Clabon Walter Allen (1904-1987)

Astrophysical Quantities. Second edition. London: Athone Press, 1964.

Rare autograph ownership inscription by Hawking, significantly appearing in this important compilation of astrophysical numerical data, described by the Australian Dictionary of Biography in its entry on Allen, as ‘the most quoted book on the subject’. Allen was born at Subiaco, Perth, in 1904, and carried out important astronomical observations in the southern hemisphere. After the Second World War, he became Perren professor of astronomy at University College, London, and director of the University of London Observatory, Mill Hill, establishing one of the best astronomical departments in England. This 1964 edition of Allen's great work contains a pencilled bookseller's date of '4.6.1970' which suggests Hawking purchased the book in that year.

Reprint of the second edition. Octavo (240 162mm). Half-title, table throughout (internally in fine condition). Publisher’s green cloth (near fine condition with only a faint mark near lower corner of upper board), dustjacket (faint soiling, a few minor nicks and creases to head of spine and along upper edge of lower cover). Provenance: Stephen Hawking (autograph ownership inscription on front free endpaper) – the estate of Professor Stephen Hawking.

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