Venus, 1.5 Centuries Ago
June 6, 2012 5:39 PM Subscribe
In which Aubrey-Maturin Novel did the Transit of Venus appear?
I know for sure that the Transit of Venus was mentioned in one of Patrick O'Brien's novels, but for the life of me, and for all of Google's probity, I cannot find a mention.
Does anyone else remember this, from that series?
I know for sure that the Transit of Venus was mentioned in one of Patrick O'Brien's novels, but for the life of me, and for all of Google's probity, I cannot find a mention.
Does anyone else remember this, from that series?
Best answer: The Far Side of the World; someone mentions that Joseph Banks "was taken to Otaheite to observe the transit of Venus, which had no immediate practical application".
posted by elizardbits at 5:53 PM on June 6, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by elizardbits at 5:53 PM on June 6, 2012 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Yes, the 1769 Transit of Venus is discussed in The Far Side of the World. O'Brian also wrote a biography of Joseph Banks.
posted by Sidhedevil at 5:58 PM on June 6, 2012
posted by Sidhedevil at 5:58 PM on June 6, 2012
Best answer: Searching on Google Books for {aubrey-maturin "transit of venus"} turns up the aforementioned bit in The Far Side of the World, and another mention in Clarissa Oakes ("... Joseph telling me that Otaheite, or Tahiti as some people say, was called King George's Island when he was there observing the transit of Venus ...").
posted by stebulus at 6:31 PM on June 6, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by stebulus at 6:31 PM on June 6, 2012 [1 favorite]
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posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 5:52 PM on June 6, 2012