David Strauss is Professor of History, Kalamazoo College.

• Acknowledgments Introduction: Percival Lowell and the Boston Brahmins I. The Private Lowell 1. The Making of an Improper Bostonian 2. Lowell and His Peers 3. Preparation of a Polymath 4. New Careers II. Lowell as Spencerian 5. Cosmic Philosopher 6. Image-Maker 7. Psychical Researcher 8. Cosmogonist III. Lowell as Astronomer 9. From"Astronomical Picnic" to Observatory 10. Lowell's Campaign for the Canals of Mars 11. The Establishment Responds 12. The Search for Recognition Conclusion: A Proper Bostonian on Mars Hill Notes Index

David Strauss's biography gives us the entire Percival Lowell. We learn of his mistresses, his Boston clubs, his visits to the exotic, romantic Orient and his attempt to make his mark as an adventure-travel author, and finally of his astronomy and the resultant feuds with the professional astronomical establishment. In Strauss's hands, Percival Lowell is a compelling figure, whose story provides a rich insight into the nature of Boston society and the Boston Brahmins at a time when New England culture was becoming overshadowed by the New York aristocracy. I'm convinced that this is an important book.

David Strauss is Professor of History, Kalamazoo College.

• Acknowledgments Introduction: Percival Lowell and the Boston Brahmins I. The Private Lowell 1. The Making of an Improper Bostonian 2. Lowell and His Peers 3. Preparation of a Polymath 4. New Careers II. Lowell as Spencerian 5. Cosmic Philosopher 6. Image-Maker 7. Psychical Researcher 8. Cosmogonist III. Lowell as Astronomer 9. From"Astronomical Picnic" to Observatory 10. Lowell's Campaign for the Canals of Mars 11. The Establishment Responds 12. The Search for Recognition Conclusion: A Proper Bostonian on Mars Hill Notes Index

David Strauss's biography gives us the entire Percival Lowell. We learn of his mistresses, his Boston clubs, his visits to the exotic, romantic Orient and his attempt to make his mark as an adventure-travel author, and finally of his astronomy and the resultant feuds with the professional astronomical establishment. In Strauss's hands, Percival Lowell is a compelling figure, whose story provides a rich insight into the nature of Boston society and the Boston Brahmins at a time when New England culture was becoming overshadowed by the New York aristocracy. I'm convinced that this is an important book.

David Strauss is Professor of History, Kalamazoo College.

• Acknowledgments Introduction: Percival Lowell and the Boston Brahmins I. The Private Lowell 1. The Making of an Improper Bostonian 2. Lowell and His Peers 3. Preparation of a Polymath 4. New Careers II. Lowell as Spencerian 5. Cosmic Philosopher 6. Image-Maker 7. Psychical Researcher 8. Cosmogonist III. Lowell as Astronomer 9. From"Astronomical Picnic" to Observatory 10. Lowell's Campaign for the Canals of Mars 11. The Establishment Responds 12. The Search for Recognition Conclusion: A Proper Bostonian on Mars Hill Notes Index

David Strauss's biography gives us the entire Percival Lowell. We learn of his mistresses, his Boston clubs, his visits to the exotic, romantic Orient and his attempt to make his mark as an adventure-travel author, and finally of his astronomy and the resultant feuds with the professional astronomical establishment. In Strauss's hands, Percival Lowell is a compelling figure, whose story provides a rich insight into the nature of Boston society and the Boston Brahmins at a time when New England culture was becoming overshadowed by the New York aristocracy. I'm convinced that this is an important book.