Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Recollection of Science, Faith, and Love

Author: Sobel
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Galileo's Daughter traces the contributions of this scientific giant through the thread of his emotional life. In Dava Sobel's portrayal, Galileo appears authentic and vivid. We see how he made those far-reaching great discoveries, how he tirelessly spread his ideas through writing and conversation, and how he sometimes could not help but be entangled in fame and fortune, occasionally showing a hint of flattery when dedicating his works to the powerful. As The New York Times Book Review commented, the author "brought a great scientist back to life." She strives to recreate that era, the 17th century that was both a glorious age of the Renaissance and a time of the cruelty of the Inquisition. The beauty of this book also lies in the letters of Galileo's daughter, Maria Celeste, which are not only important documents about Galileo's life but also hold complete independent value. The profound daughter-father affection expressed in these letters is moving, and they also provide insights into the daily life of 17th-century Italy, particularly the conditions of monastic life. This book is an excellent biography that weaves together science, faith, and love.