This book will help you understand just how much Galileo affected and reflected the science of the time and even the science of today. I had the privilage of taking Prof. Van Helden's courses at Rice U. and they were some of the most informational and facinating courses I took. He is now emeritus, but hopefully that means we can look forward to more excellent translations and commentary in the years to come.

This new translation, with introduction, conclusion, and notes, by famed author Albert Van Helden is a wonderful reading of Galileo Galilei's timeless classic, Sidereus Nuncius. For all who are astronomy fans, Van Helden, Professor of History at Rice University, gives readers a glimpse of the man, Galileo, and his earth-shattering findings. In his book,Sidereus Nuncius, or the Sidereal Messenger, Galileo describes his reinvention of the refracting telescope and his subsequent astronomical discoveries. Never before has a scientific instrument had a more dramatic impact than that of Galileo's telescope. It not only advanced scientific knowledge, but affected personal philosophy and religion by upsetting the traditional belief of the Earth as the center of the universe. Galileo's work challenged the geocentric cosmology that had been accepted since the days of Aristotle. If Galileo's discoveries and carefully documented observations were true, people had to accept the fact that the Earth was not at the center of the universe. This was very difficult for people in the 17th century to accept because it went against long held beliefs.. Add Galileo's analysis of an imperfect moon and people were force to reevaluate history,science, and their personal religions. Galileo opened the door to the truth about our heliocentric universe; however, few people of his day were prepared to accept it. Van Helden's translation, based on the original 1610 Latin text, is a wonderful book for all those who enjoy gazing into the heavens on a clear, star-filled night in wonder. Galileo Galilei did the same. Everyone will enjoy reading Sidereus Nuncius, as Galileo's voice echoes down the centuries and brings his amazing discoveries to life.

This is Galileo's report of his first discoveries with the telescope, especially his drawings of the moon and obervations of Jupiter's satellites. To read Galileo's ideas, methods, and results first hand gives an idea of his brilliance and attention to detail. This book was crucial in the development of the Copernican revolution. It is exciting to read, and not at all difficult.

This is the place to start when you are looking for information about the history of science in the Netherlands. This book is a combination of new work and 're-cycled' material from older books, including Van Berkel's overview of Dutch Science from 1985, 'De voetsporen van Stevin'. Although the quality of the presented work is high, so, unfortunately, is the price; almost two hundred dollars is outrageous for such an essential work (especially when you realise that the technical quality of the volume is mediocre: normal paper, no color reproductions), but regrettably typical for this publisher; so most people will have to go to the library to read this work.