An elegant book jacket drew me to this book at first as I pulled it from a bargain shelf at Half Price Books. “A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith and Love,” proclaimed the subtitle. How could I resist?
The book jacket explains: “Of Galileo’s three illegitimate children the eldest best mirrored his own brilliance, industry, and sensibility, and by virtue of these qualities became his confidante. Born Virginia in 1600, she was thirteen when Galileo placed her in a convent hear him in Florence, where she took the most appropriate name of Suor Maria Celeste. Her loving support, which Galileo repaid in kind, proved to be her father’s greatest source of strength throughout his most productive and tumultuous years. Her presence, through letters which Sobel has translated from their original Italian and masterfully woven into the narrative, graces her father’s life now as it did then.”
While Sobel writes of Galileo’s scientific beliefs and his clash with the Catholic church, the book primarily focuses on the relationship between a father and daughter as they share and support the struggles of their lives via letters: the father in his very public life and the daughter in her very sheltered existence. The reader gains insight into both worlds.
Here is a quote from the book that gives Galileo’s description of wine.
“Light held together with moisture.”
I love Dava Sobel. In college, I took a geography class ( I really suck at Science and geography fulfilled the requirement) lol! We were required to read her book “Longitude” and I absolutely fell in love with her writing! Great post!
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I had heard of “Longitude” and after reading this one I now want to read “Longitude.” I thought the book was going to be dull but she handled the letters well. This week I am going to a book sale at our local library and hope to find a copy. Thanks for taking time to visit and comment! (I wasn’t good at science either!)
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You find the most interesting and enchanting gems in life! This sounds so wonderful to read! I just love the quote. I cannot wait to read this one. Thank you so much for sharing and for always being on the prowl for us!
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That’s me – on the off-beaten track reading books that no one else is reading or reading the best sellers past their prime. You do the same for us as you prowl (travel) where we would not think of going and then writing about it.
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I read this book ages ago (like 10 years, I would guess) and loved it. Longitude was good, but this was even better. Great piece. Sobel also published the letters in a separate volume later, it is worth finding. I was stunned by them.
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Yes, the letters were rather amazing and I learned so much. Can’t wait to read “Longitude.” Thanks for the special visit! Would love to visit Italy…
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Who knows. One of these days…I am sure you will love it there. I miss it every day…
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Sounds like an interesting read.
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Not as much fun as your posts but interesting still!
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Thank you so much for the review! There was an article in the Smithsonian magazine recently issue. It mentioned about the book, and I have been wondering…
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Just want to make a correction… It was not the the Smithsonian magazine recently issue, it’s a special issue of the Universal that was published by the Smithsonian. I enjoy reading both magazine and its special issues, Have a great day!
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I will have to check it out. Thanks for letting me know and giving the correction. It is nice to connect with others that have read or heard it mentioned. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
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Here you go– Smithsonian collector’s edition: Mysteries of the Universe, Winter 2011. I received the online Ad and ordered it just a few months ago.
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This book sounds very interesting…. a good find!
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Yes, it was a good find for me as I knew little about Galileo’s family. Good to hear from you.
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FYI – I have nominated you for the WordPress Family award. For details, go to: http://countryliving4beginners.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/an-award-from-the-family/ 🙂
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Good grief! I bought the book a few years ago, but never read it. Now I will. Thanks, Jo Nell. 🙂
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I always have a stack to read and sometimes forget I have a book. This one may not be for everyone but it was such a story of a daughter’s devotion to a father. And then I learned about the time and more about Galileo. Apparently others liked her other one also – “Longitude.” – that I now need to buy. Enjoy the spring!
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Great Quote about the wine. The hunt for a device to measure longditude is a facinating story. An Englishman called Harrison eventually made a pendulum clock that would work on board a ship as it was bounced around by the waves. It was known as the H1 You had to be able to measure time accurately to find your longditude.
full story Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Harrison
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I remember about the pendulum clock that would work on a ship but could not recall details. I think my late father may have mentioned that to me as he collected and restored old pendulum clocks. Thanks for the link as I will certainly check it out.
Your comment and visit are appreciated!
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Sounds a very interesting read .. We have much to thank those early scientists for as they stepped out into the world and were often ridiculed for their New Age of thinking… Much like the pioneers of New Ideas today..
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It was interesting and did not get too scientific for even me. Yes, they were brave to go against the common beliefs. Where would be without them? And technology is changing so fast these days. We should be thankful for those who dare to dream. It is good to hear from you.
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Galileo’s Daughter sounds like a book I’d love! It’s now at the top of my “to read” list. The father-daughter relationship in that era would be fascinating.
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Yes, it was unusual also because she was in a convent. Sobel’s other book, “Longitude” is on my list. I hope all is well with you this time of year.
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Nice review, Coastal!
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Thank you! It was a short one but it was good to see the comments of others that had read or heard of it and her other book, “Longitude.” Your comments are always valued!
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You have inspired me. I am off to the 50% Off store this weekend, my pile of trade-in books has grown so large it is taking over. This book will have to go on my ‘search’ list.
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I love bargains too and need to make room for more! Good treasure hunting!
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Jo Nell, I will have to put Dava Sobel on my Goodreads; she sounds like someone I would enjoy, and I have yet to explore her writing. I agree with the person who said you have this knack for finding gems of all sorts! Thank you for sharing.
~ Cara
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Thanks for the visit. I am pleased to have discovered YOUR gem! Have a lovely weekend!
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Light held together with moisture – this book was a wonderful find. Virginia
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Yes, it was a good find for me and I really liked the quote. I’ll be making more of your scones this weekend! I am addicted!
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That’s our week-end treat. I stay in bad until the sweet aroma of scones baking drifts into my bedroom. Have a wonderful weekend. V.
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There is a Super Sweet Blogger Award for you, over on http://mydailyminefield.com/2013/03/27/super-sweet-blogger/. Stop by to pick up your award. And, if you have the time, feel free to play along and pass it on to other bloggers you enjoy reading. Have fun!
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Thank you!!!! I will look forward to checking out the blogs of the others.
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You had me at “Half Price Books” – love that place, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. I’m not sure I’d have the sense to pick up something like this, so your review has certainly piqued my interest. Thanks for stopping by my blog and the wonderful comment; I’m still smiling. Now if it’s ok, I’m gonna hang out at *your* place for awhile 🙂
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And thank you for stopping by to visit and liking some of my posts. You are always welcome. Glad you liked the short review and like Half Price Books.
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Have not read the book so remain intrigued about it after reading your post.
Cheers
Shakti
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Thanks for the read and comment on my post. I will visit your blog.
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I am adding this book to my reading list. 🙂
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I hope you enjoy it. And thanks for the visit and comment!
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Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you took to stop by. May your day be filled with joy and peace.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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nice book review. I am intrigued.
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Here’s another nomination – the Super Sweet Blogging Award. Go to http://countryliving4beginners.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/a-super-sweet-award/ for rules and regulations. 🙂 ~Dor
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My to read shelf is woefully slender. I am looking forward to reading this book. I love the quote about wine. Virginia
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Thank you for the comments! I really liked the wine quote too. I am reading “The Orientalist” that the Tin Man recommended.
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I read the book. Very interesting and a part of history knew little about. V.
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