Johannes Kepler and the New Astronomy (Oxford Portraits in Science) [Paperback]

James R. Voelkel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Oxford Portraits in Science

Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) is remembered, along with Copernicus and Galileo, as one of the greatest Renaissance astronomers. A gifted analytical thinker, he made major contributions to physics, astronomy, and mathematics. Kepler was trained as a theologian, yet did not hesitate to challenge church doctrine and prevailing scientific beliefs by supporting the theory of a Sun-centered solar system. As Imperial Mathematician to the Holy Roman Emperor, he analyzed the precise observations of the heavens that his predecessor, the great astronomer Tycho Brahe, had recorded. The book follows the ingenious scientist along the difficult pathway from raw data to his monumental discovery--the three Laws of Planetary Motion. Kepler also made fundamental contributions to optical theory, including a correct description of the function of the eye and a new and improved telescope design. His unique Rudolfine Tables, universal calculations of planetary motion, were unprecedented in their accuracy. James Voelkel vividly describes these scientific achievements, providing enough background in astronomy and geometry so even beginners can follow Kepler's thinking and enjoy this book. Equally captivating is his account of Kepler's tumultuous life, plagued by misery, disease, war, and fervent religious persecution.

Oxford Portraits in Science is an ongoing series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-This readable biography puts Kepler's life, discoveries, and writings in the context of the religious persecutions of the early 17th century and shows how his religious bias led him to make great scientific discoveries. Personal anecdotes about such topics as his relationship with fellow astronomer Tycho Brahe, his mother's trial for witchcraft, and his lifetime of work on the Rudolfine Tables fill the narrative. The writing is strongest when dealing with his discoveries, as the descriptions of his personal life sometimes seem tedious and repetitive. Excellent boxed sections explain the astronomer's three laws of planetary motion with clear diagrams that illustrate their principles and derivation. A compelling passage summarizes the Somnium (The Dream), a fictional work in which he created moon creatures to explain the motion of the earth in a heliocentric system. This book is enhanced with fascinating and informative reproductions, including facsimiles of Kepler's writings. Overall, an enjoyable introduction to a complex scientific life.
Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This intriguing biography from the Oxford Portraits in Science series discusses the life and work of Johannes Kepler (1571^-1630). Trained in theology, Kepler accepted a position as a mathematics teacher. He then went to the assistance of noted astronomer Tycho Brahe and became the imperial mathematician for Rudolf II of the Holy Roman Empire. Kepler lived in tumultuous times and suffered the religious persecution of his family and the trial of his mother for witchcraft, along with disease, war, and the deaths of loved ones. Nevertheless, he managed to discover the three laws of planetary motion, to calculate the movements and positions of the planets with great accuracy, and to do important work in optics as well. Voelkel weaves the many strands of Kepler's story into an intricate but satisfying narrative. To be illustrated with reproductions of period portraits, prints, and documents. A fine addition to both science and biography collections. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (October 11, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019515021X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195150216
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kepler's work made the heliocentric theory forever undeniable, June 7, 2006

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Johannes Kepler and the New Astronomy (Oxford Portraits in Science) (Paperback)

Kepler is the middle third of the great triumvirate of physicists that led humanity from a point where little was known about planetary motion to where nearly all was known. The first was Galileo Galilei and the last was Isaac Newton. Kepler contributed the three laws of planetary motion that are now named after him. They are:

*) The planets follow elliptical orbits about the sun.

*) The line connecting the planet to the sun sweeps out equal areas over equal times.

*) The square of the period of an orbit divided by the cube of the mean distance is a constant.

While Copernicus published the first convincing heliocentric theory, it was Kepler who gave the theory a mathematical foundation based on the years of accurate observations made by Tycho Brahe. It was his work that convinced the learned world that the planets orbited the sun.

When reading the history of Kepler, it is astonishing that he managed to be successful. He suffered from poor health, petty jealousies, lack of income, the death of some of his children, major religious persecution, plague and a war that devastated central Europe. He lived in a time of major religious conflict as the Reformation had moved strongly forward and the Counter-Reformation was responding violently. Kepler was a Protestant and remained so under the real threat of banishment and even death. Approximately one third of the people in central Europe perished during the widespread destruction of the thirty years war, which went on around Kepler. He was once trapped in a city placed under siege by Protestant forces and when told he must convert to Catholicism or be banished, he chose to leave.

Through it all, Kepler continued his intellectual pursuits, sometimes down false paths, but through perseverance and dedication, he was able to solve the puzzle of planetary motion. This story is not so much about the physicist persona of Kepler, it is a tale of triumph over tremendous obstacles where the result was of great benefit to all of humanity. This is a good, direct story of Kepler, his life and the environment he toiled in. I strongly recommend it as a textbook about Kepler, the history of his times and how modern physics was developed. Very little background in physics is needed to understand the presentation.

5.0 out of 5 stars TOUCHING STORY OF A GENIUS OF HIS TIMES, November 3, 2006

By 

skeptic "interestedreader" (philadelphia, pa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Johannes Kepler and the New Astronomy (Oxford Portraits in Science) (Paperback)

after reading this book you can't help but feel for this man... the tremendous upheavels he went through always worried about religious persecution but escaping it because of his position at court... but it gives a genuine feel of 'escaping by the skin of one's teeth'

then his many moves from city to city, taking family with him, all the deaths of family including children he endured and always religiously devout, believing in God and not one creed or another, always putting his heart and soul into his labors...

a remarkable story or a pious, honest, hard working, brilliant man of his times... it would have been a deep honor to know this man

1 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book about One of Astronomy's Greatest Men, October 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Johannes Kepler: And the New Astronomy (Oxford Portraits in Science) (Hardcover)

This piece does a great job at showing how Kepler changed astronomy and how it changed him.