We have a certain narrative about Galileo that has become accepted in the West in the last 100 years. While some people have severely downplayed his importance, the majority view is that Galileo is a secular hero along with being one of the greatest minds in the history of science. The most recent contributions to this view are Dava Sobel's book, Galileo's Daughter (which Wootton calls "one of the best books about him") and the NOVA two hour documentary on PBS based on Sobel's book entitled Battle for the Heavens. Nothing David Wootton says in this detailed and lengthy biography contradicts the basic points in that narrative but Galileo comes across as much more complex, considerably less sympathetic, and much more of an opportunist. Playing up the "battle" element greatly oversimplifies both the man and the situations in which he found himself. Wootton's argument is that there is true brilliance at work, but it is deeply embedded in a personality that was not the kind of hero who boldly stands for truth and justice against the evils of the Church. Like certain founders of the computer age, Galileo was not a particularly likable person but, like them, he knew the value and implications of an observation or idea when others did not. Wootton shows many times how Galileo's stubborn arrogance is the reason he got himself into trouble. Wootton does a great job in this book of showing a much less sympathetic but much more fully developed human being.
This is primarily an intellectual biography and Wootton shows time and again that Galileo was caught between a real love for the beauty of the mathematical, deductive method and the value of experiment. He avoided real life experiments whenever possible and substituted thought experiments that he thought were clinchers. He may be the founder of experimental science but he was a reluctant one. When he did do experiments such as the ones with inclined planes, he immediately transferred the empirical to the abstract mathematical whole. If there is any one point where Galileo's genius shines through, it was in the ability to grasp the larger mathematical principle from a limited experimental or observational base. He was often right in his intuitive leap to conclusions but not always. At times, as with his theory of tides which was fundamental in his defense of Copernicus, this leap proved wrong. At other times, especially with the basic laws of falling bodies and with his telescopic evidence, he was correct and laid the foundation for the future of science.
I highly recommend this book. It is very well-written, paragraphs and concepts are clearly developed, and Wootton weaves elements of Galileo's family life and friends into his intellectual history. It is 268 pages of small font but the chapters tend to be short. I found it unusual that a book with small chapters does not read like it is "chopped up." Quite the opposite I found. It makes a highly detailed book readable and gives a well-rounded understanding of the man. The book is well-worth buying if you want to turn the simplified historical narrative of the "battle" into the rich texture that actually was Galileo's life.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Limited-Time Offer
Join Audible Premium Plus for 60% off. Get this deal
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Pam Wilkinson
Probably a very good book for...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 25, 2020
Justin
I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in Galileo's life
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on May 3, 2018
