Galileo

And the Science Deniers

By: Mario Livio

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

An “intriguing and accessible” (Publishers Weekly) interpretation of the life of Galileo Galilei, one of history’s greatest and most fascinating scientists, that sheds new light on his discoveries and how he was challenged by science deniers. “We really need this story now, because we’re living through the next chapter of science denial” (Bill McKibben).

Galileo’s story may be more relevant today than ever before. At present, we face enormous crises—such as minimizing the dangers of climate change—because the science behind these threats is erroneously questioned or ignored. Galileo encountered this problem 400 years ago. His discoveries, based on careful observations and ingenious experiments, contradicted conventional wisdom and the teachings of the church at the time. Consequently, in a blatant assault on freedom of thought, his books were forbidden by church authorities.

Astrophysicist and bestselling author Mario Livio draws on his own scientific expertise and uses his “gifts as a great storyteller” (The Washington Post) to provide a “refreshing perspective” (Booklist) into how Galileo reached his bold new conclusions about the cosmos and the laws of nature. A freethinker who followed the evidence wherever it led him, Galileo was one of the most significant figures behind the scientific revolution. He believed that every educated person should know science as well as literature, and insisted on reaching the widest audience possible, publishing his books in Italian rather than Latin.

Galileo was put on trial with his life in the balance for refusing to renounce his scientific convictions. He remains a hero and inspiration to scientists and all of those who respect science—which, as Livio reminds us in this “admirably clear and concise” (The Times, London) book, remains threatened everyday.

Critic reviews

"Jonathan Davis renders a solid narration of this scientific biography of Galileo. In it we hear the stirrings of today's scientific debates over topics such as climate change. The Italian scientist was cautious about promulgating some of his views, particularly about Earth not being the center of the universe, because of pressure from the Church. Science deniers, then as now, refused to accept fact-based interpretations of evidence. Davis's even, pleasant voice carries listeners along as they learn about Galileo's pioneering work in what would become the field of experimental physics."

Completely

appropriate, especially in this day and age. Science rules! Galileo understood this very well and his life and many, many others have put us all on a better path... Buy it! It moves... :)

The endless struggle to circle wide and quiet around the obsticles to truth.

great book! a look at the endless struggle to speak your version of truth and the stories in the Bible as science exploded following the invention of the telescope. toward the end of the book the author interjects his questionable version of climate change. aparently the author has yet to investigate the Milankivich Cycles that influence the ice age cycles of earth. IMO

Well-written

While I disagree with and consider incompatible the comparison of Galileo's research and studies of the mechanics of celestial bodies and the concept of large-scale biological evolution, I nonetheless think the book is well-written. The book presents an insightful and meaningful summary of not only Galileo's scientific life, but also of his thoughts regarding the relationship between science and Christianity.

struggled to get through this one

the story of Galileo's life was interesting. I prefer biographies with less editorial content. realizing there must be some in every biography of long gone personages it should apply to them. Not a leap 400 years forward to comment on current issues. though I did not disagree with his conclusions, I do not feel the timing nor placement appropriate

Excellent

Definitely a book for the times it is written for, meaning circa 2020. With so many conspiracy "theories" and people willing to believe fantastical ideas.