Overview

In 1506 a comet appears above Augsburg. As the astronomer Johann Virdung explains, it heralds conflict, the destruction of crops and the death of kings. He concludes his theories with a poem. In 1680 Isaac Newton peers at a comet through a telescope for the first time. He calculates its orbit and distance from the Sun. Of its meaning, he says nothing. No poetry ensues. Violet Moller takes us through a centuries-long quest for knowledge of the earth and the heavens. In Louvain, Gerard Mercator engraves globes for the Habsburg Emperor, but only narrowly escapes death for heresy. Tycho Brahe catalogues stars on the island of Hven and keeps up a prospering practice in alchemy. In opulent palaces and bustling workshops, the modern astronomical endeavour is born.

Full Product Details

9780861547524

Table of Contents

Reviews

'In this fascinating study of the early scientific revolution, when experimental thought was beginning to emerge from Medieval scholasticism, Violet Moller brings to life the trailblazers of this new age.' —Paul Strathern, author of The Other Renaissance 'In this fascinating study of the early scientific revolution, when experimental thought was beginning to emerge from Medieval scholasticism, Violet Moller brings to life the trailblazers of this new age.' —Paul Strathern, author of The Other Renaissance

'A scintillating journey into a world where discoveries rip through doctrine like meteors. There is magic in these pages.' —Daisy Dunn, author of The Missing Thread 'In this fascinating study of the early scientific revolution, when experimental thought was beginning to emerge from Medieval scholasticism, Violet Moller brings to life the trailblazers of this new age.' —Paul Strathern, author of The Other Renaissance 'Inside the Stargazer's Palace plunges us into an irresistible network of touchy scientists, unpredictable patrons and religious controversy in the sixteenth century, antechamber of the modern world. Violet Moller is an assured and expert guide to this world, writing with a light touch and an infectious love of her subject.' —Christopher de Bellaigue, author of The Lion House 'A scintillating journey into a world where discoveries rip through doctrine like meteors. There is magic in these pages.' —Daisy Dunn, author of The Missing Thread 'In this fascinating study of the early scientific revolution, when experimental thought was beginning to emerge from Medieval scholasticism, Violet Moller brings to life the trailblazers of this new age.' —Paul Strathern, author of The Other Renaissance 'Inside the Stargazer's Palace plunges us into an irresistible network of touchy scientists, unpredictable patrons and religious controversy in the sixteenth century, antechamber of the modern world. Violet Moller is an assured and expert guide to this world, writing with a light touch and an infectious love of her subject.' —Christopher de Bellaigue, author of The Lion House

'A scintillating journey into a world where discoveries rip through doctrine like meteors. There is magic in these pages.' —Daisy Dunn, author of The Missing Thread 'In this fascinating study of the early scientific revolution, when experimental thought was beginning to emerge from Medieval scholasticism, Violet Moller brings to life the trailblazers of this new age.' —Paul Strathern, author of The Other Renaissance 'A scintillating journey into a world where discoveries rip through doctrine like meteors. There is magic in these pages.' —Daisy Dunn, author of The Missing Thread 'In this fascinating study of the early scientific revolution, when experimental thought was beginning to emerge from Medieval scholasticism, Violet Moller brings to life the trailblazers of this new age.' —Paul Strathern, author of The Other Renaissance

Author Information

Violet Moller is a critically acclaimed and award-winning historian, who has written four previous books, including The Map of Knowledge. She presents the Travels Through Time podcast, one of the Guardian’s five best podcasts for the curious-minded and lives in Oxford.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available