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Galileo

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About this listen

 The founder of modern science and the embodiment of the conflict between science and faith, Galileo remains the most fascinating figure of his age. In this biography, James Reston Jr. provides a lively, vivid portrait of Galileo, taking the listener to the heart of this passionate, embattled, arrogant, and brilliant man. In doing so, Reston paints a picture of Renaissance Italy, of its unparalleled cultural richness and political and religious intrigues. At the center of the story is Galileo's discovery of the telescope, which revolutionized astronomy and put Galileo into conflict with the Catholic church until 1633, when the Inquisition denounced him and banished him for the last 9 years of his life.©1994 by James Reston, Jr. (P)1995 by Blackstone Audiobooks Historical Professionals & Academics Science & Technology Renaissance Middle Ages Italy Astronomy Mathematics
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The book itself is highly interesting and tells a great and slightly tragic story.

The only problem I have with it is the narrator..

Fascinating story

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it's my first biography of Galileo, so I can't speak to it's accuracy, but the performance is great and it's well written.

Awesome

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A great deal of meticulous research has gone into this book. I feel as if I know Galileo - a well-built man of incredible genius, capable of wicked, biting sarcasm towards his enemies and intense loyalty to his friends. The author has done a wonderful job of exposing the blinkered attitude of the Catholic Church, especially the Jesuits, who could not bring themselves to accept Galileo's support for Copernicus's theory that the earth moved around the sun. Not that the author takes a blatant anti-Catholic stance. There is no need - for the documented evidence he uncovers and relates in such an objective manner speaks for itself. There is a fascinating interview that the author has at the end of the book, with a cardinal. I found it quite chilling.

The narration is excellent and the tone of voice matches very well to the style of the written word.

IMPRESSIVE

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great story, excellent narration and a modern update to the 300 year old dispute

informative and a great narrative

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A compelling tale of a genius trying to survive a pernicious and bankrupt mythology. The story is one that brings something of the human being to a name that is familiar to most. As I listened I found my imagination drawn towards a real life lived. If you stop for a moment and ask yourself what exactly you know about Galileo it is likely that your answer will be sparse. Mine was when I approached this book. Understanding who he was, how he lived and the challenges he faced does not just fill out his biography but enhances our own understanding of how we came to see the world as it is today.

A good reading, highly listenable and so much so I found myself replaying the book three times in two weeks and I am sure that I will listen to it again.

Compelling tale of a genius trying to survive.

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