Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel chronicles the relationship between Renaissance scientist Galileo Galilei and his daughter Suor Maria Celeste through her surviving letters. The book juxtaposes Galileo's scientific endeavors, including his support for the heliocentric model, with Maria Celeste’s life in a convent, revealing their mutual love and the personal impacts of Galileo’s ongoing conflict with the Church.

Informative

Emotional

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

30,775 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Dava Sobel's Galileo's Daughter captivates readers with its engaging blend of scientific history and personal narrative. The book is praised for its thorough research and evocative portrayal of Galileo's relationship with his daughter. Some critics find the pace slow and the focus on personal letters too restrictive, but overall, it’s a compelling read for history and science enthusiasts.

Who Should Read Galileo's Daughter?

Readers who enjoy Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel are typically enthusiasts of historical biographies, science history, and intellectual revolutions. Fans of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks or Longitude would appreciate Sobel's compelling blend of personal letters and scientific exploration in this narrative.

4.0

30,775 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Galileo's Daughter is based on the remarkable collection of 124 surviving letters that Galileo Galilei's daughter, Virginia, wrote to him from her convent.

The book bridges both science and faith, showcasing the relationship between Galileo and his daughter, a cloistered nun who supported her father's work and struggles.

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Author Dava Sobel uses these historical correspondences to present a unique insight into both Galileo's personal life and the broader cultural and religious context of 17th-century Italy.

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Book Details

Pages

432

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Genre

Historical Fiction

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Italian Literature

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Biography

Setting