I just finished reading "The Heavens On Earth" by Aubin, Bigg, and Sibum. I bought it because the description said that it was about 19th century observatories, but instead of what I was expecting,,, descriptions of observatories, telescopes and other equipment, astronomers, etc, it was more about the sociological impact of various observatories in different countries, mapping, etc. An interesting take, each chapter written by different sociologists. Interesting, and worth reading, but some chapters were rather difficult sledding. Many sociologists seem to write more to impress other sociologists instead of writing for clarity.
OK, that's my personal opinion, but still worth reading.
(I put the layer of cardboard on my swinging chair because I'm dealing with a rather nasty bout of sciatica.)