Tyge Brahe: A Historical Account

What it is

This is an 1871 book presenting a historical account of Tycho Brahe's life by F.R. Friis, drawing on printed and unpublished sources. The version here includes a critical review by the astronomer J. L. E. Dreyer.

Why it matters

Written nearly three centuries after Brahe's death, this book shows how later scholars, including fellow astronomer Dreyer, worked to piece together an accurate record of Brahe's life from scattered documents. It reflects the growing scientific interest in recovering astronomical history in the 19th century.

Look closer

• Why might it take centuries to gather enough sources to write a full history of someone's life?
• What kind of sources do you think Friis used to reconstruct Brahe's story?
• Why would an astronomer like Dreyer be interested in reviewing this historical account?