Jesse Ramsden (1735–1800)

’Combining a wealth of technical detail with information on arguably the most important person in the history of angular measurement, this thoroughly researched volume is most welcome... McConnell's wide use of archival material will assist historians in several fields... Recommended.’ Choice ’Readers will likewise appreciate the great service to scholarship of this first full-length biography. Beautifully illustrated, skillfully researched, and lucidly written, McConnell's book is certainly worthy of its remarkable subject.’ EH.NET ’Anita McConnell promises a fresh account of one of the most admired instrument makers in the history of science, astronomy included. ... This promise is emphatically honoured: an extraordinary amount of work has gone into the making of this book and, while it is always possible for substantial primary material to come to light, it is very hard to see how otherwise the record of Ramsden's working life can be appreciably improved. ... We are greatly in the author's debt for the dedication to thoroughness, detail and accuracy that has produced a reliable account of Ramsden.’ Journal for the History of Astronomy ’The book has a strong scholarship and is a must-read reference to Ramsden and his time, one I will often go back to.’ Journal of British Studies ’The extensive and expertly chosen extracts from the original texts are a particular joy to read and are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, bringing vivid characterisation to the instrument trade of the period. Anita McConnell skilfully weaves together the documentary evidence to present a coherent picture of a virtuoso craftsman and inventor whose spectacular failure to meet delivery dates was the despair of astronomers across Europe, yet whose innovation and perfectionism ensured his reputation at the forefront of instrument builders. ... This well written book with its extensive bibliography will be a particularly valuable resource for all who have an in