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Recentering the Universe: the Radical Theories of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton
Recentering the Universe: the Radical Theories of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton
Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: March 9, 2015
Review
A well-researched, well-written history of the early thinking about how the world worked and where Earth fit in to a larger universal picture. Miller covers the culture for those scientists and thinkers who dared to question the accepted wisdom, and sets the scene for how radical and forward-thinking Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton were. With a chapter on each that details the philosopher's/scientist's background, ideas, reception, demise (often due to his ideas), and impact, Miller captures what it was like working at a time when the Church had the last word and it was often not in agreement with these thinkers. Miller does a careful job presenting the facts with no hint of bias or judgment. He offers an Epilogue explaining the reversal by the Church (in 1979 and 2010!) of their condemnation of Newton and Copernicus. Miller offers a glossary, copious source notes, and a selected bibliography for those interested in further study. A solid middle grade history book great for reports, browsing, or teacher use.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Miller, Ron
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 7-9
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780761358855
Price: 31.93
This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting