The Dawn of Modern Cosmology: From Copernicus to Newton

The book "The Dawn of Modern Cosmology" tells the story of the Copernican Revolution through the words of the ground-breaking scientists who brought it about. It includes excerpts from the works and letters of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Descartes, Newton, and others, and is the definitive record of one of the great turning points in human history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The remarkable tale of the Copernican Revolution, which altered the course of scientific thought for all time, is presented in this book. The notion that the Earth was the center of a tiny, orderly universe was widely accepted in the late 15th century. However, everything changed two centuries later. The sun, not the Earth, was now recognized as the center of creation, and the entire field of science had undergone a radical transformation.

The Dawn of Modern Cosmology, a compilation of excerpts from the writings and correspondence of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Descartes, Newton, and other influential figures, chronicles this remarkable transformation. For the first time, these excerpts are brought together in one volume, providing a definitive account of one of the most significant turning points in human history.

The book is edited with Translations, Notes, and an Introduction by Aviva Rothman, a renowned expert on the history of science. Rothman's expertise and insights add depth and clarity to the text, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The Copernican Revolution was a pivotal moment in the history of science, as it challenged the long-held belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. It paved the way for the development of modern astronomy, which recognized the sun as the center of the solar system and the Earth as a planet orbiting around it. This shift in perspective led to a new understanding of the universe, including the laws of motion, gravity, and the nature of space and time.

The revolution also had profound implications for the field of mathematics, as it required a new mathematical framework to describe the movements of celestial bodies. Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, among others, developed new mathematical theories and models that helped to explain the behavior of planets, moons, and stars.

The impact of the Copernican Revolution extended beyond the realm of science and into the broader cultural and intellectual landscape. It sparked a renewed interest in the study of the natural world, as people sought to understand the mysteries of the universe and their place within it. It also led to a shift in religious beliefs, as some people began to question the traditional teachings of the church and seek a more scientific understanding of the world.

In conclusion, The Dawn of Modern Cosmology is a fascinating and essential book for anyone interested in the history of science, astronomy, and the cultural and intellectual developments of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the Copernican Revolution and its profound impact on the world.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241360637