At present, we face enormous crises—such as the minimization of the dangers of climate change—because the science behind these threats is erroneously questioned or ignored. Four centuries ago, Galileo encountered this same problem, because his discoveries contradicted conventional wisdom and the teachings of the church at the time. Providing captivating insights into how Galileo reached his bold new conclusions about the cosmos and the laws of nature, astrophysicist Mario Livio also surveys the Italian's role as a pioneering science educator who risked his life to justify his work.
"Few historical episodes are more fraught with subtleties, ironies and ambiguities…. Fortunately, Mario Livio is fully equipped for the task…. [Livio] tells the story of Galileo in a perceptive, illuminating and balanced way."—Washington Post