2. Shapley's model of the Galaxy and the 'Great Debate'; 3. The Debate ends; 4. The development of the island universe theory 1925 to 1931; 5. The velocity-distance relation: its origins and development to 1931; Bibliography; Index.

Promotional Information

This book analyses, with archival evidence, the three major changes to astronomers' theories between 1900 and 1931.

Reviews

'Thoroughly researched, with copious links to original material, including personal correspondence of several of the main players … very readable …' Contemporary Physics