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Galileo's Daughter

a Historical Memoir of Science, Faith and Love
Mar 03, 2012kmoyer rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Finally got around to finish reading this book, having initially picking it up some time ago and set it aside after the first few pages. The intricate arguments surrounding astronomical phenomenon doesn’t really interest me – the deductions, the implications of not saying anything that could put existing Church doctrine into question, the minute detail invoked by the political infighting between different schools of thought ... That said, the details about Galileo & his family’s lifestyle – Life in Italian cities during the 1600’s, the convent life of his daughters, his position in society, - I found really interesting – such as the fact that his home was a working estate with hay harvested & fruits made into candies, wine, the medicinal use of herbs etc. Reading about the plague & its effects on everyday life and of the Papal inquisition into his writings was quite riveting reading. Very well written and liked being able to read some of his daughter’s letter directly as I found it helped round out the story.