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With a new introduction, this is an accessible, abridged edition of Renaissance Natural Philosopher Copernicus's great work. The consequence of long observation, it resulted in the first stage of the Scientific Revolution by correctly identifying that the earth and other planets of the solar system revolved around the sun.
About the author
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) was a Polish mathematician, astronomer, physician, classics scholar, translator, governor, diplomat and economist, who posited that the Earth orbited the Sun, and not the other way round. He started the Scientific Revolution which eventually disconnected the Church from its role as the sole arbiter of all truths.
Dr James Lees is a physicist, author and science communicator who studied at The University of York and Stanford. He works as a researcher and gives talks and workshops across the UK on a wide variety of scientific topics. He is the author of several other books including Physics in 50 Milestone Moments and Who Knew? Physics.
Marika Taylor is a Professor of Theoretical Physics and Head of School within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. Her research interests include all aspects of string theory, gravitational physics and quantum field theory. Her work has featured in Physical Review and Journal of High Energy Physics among others.
Summary
An accessible, abridged edition with a new introduction. Renaissance Natural philosopher Nicolaus Copernicus's pioneering discovery of the heliocentric nature of the solar system is one of the few identifiable moments in history that define the understanding of the nature of all things. His great work was the consequence of long observation and resulted in the first stage of the Scientific Revolution by correctly positing that the earth and other planets of the solar system revolved around the sun. Not only did this promote further study to understand the place of humanity in the world and the universe, it questioned the authority of the organised Christian Church in the West to be the keeper of fundamental truths. Ultimately this would lead to the Enlightenment, and the separation of religion, government and science.
The FLAME TREE Foundations series features core publications which together have shaped the cultural landscape of the modern world, with cutting-edge research distilled into pocket guides designed to be both accessible and informative.
Foreword
Controversial at the time, Copernicus's discoveries led to the scientific revolution, and a greater understanding of our place in the universe.
