Epitome of Copernican Astronomy & Harmonies of the World (Great Minds Series) (Paperback)

by Johannes Kepler (Author) "The Philosophy of Copernicus reckons up the principal parts of the world by dividing the figure of the world into regions..." (more)
Key Phrases: Tycho Brahe, God the Creator, Intervals Compared (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The brilliant German mathematician Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), one of the founders of modern astronomy, revolutionzed the Copernican heliocentric theory of the universe with his three laws of motion: that the planets move not in circular but elliptical orbits, that their speed is greatest when nearest the sun, and that the sun and planets form an integrated system. The Epitome of Copernican Astronomy is a textbook of Copernican science, remarkable for the prominence given to physical astronomy and for the extension to the Jovian system of the laws recently discovered to regulate the motions of the plants. Here is presented an elaborate system of celestial harmonies depending on the varying velocities of the planets. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description
The brilliant German mathematician Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), one of the founders of modern astronomy, revolutionised the Copernican heliocentric theory of the universe with his three laws of motion: that the planets move not in circular but elliptical orbits, that their speed is greatest when nearest the sun, and that the sun and planets form an integrated system. This volume contains two of his most important works: "The Epitome of Copernican Astronomy" (books 4 and 5 of which are translated here) is a textbook of Copernican science, remarkable for the prominence given to physical astronomy and for the extension to the Jovian system of the laws recently discovered to regulate the motions of the Planets; and "Harmonies of the World" (book 5 of which is translated here) expounds an elaborate system of celestial harmonies depending on the varying velocities of the planets.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573920363
• ISBN-13: 978-1573920360
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #156,128 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A small sample.., August 20, 2001

By	Ronald Drimmel "drimmel" (Pino Torinese, TO Italy) - See all my reviews

This is a republication of an old translation.

If you haven't read Kepler's own words, then this book will be both more and less than you expected. It is both a mathematical and philosophically speculative text, which in some sections can get quite technical.(Warning: the title is a bit deceiving. Only part of the Epitome is included.)

I would only give 3 stars to this book, except that english translations of Kepler's works are very few, and this book is the most financially accessible of those currently on the market. I therefore recommend it as a good first exposure.

There's no substitute to reading the original words of great thinkers, especially in gaining insight into their way of approaching the world.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A small sample.., August 20, 2001

By	Ronald Drimmel "drimmel" (Pino Torinese, TO Italy) - See all my reviews

This is a republication of an old translation.

If you haven't read Kepler's own words, then this book will be both more and less than you expected. It is both a mathematical and phylsophically speculative text, which in some sections can get quite technical.(Warning: the title is a bit deceiving. Only part of the Epitome is included.)

I would only give 3 stars to this book, except that english translations of Kepler's works are very few, and this book is the most financially accessible of those currently on the market. I therefore recommend it as a good first exposure.

There's no substitute to reading the original words of great thinkers, especially in gaining insight into their way of approaching the world.

4.0 out of 5 stars Kepler's Tribute to Copernicus , August 30, 2008

By	Mike Vander Nat (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

In this volume, Kepler combines much of his work into what he believes to be a more accessible understanding of the planetary orbits. I would recommend this book for the serious student of Astronomy, because although it is less demanding than 'Astronomia Nova', it is quite in depth and certain adjustments are made to the Copernican cosmology which the reader must have some familiarity with. A final notice: this edition of the 'Epitome..' is only sections 4 & 5. The prior sections have never been brought into English.