Stargazers: Copernicus, Galileo, the Telescope and the Church - Allan Chapman [epub]

Building on the work of the Greek and Arabian astrologers before him, the idea of a sun-centered universe was proposed by a church lawyer called Nicholas Copernicus. It was later popularized by Galileo—a fantastic debater whose abrasive style won him many enemies—who presented new evidence, which suggested that the earth moved.

This thorough examination of Galileo explores both his achievements and influences. It then goes on to trace the impact of his ideas on those who followed him, including Sir Francis Bacon, Dr. John Wilkins, Dr. Robert Hooke, Sir Isaac Newton, and Rev. Dr. James Bradley.

Chapman investigates the church’s role and its intriguing relationship with the astronomers of the day. The support and involvement of the church meant that research could be undertaken, but at times the relationship was fractious, leading Galileo to famously declare, “the Bible is to teach us how to go to Heaven, not how the heavens go.”

In the end, Galileo recanted his heliocentric teachings, and not — as is commonly supposed — under torture nor after a harsh imprisonment.

Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Lion Hudson; Revised edition (January 1, 2015)