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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