Table of Contents
Map of A World of Eclipses: The Paths of Totality ix
Prologue 1
Chapter 1 A Path Made of Magic: The First Expeditions 7
Chapter 2 Einstein's Visionary Years: Thought Experiments and a Streetcar Ride 21
Chapter 3 The Two Eclipses of 1912: The First Attempt: Is Einstein Right? 33
Chapter 4 Einstein's Entreaty: Astronomers to the Challenge 53
Chapter 5 The 1914 Eclipse: The Second Attempt: A Path of Fire 77
Chapter 6 A Magic Carpet Made of Space-Time: The British Take Interest: Science Goes to War 103
Chapter 7 Unriddling the Universe: The British Get Ready: The Americans Persevere 127
Chapter 8 The RMS Anselm Sets Sail: A Cocoa Plantation and a Horse Jockey Club 157
Chapter 9 Príncipe and Sobral: In Colonialism's Shadow: The Teams Prepare 181
Chapter 10 "Through Cloud, Hopeful": May 29, 1919: Does Light Have Weight? 205
Chapter 11 Greek Drama: Searching the Stars: An Answer in the Hyades 233
Chapter 12 The Search for Accuracy: A New Universe: The Press Juggernaut 247
Epilogue: Men Made on Dreams 265
Acknowledgments 292
Notes 297
Bibliography 326
Illustration Credits 339
Index 342