The Life of Benjamin BannekerA free Negro tobacco planter in Baltimore County, Benhamin Banneker taught himself mathematics and astronomy late in life. He produced calculations for a series of almanacs published in the late eighteenth century and participated in the survey of the Federal Territory (now the District of Columbia.) As the author has expressed it, a lesson to be derived from Banneker's life is " ... that a thirst for knowledge is not limited to youth, and that the process of learning recognizes no barrier of color, race, or creed." Based on long-lost manuscripts and personal papers, this authoritative biography places Banneker in his rightful and honored place among the early American mathematical practitioners who applied the sciences in the developing new republic. The Life of Benjamin Banneker makes an important contribution to three separate fields of scholarship - history of science, black studies, and American history. It will appeal to general readers and students and scholars interested in these fields of study. -- from dust jacket |
Contents
THE HERITAGE AND THE LAND | 3 |
HOME AND FAMILY | 22 |
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS | 49 |
Copyright | |
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Abolition Society Manuscripts account of Banneker's achievement Alexander Payne almanac for 1792 American Andrew Ellicott appeared April assistance astronomical Baltimore County Banneker's Almanac became Benjamin Banneker century City clock Commissioners copy Delaware Document eclipse edition Elias Ellicott Elkridge Ellicott brothers Ellicott family Ellicott's Lower Mills Ellicott's Mills ephemeris facing calculations farm Federal Territory Ferguson free Negro George Ellicott Georgetown Goddard Ibid included interest James Angell James McHenry John John Ellicott Joseph Ellicott Joseph Townsend L'Enfant later Letter from Andrew lished Major Ellicott Manuscript Journal Mary Maryland Historical Society Memoir ment Molly moon moon's Moses Sheppard neighbors neker observations papers Patapsco River Pennsylvania Abolition Society period Philadelphia planters present Printed printers publication published purchased recorded Reference Notes region Robert Sheppard Sketch slave slavery sold survey Thomas Jefferson tion tobacco town tract Virginia Washington weather William young