In the Footsteps of Columbus (Annotated)

Introduction and Biography Included

By: Annie Cannon, Doug West

Narrated by: Gregory Diehl

The book In the Footsteps of Columbus by Annie J. Cannon was originally published in 1893. The annotated version contains in addition to the original work:

• An Introduction to the book with historical context to help the reader understand Miss Cannon's world in the 1890s.
• A detailed biography of Annie J. Cannon is included at the end of the book. The biography covers her life from the early years until she reaches the apex of her career at Harvard College.

This book is a story of Miss Cannon's trip to Spain and Italy in 1893 where she visits some of the major cathedrals, mosques, and palaces in Spain. Miss Cannon also journeys to Italy to visit the childhood home of Christopher Columbus. Her book was used at the massive 1893 World's Fair held in Chicago as a promotional booklet for the Blair Camera Company.

The biography covers her early life growing up in New England and her education at Wellesley College. Miss Cannon starts her career as a human "computer" working for Edward Pickering at the Harvard College Observatory. She advances in her career to become a Professor at Harvard. She was one of the key individuals that produced the massive Henry Draper Catalogue, which was the first authoritative catalogue of vital information about the stars. This work was an invaluable contribution to the science of astronomy. Generation of astronomers have used this work in their quest to understand the Universe. Annie Cannon was an exceptional woman who, in spite of her deafness, became one of the most well-known astronomers of her day.

Come and be a part of the life and times of this accomplished woman.

©2015 Doug West (P)2015 Doug West