Galileo

By: James Reston Jr.

Narrated by: Jeff Riggenbach

The founder of modern science and the embodiment of the conflict between science and faith, Galileo remains the most fascinating figure of his age. In this biography, James Reston Jr. provides a lively, vivid portrait of Galileo, taking the listener to the heart of this passionate, embattled, arrogant, and brilliant man. In doing so, Reston paints a picture of Renaissance Italy, of its unparalleled cultural richness and political and religious intrigues. At the center of the story is Galileo's discovery of the telescope, which revolutionized astronomy and put Galileo into conflict with the Catholic church until 1633, when the Inquisition denounced him and banished him for the last 9 years of his life.©1994 by James Reston, Jr. (P)1995 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Good narration.

Learned a lot about Galileo, his family, friends, and the times in which he lived.

Comprehensive bio

This is a comprehensive biography of one of those world luminaries about whom most of us (me, not you) know so very little. Turns out, this advocate of the Copernican theory of the universe—heliocentrism to be precise— was an alleged expropriator of the telescopes for which he gained great fame (actually, one of several things for which he is noted). He was self-centered (Galileocentric?), arrogant, a constant complainer, a striver, a not-so-great parent, and, well, a brilliant scientist. Despite lofty connections in the political and religious spheres (those times when they were not coincident), and despite Papal blessings and commendations at various points in his career, he was ultimately put before the Inquisition for his heretical writings. And he caved to save his body, if not his soul. In a stunning show of force (remarkable to me, but not to his contemporaries) the Catholic Church refused to countenance thought and accompanying proofs that ran contrary to its dogma. Not until 1984 did a Pope deign to acknowledge the error of the Church’s thinking back in 1633, though without, the author noted, making any critical comments about the Inquisition in general. This turned out to be a very interesting read, bringing to life someone who to me had previously been a one dimensional character from history.

Time heals

One major lesson in the story of Galileo is; 'Time Truly Heals' all wounds. If you're right today, tomorrow will always tell.

Excellent

This book and reading is excellent. I enjoyed the history and the life of Galileo came alive.

Well written, narrated, badly edited

Highly recommend to history buffs interested in the period, science, or religion. If you are catholic, the author does not treat the church kindly then or now but unless your skin is quite thin I do not think it offensive. It is a good read even if history is not your interest.

The narration is third person and is handled well by Riggenbach. The editing is problematic. Long spaces between recording sessions, inconsistent sound volumes and quality, and minor extraneous sounds combine to be a distraction in what would otherwise be an excellent listen.