The Essential Galileo (Hackett Classics)

In reading this I was first amazed at what an excellent writer was Galileo. We all know of his scientific and mathematical genius, but he also had considerable literary flair--even when writing painstakingly about complex scientific questions. To read his thoughts on his then-recent astronomical discoveries--the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus, the roughness of the moon and so on--is an utter delight. It seems to place you right there in the room with him as he's discussing them.In some of the more abstruse sections, where his reasoning became for me quite hard to follow, one is still impressed with the enthusiasm and rigor of his mind. Even in places where his analysis later proved to be incorrect--such as his thoughts on the nature of comets and on the causes of ocean tides--one can't help but acknowledge the sophistication of his arguments. I, for one, would have been entirely unable to refute them!Some sections will appeal to you more than others, I'm sure, but if you love the history of science and its greatest practitioners, then i would highly recommend this book. And if Galileo wasn't a hero of yours before reading it, he'll probably be one afterwards.

I have not finished the book yet. But in general, I have not found any thing worth complaining about other than my own lack of time in completing it. The book also doesn't really need finishing in a linear manner! It is not one complete entity, it is a collection of the major parts of the separate books Galileo has written. They can be read independently.Reading this book (and other original historical books) is invaluable for anyone wanting to enjoy how our understanding of the universe has evolved over the centuries. It is fascinating to read the same words Galileo wrote (an English translation though!) now that more than 400 years have passed from those nights that he made his observations. We learn so much in hindsight. As the introduction says, Galileo was also an exceptional Italian writer, if only I knew Italian to enjoy the actual words he used and benefit as he would have wanted me (a reader) to benefit from it.

Galileo Galilei demonstrated that rare quality of genius in that he was able to apply mathematics and astronomy in such a way as to further elucidate Copernican reasoning so as to begin the proof that the sun was immobile and the earth moved diurnally. Alas, he was trapped in the folly of the power of men masquerading as being the judge of what was true and what was not. Read for yourself his documents, his observations with refracting telescopes and marvel at his conclusions. Then read the Catholic Inquisition court documents, again for yourself, of his trials and, you too, will be shocked. Finocchiaro has done all English speaking people a great service.The epoch of religious domination by humans, over humans, has been over for centuries. And should never have been allowed to prosper. To this day organized religion continues to inflict grave punishment across the globe.

The Essential Galileo takes the reader through some of Galileo's most important writings, as well as some of the critical documents pertaining to his trial. Readers will be gratified in coming to know some of the most influential writings that Galileo Galilei offered to the world. His achievements as a scientist, and his appreciation for how to read scripture must also be noted. Read this book, and a biography or book about Galileo's life and you should have a fairly firm grasp of Galileo. Certainly a book I recommend to those curious about the highlights of the famous Italian astronomers central accomplishments. (also I recommend "Galileo in Rome", but don't miss this book!)

If you don't mind getting bogged down in mathematics, and enjoy reading about Galileo and his trial with the Italian Inquisition then you'll like this too.

you can buy this book but you can't own it (kindle edition) if you want to actually be able to read the books you buy don't buy them with kindle, most of the time it will say License limit exceeded and you cannot use the book that You paid for. waste of money get it in print.

i have been searching for the perfect book containing the works of galileo and now i found it. if you've always wanted to read galileos works this is the book for you.

The book came on time and it good condition. My son will be reading this at Boston College - hope he enjoys it.

Good read

Need to like science and math.