Galileo by Mitch Stokes, Christian Encounters Series
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-59555-031-6; ASIN: B004PGNC00
Retail: $12.00
From Booksneeze.com:
From physics to religion, Galileo's life changed the world and how we perceive it.
Despite a debilitating life-long illness, Galileo changed physics from a purely philosophical subject into one involving mathematics and careful observation. But his innovations didn’t stop there. He also challenged beliefs about the very structure of the universe, arguing that the earth moves around the sun at dizzying speeds.
But suggesting such dramatic changes made philosophers uncomfortable. And because they were unable to refute Galileo on their own playing field, they sought help from theologians, sending Galileo headlong into a conflict with church officials. In this biography readers will be privy to the intrigues, personality clashes, and misunderstandings that led to Galileo’s famous trial and condemnation.
I chose this book to review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blogger review program because I have recently been reading an older book (not necessarily about Galileo but he is mentioned), History of Astronomy by George Forbes. Honestly, I had thought Galileo was an astronomer! I've learned a great deal about him from reading this book. Not only was he interested in the movement of the sun, earth and planets (much later in his life) he was also a musician, an artist, and an engineer! He actually failed in medicine (because he didn't go to class and didn't do the work!) and didn't receive a degree from the University that he attended.
This is a very well done book, in my opinion. Though it is a work of non-fiction, it is not without its excitement. Starting from before Galileo was born (so we get an idea of where he is coming from), Stokes paints a vivid picture of those who shape Galileo into the man he becomes. He has many friends- and enemies- in high places. He seems to be a kind and generous man with a great ability to work with mathematics. *How interesting that medical students didn't study mathematics back then!* Galileo's studies take him down a path that at first I am sure was exhilarating and exciting but towards the end must have worried him a little.
Interwoven, and honestly at times seemingly misplaced, Stokes brings in other individuals and events during the lifetime of Galileo. These are not misplaced however, because each time we come to understand the connection. Stokes gives humor and empathy as well as greatly referenced resources to move this biography along. I found myself chuckling many times and laughing out loud at other times. Of course, I also found it so difficult to believe the treatment of his theories and ultimately himself.
This book was a Kindle download from Booksneeze and the formatting was a bit off in places (a space before an apostrophe; example: [duke 's]) but otherwise perfect. I love getting books on my Kindle- no waiting for them to come in the mail!
From Booksneeze.com:
From physics to religion, Galileo's life changed the world and how we perceive it.
Despite a debilitating life-long illness, Galileo changed physics from a purely philosophical subject into one involving mathematics and careful observation. But his innovations didn’t stop there. He also challenged beliefs about the very structure of the universe, arguing that the earth moves around the sun at dizzying speeds.
But suggesting such dramatic changes made philosophers uncomfortable. And because they were unable to refute Galileo on their own playing field, they sought help from theologians, sending Galileo headlong into a conflict with church officials. In this biography readers will be privy to the intrigues, personality clashes, and misunderstandings that led to Galileo’s famous trial and condemnation.
I chose this book to review from Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze blogger review program because I have recently been reading an older book (not necessarily about Galileo but he is mentioned), History of Astronomy by George Forbes. Honestly, I had thought Galileo was an astronomer! I've learned a great deal about him from reading this book. Not only was he interested in the movement of the sun, earth and planets (much later in his life) he was also a musician, an artist, and an engineer! He actually failed in medicine (because he didn't go to class and didn't do the work!) and didn't receive a degree from the University that he attended.
This is a very well done book, in my opinion. Though it is a work of non-fiction, it is not without its excitement. Starting from before Galileo was born (so we get an idea of where he is coming from), Stokes paints a vivid picture of those who shape Galileo into the man he becomes. He has many friends- and enemies- in high places. He seems to be a kind and generous man with a great ability to work with mathematics. *How interesting that medical students didn't study mathematics back then!* Galileo's studies take him down a path that at first I am sure was exhilarating and exciting but towards the end must have worried him a little.
Interwoven, and honestly at times seemingly misplaced, Stokes brings in other individuals and events during the lifetime of Galileo. These are not misplaced however, because each time we come to understand the connection. Stokes gives humor and empathy as well as greatly referenced resources to move this biography along. I found myself chuckling many times and laughing out loud at other times. Of course, I also found it so difficult to believe the treatment of his theories and ultimately himself.
This book was a Kindle download from Booksneeze and the formatting was a bit off in places (a space before an apostrophe; example: [duke 's]) but otherwise perfect. I love getting books on my Kindle- no waiting for them to come in the mail!
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