The twentieth century has been a remarkable epoch in the affairs of
men, and this is no less true of astronomy, at once the oldest and
most modern of the sciences. Sky watchers at the beginning of the
century measured positions and predicted celestial motions in
faithful but uninspired homage to the Muse Urania; nowadays, their
descendents call on all the resources of modern science to probe
the nature and evolution of a bewildering range of celestial
objects. Man has even set out to call personally on his nearest
neighbours in space. Professor Zdenek Kopal has lived and practised
astronomy throughout this efflorescence of his subject. Born in
Czechoslovakia just before the outbreak of the Great War, and
educated in the classical European tradition, he knows well the
days when scholars commanded such respect that astronomical
congresses would be visited by Heads of State. Yet within his own
lifetime, he has himself been recruited to play an important role
in scientific preparations for a manned Moon landing. He has known
and worked with some of the most highly respected practitioners of
Modern Astromomy: Russell, Shapley, Urey in the United States,
Eddington in Britain. His fine eye for detail, coupled with his
strong sense of history, enable him to unfold through his personal
recollections the development of his subject across the social
changes of two world wars. Inspired by his grandfather, who would
think nothing of walking sixty miles to theatrical performance, the
young Kopal acquired a Wanderlust that has taken him in his career
more than a dozen times rond the world. He has visited the most
ancient observatories, observed solar eclipses in Japan and Java,
helped to establish new institutions in Iraq and India, and
commuted for many years between the Old and New Worlds. He has
toiled in every corner of his chosen vinyard: as observer,
outstanding theoretician, populariser, editor and teacher. During
his thirty years as Professor of Astronomy at Manchester, he helped
to educate over a hundered PhD students, many from the developing
world, who have taken the torch of astronomy back to their home
lands. In retirement, he continues to direct his efforts towards a
better understanding of the Universe, and shows no sign of
abandoning his life-long affair with the heavens. Professor Kopal
has entitled his book Of Stars and Men, for he has delighted in the
company of both throughout his life. The reader is invited to share
with him the story of his birth, his education, his work and his
travels; and to join with him in contemplating the history and
possible future of his subject, and of civilisation itself.
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