Galileo’s Daughter: A Drama of Science, Faith and Love

From the international best-selling author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter is the fascinating story of the relationship between the great Italian scientist Galileo and his daughter, Virginia.

Galileo Galilei: The Father of Modern Science

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was the foremost scientist of his day, described by Albert Einstein as “the father of modern physics – indeed of modern science altogether.” Though Galileo never left Italy, his inventions and discoveries were celebrated worldwide.

• Revolutionary Discoveries:
  Galileo’s telescopes revealed a new reality in the heavens, supporting the groundbreaking proposition that the Earth moves around the Sun.
• Conflict with the Church:
  For his belief, he faced the Holy Office of the Inquisition, was tried for heresy, and threatened with torture.

Galileo is brought to life here as never before – a man compelled to explain the truths he discovered, yet human in his frailties and faith. He was deeply devoted to his family, especially his daughter Virginia.

Virginia: Galileo’s Greatest Strength

Since marriage was not an option for his illegitimate daughter, Galileo placed Virginia in a convent near Florence at the age of thirteen. Despite this, she became his greatest source of strength during his most challenging years.

Through their letters and contemporary writings, their voices are vividly brought to life and woven into Dava Sobel’s compelling narrative.

A Collision Between Science and Religion

Galileo’s Daughter tells the story of the most dramatic collision in history between science and religion.

• Era Illuminated:
  Dava Sobel paints a rich picture of an era when:
  • The flamboyant Medici Grand Dukes were Galileo’s patrons.
  • The Bubonic plague devastated a generation, and prayer was often the only medicine.
  • A man struggled to reconcile the Heaven he revered as a Catholic with the heavens revealed through his telescope.

A Rich and Unforgettable Story

Galileo’s Daughter is a profound and unforgettable exploration of science, faith, and love, brought to life through the lens of history.