BURBIDGE, E. Margaret, et al., ‘Synthesis of the Elements in Stars’, in: Reviews of Modern Physics, Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 548–651 (American Physical Society, Lancaster PA and New York), 1957

267 x 200mm; pp. [1], 548–836, [2]

Very good condition: light fraying to spine ends; cancelled library blindstamp to cover but otherwise unmarked

One of the landmark papers in 20th century astrophysics. The discovery that all elements in the universe heavier than hydrogen and helium are forged by stars. Hence the phrase ‘we are all made of stardust’.

Burbidge conducted foundational research in a number of areas, and held prestigous posts at many institutions. She was also a campaigner against sexist discrimination in science. The paper is co-authored with G.R. Burbidge (her husband), William Fowler and Fred Hoyle, and is often called simply B2FH.

When asked ‘What’s the most important thing that most of us don’t know about the universe that we should?’ Neil DeGrasse Tyson cited this very paper, saying ‘for me, it’s the greatest gift that modern astrophysics has given civilization’. As he pointed out, Burbidge awaits her biographer.