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Inside the Stargazer's Palace

The Transformation of Science in 16th-Century Northern Europe
Brief Description
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... Read More
Format: Hardback
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Step inside the dazzling world of the sixteenth-century scientist.

An intimate view into the extraordinary scientific milieu of the sixteenth century

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

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.

Inside the Stargazer's Palace by 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 maintains a prospering practice in alchemy. In opulent palaces and bustling workshops, the modern astronomical endeavour is born.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780861547524

Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 13 June 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Oneworld Publications

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 304

About the Author

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.

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