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The Sleepwalkers

A History of Man's Changing Vision of the Universe
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( 1,204 ratings, 153 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Sleepwalkers by Arthur Koestler explores the history of Western cosmology through the stories of key figures such as Pythagoras, Copernicus, and Galileo. It delves into how their visionary ideas transformed humanity's understanding of the universe, marking pivotal shifts in scientific thought and philosophical insight. The narrative illuminates the complex journey of discovery, blending scientific exploration with historical context.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by the intellectual journey that led to the scientific revolution, offering a detailed look at key figures like Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo. You'll enjoy discovering how their groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of the universe and laid the foundations of modern science.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Dissects the sterile distinction between 'sciences' and 'humanities' to bring to life the whole history of cosmology from the Babylonians to Newton. The author shows how the tragic split between science and religion arose and how the modern world-view replaced the medieval world-view in the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century.

Passionate, provocative and lyrically told, The Sleepwalkers is the remarkable story of how man grew to understand the universe.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The visionary history of the universe and human progress

In this masterly synthesis, Arthur Koestler cuts through the sterile distinction between 'sciences' and 'humanities' to bring to life the whole history of cosmology from the Babylonians to Newton. He shows how the tragic split between science and religion arose and how, in particular, the modern world-view replaced the medieval world-view in the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century.

He also provides vivid and judicious pen-portraits of a string of great scientists and makes clear the role that political bias and unconscious prejudice played in their creativity.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Sleepwalkers by Arthur Koestler is praised as a thought-provoking work, with its significance underscored by its exploration of historical figures like Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo. The book is commended for its intense and passionate narrative, connecting the reader with scientific developments from over 300 years ago.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141394534

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 August 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 402g

Pages: 592

About the Author

Arthur Koestler (1905-1983) was an extraordinary polymath, writer and political polemicist. His most famous works include the novels Darkness at Noon and Arrival and Departure, his autobiographical writings, including Spanish Testament and Scum of the Earth, and his visionary non-fiction, including The Ghost in the Machine, The Case of the Midwife Toad and The Sleepwalkers.

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