Galileo

by Clarice Swisher

Book Overview

Hailed as a staunch advocate of truth in science, Galileo was unsatisfied with ancient wisdom and spent most of his life questioning traditional scientific principles and offering new theories of his own. The essays in this anthology examine the many aspects of Galileo's character and his genius.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0737706716
• ISBN13: 9780737706710
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Greenhaven Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 15 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 10 to 12

Customer Reviews

Galileo - People Who Made History

On February 15, 1564 in Pisa, Italy, one of the greatest minds of the scientific world was born. Galileo Gallilei and his family moved to Florence when he was just ten years old, and soon became enrolled in the University of Piza in 1581. Instead of following his father's wish, Gallileo soon pursued an interest in mathematics and later, physics. He would teach mathematics at the university for several years until his father died, leaving Galileo alone to pay the family expenses. Because of this, Galileo would move to Pauda for a better-paying career. Soon, Galileo would also create the scientific method that is similar to today's in most respects. Galileo soon built a custom telecope that would see marvelous things such as Jupiter and its moons and our own moon in precise detail. Galileo then made a move that would change his life forever. Though today it seems like a petty matter, switching to Copernicisum was a serious matter.After several tragedies that included the death of his lover, Galileo was convicted of heresy by the Catholic Church in 1633. Several years later, Galileo would become blind and would die on January 8, 1642 after his health continued to become worse. To many today, Galileo is called the founder of modern physics and astronomy. Without his efforts, we might not have some of the things that we hold for granted. Galileo, edited by Clarice Swisher, is an excellent biography of Galileo because of its precise detail, accurate information, and also beacuse of its simplicity. Galileo is an exceptional novel due to the fact that it is crammed full of detail in every single page. The numerous authors that wrote the biography have written facts such as how Galileo was accused of heresy, why so many people critized his work, and why Galileo was so interested in astronomy. The novel also talks about Galileo's final years, and of his contributions to modern physics. Galileo's works written works are also explained with great detail. This novel is also a must because of its accurate facts throughout the pages. This is proven throughout as the reader can find loads of information cram-packed in the thin pages. Every chapter of this biography provides a long and concise explanation of how things happened and why it happened. Also, the biography has a complete time plot of Gallileo's life. With a book like this, one researching Galileo will be able to find a world where questions can be easily answered. Galileo is a simple book to read in most respects. Although it is an adult biography, it can be easily read by middle and high school students as the book contains easy-to-understand vocabualry. The novel helps people and students learn the truth about this famous astronomer/physicist/mathematician, and how the events of his life unfolded. Also, Galileo is a collection of works by different authors that tell his story, which is an extra benefit to the reader. The best reason why Galileo should be read is simply because the works of thi