An ambitious; landmark history of the Scientific Revolution; from the age of Columbus to the age of Cook In 1492 Columbus set out across the Atlantic; in 1776 American colonists declared their independence. Between these two events old authorities collapsed—Luther’s Reformation divided churches; and various discoveries revealed the ignorance of the ancient Greeks and Romans. A new; empirical worldview had arrived; focusing now on observation; experiment; and mathematical reasoning. This engaging book takes us along on the great voyage of discovery that ushered in the modern age. David Knight; a distinguished historian of science; locates the Scientific Revolution in the great era of global oceanic voyages; which became both a spur to and a metaphor for scientific discovery. He introduces the well-known heroes of the story (Galileo; Newton; Linnaeus) as well as lesser-recognized officers of scientific societies; printers and booksellers who turned scientific discovery into public knowledge; and editors who invented the scientific journal. Knight looks at a striking array of topics; from better maps to more accurate clocks; from a boom in printing to medical advancements. He portrays science and religion as engaged with each other rather than in constant conflict; in fact; science was often perceived as a way to uncover and celebrate God’s mysteries and laws. Populated with interesting characters; enriched with fascinating anecdotes; and built upon an acute understanding of the era; this book tells a story as thrilling as any in human history.
#854873 in Books 2009-11-24Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.00 x 6.10l; .85 #File Name: 0300158548352 pages
Review
5 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Moors; jews an christians in medieval Spain; Portugal and the AmericasBy A. BertrandThis is an incredible book.Everything that we were not taught in high school you'll find in this book. The author has done a superb research job. The narrative intelligently combines actual historical cases with sensible commentaries.It's a "page turner".Anybody interested in this topic should buy this book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very good book.By ValeriaExcellent interpretation of heterodoxy; diversity and toleration in Spain; Portugual and their colonies in America.Through microhistory Schwartz traces both the continuities and differences of religious thoughts; that challenged the Inquisitorial orthodoxy.His analysis challenges what has been taught at school level about the structure of the Spanish and Portuguese empires.I recommend it for those who are looking to understand colonial America and those using microhistory as a methodology.
