“Renée Bergland’s new work on the American astronomer Maria Mitchell (1818–1889) is more than a biography, although it covers the details of her life very well. By presenting Mitchell’s seventy-one-year life in the context of contemporary science, literary history, social and religious milieu, and gender relationships, Bergland has constructed a rich cultural history of the time. She carefully examines those disparate subjects to explain how they combined to mold Mitchell into a respected astronomer.”

“Bergland’s book is . . . ambitious, attempting to integrate the history of science, literature, culture, and gender studies . . . The information she offers is rich . . . Bergland provides a look into the history of American women scientists and informs readers about the world of nineteenth-century academic women.”

“An intimate and sympathetic portrait of undoubtedly the most visible and perhaps the most influential woman scientist in nineteenth-century North America . . . Through Mitchell’s life narrative, Bergland elaborates on issues of women in science and education and explores the nineteenth century’s rapidly shifting notions of gender, concluding with a critical epilogue on more recent public assessments of women in science . . . A highly readable account, Bergland’s book is richly descriptive.”

". . . captivating . . . highly recommended."

“A fun read, particularly for those captivated by romanticism, the role of women in science or the night sky.”

". . .a solid contribution to the history of women, education, and science."

“A really thorough, well-written biography for the twenty-first century. There’s more in this book than can ever fit into a review. Read it for its intellectual pleasures; read it for its graceful language; read it for its great sweep of a story, just as Maria Mitchell swept the heavens and found a comet.”

"There is a lot to like about this book. Mitchell is a charming subject, and the story is fascinating and important. " Read Full Review