Block by Block: The Historical and Theoretical Foundations of Thermodynamics

Galileo was condemned for overplaying his hand and challenging the church's authority, despite his important contributions to Western culture. New research provides a more complex picture of the events and motivations of both sides.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Galileo, a renowned thinker who shaped Western culture, faced a dangerous position during the sixteenth century due to his progressive ideas. He made six visits to Rome to gain the church's favor, spending 500 days engaging with the pope, ecclesiastics, literary figures, and fellow scientists. This book provides a comprehensive and accessible account of Galileo's visit to Rome, shedding light on the events and motivations of both sides. However, Galileo's overconfidence ultimately led to his dramatic condemnation by the church. Drawing from extensive archive research, the author presents a more nuanced portrayal of the actions and intentions of both parties, highlighting how Galileo's failure to impress the church did not hinder his status as a prominent thinker.

Weight: 1414g
Dimension: 189 x 245 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198851554