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Galileo's Daughter

a Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love
Dec 27, 2012sess430 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is one of those rare books that entertains and informs. It's a superbly written biography of both Galileo & his older daughter, Virginia, (b. in 1600). She was 13 when Galileo placed her in a convent; & later, in 1616, took her vows with the name of Suor Maria Celeste. Sobel translated 124 of her letters (inc. in the book) written to her father. These give fascinating details of daily life - food, clothing, illnesses (& remedies) such as the plague, etc. during the 17th century. Upon Galileo's death in 1642, his friends wanted to erect a mausoleum befitting such a scientific genius, but Pope Urban VIII forbade it. Sobel dramatically recounts the night - 95 yrs. after his death--that his body was moved to the present ornate mausoleum in the Santa Croce Basilica in Florence. Dozens of wonderful illustrations enhance the reading pleasure of the book. Highly recommended.