The scientific innovations of Galileo Galilei are pivotal to our understanding of the laws of the natural world. Drawing on his diverse studies in philosophy, mathematics, mechanics, music, astronomy, and engineering, Galileo developed revolutionary theories that thoroughly changed the disciplines of physics, mathematics, astronomy, and technology. Galileo Galilei traces the great scientist's education, describes his maverick experiments in Padua and Pisa, and recreates the ingenious pathway of his famous discoveries. Often censored and imprisoned for his radical ideas that clashed with fundamental Church doctrines, Galileo persisted in his pursuit of scientific truths to bestow upon future generations the inspiration to challenge conventional views. His theories about the motions of falling bodies, his study of pendulums, and his major discoveries in astronomy made with a self-built telescope are all clearly explained in this volume. Heavily illustrated with photographs, graphics, and technical schemes, Galileo Galilei also features a number of sidebars elucidating important details of the great mans contributions.

Oxford Portraits in Science is a collection of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

James MacLachlan's profile page

James MacLachlan is Professor Emeritus of History at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto. He is the author of Children of Prometheus: A History of Science and Technology and co-author of Matter and Energy.

"MacLachlan deftly traces both Galileo's life and achievements and the religious and political structures of his times."--The Horn Book Guide

"A fine addition to educational resources. It is well produced, nicely illustrated, clearly written and each of the six chapters contains very helpful inserts on how Galileo's problems are addressed and comprehended by contemporary science.... The book deals with topics in a sophisticated and detailed manner."--Science and Education

"A short, quick read for an adult, and well-illustrated... This concise book tells Galileo's story in far greater detail than we ever reveal in our planetarium show, and it is a far better reference than a collection of articles and chapters in more general books... Clearly written for an audience that will not tolerate slow writing... a pleasure to read. And if you know any young people who need stimulation or just inspirational reading, think of this book."--Planetarian (starred review)

"A captivating portrait of one of history's great scientific minds. After a brief introduction to the science of physics, students are given a clear and concise account of the life of Galileo and the Renaissance world in which he lived.... Detailed explanations of scientific principles are offered in several sidebars."--School Library Journal

"A terrific book that weaves biography, history, and science into an accessible, interesting package. The book is handsome, easy to handle, and easy to read.... As a model for how to present complex material in an engaging way without distortion or oversimplification, this book is tops."--Kliatt