Galileo / J. L. Heilbron.

A biography of Galileo, following his life through Italy as he practiced his many disciplines including physics, mathematics, writing and philosophy. Includes in-depth analysis of his family, friends and acquaintances, putting Galileo in the wider context of contemporary Italian society. Galileo's career and character is covered in detail: his early genius, through his important contributions to science and literature to his demise as he refused the powerful and sought conflict with the church and in particular Pope Urban VIII. The book contains details on all his work with diagrams of his scientific and mathematical studies and plates of paintings capturing the likenesses of people involved in his life. Also included are extensive appendices with works cited, genealogy and a glossary of names.