The ascent of Mary Somerville in 19th century society (Q345666)

The author is a mathematician and especially interested in female mathematicians; women rights play a big role in her publications. She wrote this book ``as a mathematician and as an Italian''. But, this book on Mary Somerville is not a scientific biography: it concerns Mary Somerville's life but her work is not analyzed. Until now there exist several biographies of Mary Somerville, the most important one is the one written by her daughter Martha [\textit{M. Somerville}, Personal recollections, from early life to old age. With selections from her correspondence. Edited by Martha Somerville. Reprint of the 1873 original. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2010; Zbl 1200.01052)]. These recollections are also the author's main source. The book under review deals with Somerville's childhood, her two marriages, her stays in Paris and Italy, especially in Naples, her travels (nomadic life). Mary Somerville (1780--1872) lived at a time where the unification of Italy played a main role. The book includes two chapters dedicated to this situation. It is really a pity that the book has no name index. Also, a list of Somerville's publications is missing.