EDWARD HITCHCOCK
was not the only
star in the firmament of American science and
philosophy in the nineteenth century, but he was
certainly one of the brightest. The son of a hatter
and farmer, he was raised among the wheat and rye
fields of Deerfield, Massachusetts, and expected to
pursue a farmer's life. But early on he developed a
"strong relish" for science. By the age of
twenty-five he had adopted his father's orthodox
Christian faith and set a dual path for his life,
science and religion.
Although
Hitchcock's career as a pastor would be brief,
preaching and spreading the Gospel would remain his
highest calling. Nevertheless, his scientific impulses
could never be denied, his spiritual life could not
deflect him from the pursuit of scientific truth. In
that respect he was perhaps unique for his time - and
for today - for he saw no conflict between science and
religion. "When rightly interpreted and understood,"
he wrote, "they will appear in perfect unison."
Hitchcock is best remembered for
his pioneering work in paleontology, particularly in
deciphering the fossilized tracks of the ancient
creatures we know today as dinosaurs. But he was
also the first State Geologist of Massachusetts and
one of the founders of the Association of American
Geologists, forerunner of the American Association
for the Advancement of Science.
Hitchcock was a
lifelong advocate for higher education. A professor
at Amherst College for nearly forty years, he was
named president in 1845 and is credited with saving
that institution from dissolution. He promoted
women's education (so long as the sexes were
educated separately, of course!) and played a vital
role in the founding of Mount Holyoke College. He
was also an early proponent of agricultural
education who lobbied successfully for the
establishment at Amherst of Massachusetts
Agricultural College, known today as the University
of Massachusetts.
For all Edward Hitchcock's
contributions to science, religion, and education in
a young America, his story has never been told -
never, that is, until now.
In All
the Light Here Comes from Above: The Life and
Legacy of Edward Hitchcock,
Massachusetts author Robert T. McMaster brings
Edward Hitchcock to life for his readers. Relying
largely on Hitchcock's own words from his letters,
notes, and other unpublished manuscripts, McMaster
presents an intimate view of the man, his scientific
achievements and his theological writings, as well
as his battles with powerful personal demons that
threatened him at every turn. Each chapter is
introduced with a vignette, a scene from the life of
Edward Hitchcock or his family, that reveals the
humanity of the man with dignity, charm, and humor.
For
more information on All
the Light Here Comes from Above: The Life and
Legacy of Edward Hitchcock
including a FREE SAMPLE and HOW TO ORDER, click
here.
ALSO ON THESE
PAGES
TRANSCRIPTIONS:
Full text of many of Hitchcock's unpublished works
including his sermons, notes, travel diaries, and
essays, a total of over 2000 pages, available here
for the first time.
RESOURCES: Lists
of Hitchcock's published works, works cited,
sermons, and descendants. Also Image Gallery and
"The World of Edward Hitchcock Then and Now: A
Photographic Tour."
HITCHCOCKIANA:
News, information, and anecdotes about Edward
Hitchcock and his family added by author Robert T.
McMaster and updated regularly.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Reviews,
excerpts, and ordering information for All the Light Here Comes from
Above.
NEWS: Newspaper stories,
videos, and announcements of coming events about All the Light Here Comes from
Above.
ZOOMCASTS: Recorded
talks on the life and legacy of Edward Hitchcock
with author Robert T. McMaster.
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★★★★★
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