Galileo in Rome: The Rise and Fall of a Troublesome Genius

Contemporary Review, May, 2004

Galileo in Rome: The Rise and Fall of a Troublesome Genius. William R. Shea and Mariano Artigas. Oxford University Press. [pounds sterling]16.99. xi 226 pages. ISBN 0-19-516598-5. Galileo's difficulties with the Vatican are part of our history as was his 1633 condemnation for teaching that the earth moves and revolves round the sun.

His troubles were spread over a long period, from 1587 to 1633 and coincided with his six visits to Rome, the first of which was in 1587 and the last, in 1633. He spent over 500 days in the city and this excellent and enjoyable book sees his career 'from the vantage point of the city where he was most anxious to be known and approved'. The six chapters correspond to the six trips and each gives readers 'a fresh insight into the nature of the problems he faced'. They also show how his standing rose, fell, rose again due to the election of Urban VIII in 1623 and finally fell after his teaching was banned in 1633. The two authors, experts in the history and philosophy of science, as well as in the life and times of Galileo, have given readers an unusual vantage point for this famous confrontation between new and old learning. Galileo's career continues to arouse interest and still gives us insights into the continuing debate between religion and science.