Galileo Galilei: First Physicist (Oxford Portraits in Science) (Paperback)

by James MacLachlan (Author) "The young man waited impatiently..." (more)
Key Phrases: grand duke, new wonders, Galileo Galilei, Cardinal Bellarmino, University of Pisa (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up?A captivating portrait of one of history's great scientific minds. After a brief introduction to the science of physics, students are given a clear and concise account of the life of Galileo and the Renaissance world in which he lived. MacLachlan follows his subject from his beginnings as a pre-med/philosophy student and his fight to study mathematics through a long lifetime that included hardships, favor, success, disfavor, and, ultimately, censure from the Church via the Inquisition. The last chapter is devoted to the importance of Galileo's accomplishments within his lifetime and as viewed through the lens of history. While readers are privy to all of his discoveries and inventions as they unfold, the text does not overwhelm them with mathematical and/or scientific terminology. Detailed explanations of scientific principles are offered in several sidebars. Black-and-white drawings, diagrams, and reproductions present period details and extend the text. This book crosses many disciplines in its information, and makes a fine addition to library collections.?Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"MacLachlan deftly traces both Galileo's life and achievements and the religious and political structures of his times."--The Horn Book Guide
"A captivating portrait of one of history's great scientific minds. After a brief introduction to the science of physics, students are given a clear and concise account of the life of Galileo and the Renaissance world in which he lived.... Detailed explanations of scientific principles are offered in several sidebars."--School Library Journal
"A fine addition to educational resources. It is well produced, nicely illustrated, clearly written and each of the six chapters contains very helpful inserts on how Galileo's problems are addressed and comprehended by contemporary science.... The book deals with topics in a sophisticated and detailed manner."--Science & Education
"A short, quick read for an adult, and well-illustrated... This concise book tells Galileo's story in far greater detail than we ever reveal in our planetarium show, and it is a far better reference than a collection of articles and chapters in more general books... Clearly written for an audience that will not tolerate slow writing... a pleasure to read. And if you know any young people who need stimulation or just inspirational reading, think of this book."--Planetarian


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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195131703
• ISBN-13: 978-0195131703
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,289,109 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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