Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love (Open Humanities)

Author: (American) Sobel, translated by Xie Yanguang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Galileo's Daughter traces the contributions of this scientific giant through the lens of his emotional life. In Dava Sobel's portrayal, Galileo appears authentic and vivid. We see how he made those groundbreaking discoveries, how he tirelessly spread his ideas through writing and conversation, and how he sometimes could not resist the allure of fame and fortune, occasionally showing a hint of flattery when dedicating his works to nobility. As The New York Times Book Review remarked, the author "brought a great scientist back to life." She strives to recreate that era, the 17th century, a time of Renaissance glory and 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 crucial documents about Galileo's life but also hold independent value. The profound daughter-father bond expressed in these letters is moving, and they also offer insights into the daily life of 17th-century Italy, particularly the conditions of monastic life. This book is an outstanding biography that weaves together science, faith, and love.