People send me books. At times, it\u2019s a publisher or an author providing me with a review copy of a recent release I had requested. I am still somewhat amazed that prominent publishers of history of science books are willing to send review copies for my modest blog, but I appreciate their generosity. Occasionally, authors send me copies of their latest works hot off the press since I\u2019ve assisted them in some way with their developing manuscripts; whether that be fact checking, giving feedback on a historical assertion, or whatever. These volumes, always welcome, often find their way into the Renaissance Mathematicus review process. Completely unexpected but always thoroughly delightful is when someone sends me a book they believe I would enjoy simply because they appreciate my work.<\/p>\n
Recently, I received such a book from Arjen Dijkstra, who is the director of Tresoar, Museum, Archive and Library Frysl\u00e2n in Leeuwarden, specializing in the history of science. Although Arjen and I have never met, we have been friends online for several years. The book he sent me is the English translation of a work he originally published in Dutch in 2021. It is the biography of an eighteenth-century Frisian amateur mathematician and astronomer, who was new to me, and the astonishing planetarium he constructed, which I also had not heard of; Builder of Heavens: How Eise Eisinga Created the Greatest Planetarium of his Time.<\/p>\n
Before diving into specifics about this book, I have a general observation. When asked what I do, if I answer in detail, I explain that I am a narrative historian focused on the contextual history of science, or in short, a contextual narrative historian. Dijkstra\u2019s book serves as an exemplary model of contextual narrative history of science. One of the blurbs on the cover encapsulates it perfectly: \u201cIt is best described as a scholarly novel.\u201d Dijkstra\u2019s work is high-quality yet highly accessible literature, making it enjoyable to read, while simultaneously being obviously the outcome of extensive, precise research without being excessively scholarly.<\/p>\n
In the opening chapter, we are introduced to Eisinga\u2019s hometown of Franeker in Friesland and the robust tradition of mathematics and astronomy present during his era. We then meet his family, who were wool combers, along with an explanation of the annual downtime wool combers experience, allowing them to pursue their interests. Following this, we learn about Eise Eisinga\u2019s education and his introduction to mathematics. With the context established, we are introduced to the centerpiece, Eise Eisinga\u2019s planetarium. Together with his father, he literally transformed the ceiling of their living room into the world\u2019s largest clockwork-driven planetarium within just seven years.<\/p>\n
In the following chapters, Dijkstra guides us through the lives of the planetarium and its creator. This encompasses a wide range of contemporary Dutch academia and politics. The academics captivated by Eisinga\u2019s creation and their descriptions and advocacy for it. The highly turbulent political climate in the Netherlands during Eisinga\u2019s lifetime, in which he became deeply engaged at both local and national levels. He was involved in an attempted uprising, forced to flee into exile, and later tried and punished upon his return. This is certainly not the usual trajectory for an amateur astronomy enthusiast. Throughout, we receive detailed descriptions of the planetarium, its inner workings, and its functions.<\/p>\n
Rehabilitated, with his political faction now in power, Eisinga becomes even more politically engaged, even serving briefly in the national assembly. Alongside his political ascent, both he and his planetarium gain popularity, achieving national and then international recognition. Eisinga aspired to construct an even larger and more intricate planetarium, drafting detailed blueprints for its build which ultimately remained unrealized.<\/p>\n
The planetarium was acquired by the Dutch king for the nation, granting Eisinga\u2019s family the right to reside in the house indefinitely. In 2023, the planetarium, still a prominent tourist attraction, was designated a world cultural heritage by the United Nations.<\/p>\n
The book is richly adorned with grey tone illustrations, including many of Eisinga\u2019s elaborate plans for his planetarium. Following the acknowledgments, Dijkstra provides a thorough overview of the sources he consulted to compose his biography of Eise Eisinga. There is a Brief Biography, primarily consisting of books in Dutch. The end notes mainly present the Dutch originals of quotes found in English in the main text. The book concludes with a well-crafted index.<\/p>\n
I have not delved into as much detail as I typically do in my book reviews because I wished to preserve the joy for prospective readers. I believe this is a book of joy; I can hardly recall when I last relished reading a book as much as I did this one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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