| Sobel's book is concerned with the whole of Galileo's life, but especially with the relationship between the scientist and his daughter, Virginia. Her letters to him are at the center of the work. Sobel translates these letters herself and includes the complete text of many of them.
Named Virginia at birth, she was one of three children born out of wedlock to Galileo and Marina Gamba. She adopted the name Maria Celeste after she took her vows with the Order of St. Clare. Galileo had placed her and her younger sister in the Convent of San Matteo as young children, most probably because their illegitimate birth and his own modest means would have made marriage unlikely for them. In the end both girls took their vows. Her letters contain both everyday minutiae, sewing projects and candy making, as well advice on dealing with his trials and problems. The book deals with the scientist's theories of the solar system, his disoveries about telescopes and his problems with the church over his writings. | ||
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Plot & Themes job/profession: Job/profession/poverty story Yes Family, love Yes Special relationship with - daughter Period of greatest activity? - ancient times Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - Italian Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 4 () Europe Yes European country: - Italy Century: - distant past Writing Style Book makes you feel? - challenged If this is a kid's book: - Age 16-Adult Pictures/Illustrations? - More 6-10 B&W How much dialogue in bio? - little dialog How much of bio focuses on most famous period of life? - 26-50% of book |
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