Kepler's Witch: An Astronomer's Discovery of Cosmic Order Amid Religious War, Political Intrigue, and the Heresy Trial of His Mother

by James A. Connor

Book Overview

Set against the backdrop of the witchcraft trial of his mother, this lively biography of Johannes Kepler - 'the Protestant Galileo' and 16th century mathematician and astronomer - reveals the surprisingly spiritual nature of the quest of early modern science.

In the style of Dava Sobel's Galileo's Daughter, Connor's book brings to life the tidal forces of Reformation, Counter-Reformation, and social upheaval. Johannes Kepler, who discovered...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060750499
• ISBN13: 9780060750497
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Reading

Kepler's Witch is excellent reading. It is a well researched and poignant account of a man of science who suffered much with the deaths of members of his family, his mother's trial as a witch, and financial anxiety, and still maintained his faith in both his religion and his science. This book is a great read for those people who don't read history.

The Humor - The Wit - and How Fascinating the story is told

I picked up this book for two reasons: One - it was recommended to me by a friend that teaches Mathmatics; and Two - the cover of the book sparked my interest. As I started into the writings, I felt the beginnings of the passion that I felt in my University Days when I stumbled onto new knowledge and new possibilities in learning. I loved the first week or two of every semester, because most of my class choices were stimulating and exciting (I got my degree in Science - Biology, Agriculture - and most of my core Science classes thrilled me, especially in the beginning.) That's what this book feels like - finding yourself immersed in subject material that you never thought about and knew nothing of. Oh, I remember Math lecturers talking about Kepler, but his was a name that you tried to remember for an exam and you try to tie together what theories he was known for, and you don't really understand or care or know anything about Kepler the Man. This book opened up a lot of interest for me. I know that I now want to read more about the Reformation, the Counter Reformation, German History, and definately more about Kepler's role in today's ongoing sciences - Astronmy, Optics, and Calculus. Excellent book! worth Reading. Stimulating without being pretentious and the author has a sense of humor that bleeds through out the story. Thanks for a good read.

Unique discussion of early 17th century Europe

Reading this book gave me a very clear picture of just how inseparable religion and politics were in 17th century Europe. Ditto for astrology and astronomy. And like Gail Reid-Gurian noted in her review, I got a similar sense of just how little things have changed over time. Indulging in superstition and gossip are still favorite pastimes today. One noteworthy change for the better is the reduction in infant mortality. I lost track of the number of children and family Kepler lost to illness, there were so many. I especially liked the personal letters of Kepler that were placed at the beginning of each chapter. They lent a perspective that can be gained no other way.On a lighter note, I chuckled out loud over the image of King Friedrich and Queen Elizabeth forgetting the baby back in the castle as they fled an invading army and sent a Baron running back to retrieve the infant. What a story! This is a very worthwhile read on many levels.

a brilliant book

Jim Connor has written a brilliant work of history, biography, and politics. Before I read the book, I had heard of Kepler but knew little about him. Now, I feel like I've gotten to know one of history's most important figures. Especially compelling for me was my eerie sense as I read the book that a lot of Kepler's life-issues are going on today, as if Connor had written contemporary history. Kepler could have lived in 2004, with our intrigues, our witchhunts, and our confusions about who we are and who we hope to be.

Kepler's Witch is Fascinating!!

Wonderfully crafted biography of Kepler! I especially enjoyed the detailed and well researched historical and political background and Kepler's struggle to incorporate his ideolgy and spirituality with his important work as a scientist. Peppered with little known facts about life in 16th and 17th century Europe, illuminations about witchcraft and heresy trials, and fascinating translations from Kepler's own hand, "Kepler's Witch" should be on every bookshelf.