Soon making scientific discoveries in her own right, she swept to international scientific and popular fame. She was awarded a salary by George III in 1787 -- the first woman in Britain to make her living from science.

But, as a woman in a male-dominated world, Herschel's great success was achieved despite constant frustration of her ambitions. Drawing on original sources -- including Herschel's diaries and her fiery letters -- Claire Brock tells the story of a woman determined to win independence and satisfy her astronomical ambition.