Galileo : the man, his work, his misfortunes - Brodrick, James, 1891-1973 (London : Chapman, 1964)
This penetrating and richly evocative study of Galileo brings the contentious genius skilfully to life, with all his human flaws but with all his energy and vitality. It also sets Galileo fairly and squarely in his time -- the age in which an eager intellectual curiosity existed side by side, and often in conflict with, the rigid authoritarianism which hamstrung scientific study. With a lively insight into the problems of all the parties concerned in the Galileo affair, and with scrupulous fairness, the portrait of Galileo is gradually built up. We come to understand the various conflicting elements of his character -- prepared to beggar himself for his brothers and sisters, yet ruthless towards his children; often cross-grained, and a savage foe, yet inspiring the deepest affection and loyalty in his close firends. Using contemporary documents, among them Galileo's own writings, letters from his ill-used but devoted daughter, and verbatim accounts of his trial by the Inquisition, the author conveys the excitement of his discoveries, plots the dramatic course of his downfall
Keywords: Galilei, Galileo, -- 1564-1642.