Books like The essential Galileo by Galileo Galilei

Carl Sagan’s Cosmos traces the history of science and the universe’s evolution, from ancient philosophers to modern discoveries, and explores the quest to understand life beyond Earth.

Contains the English translations of four writings by Galileo that state his theories on major aspects of science and experimentation.

Like Michelangelo, Galileo is another Renaissance great known just by his first name--a name that is synonymous with scientific achievement. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge. He invented a telescope to observe the heavens. From there, not even the sky was the limit! He turned long-held notions about the universe topsy turvy with his support of a sun-centric solar system. Patricia Brennan Demuth offers a sympathetic portrait of a brilliant man who lived in a time when speaking scientific truth to those in power was still a dangerous proposition. Born in Pisa, Italy, in the sixteenth century, Galileo contributed to the era's great rebirth of knowledge, despite intense political and religious opposition. Galileo is known as the father of modern science.

"You might know what is said about Galileo, but not many people know what Galileo himself actually said! His demanding and often misquoted discourse has resulted, over the years, in slurs against his name and reputation as a scientist. Let him speak then, so that he can bring to everyone's attention his message of reason, of intellectual honesty, and of free thinking. A message that, more than ever, is of great relevance in the rampant irrationality of the new millennium." "The exposition begins with a blunt 'self-portrait'. A 'forgery' of course, based largely on extracts from Galileo's writings and private letters; something he would never have dared, nor been allowed, to write for the public. The selection of writings offered in this book includes many of the subjects that were closest to Galileo's heart and uppermost in his mind, and is accompanied by a lively commentary elucidating literary, scientific, and historical features. For those who want to know the mathematics behind Galileo's theories, each chapter closes with a separate self contained summary." "Thus Spoke Galileo will allow the reader to appreciate the work and the writing-style of a great scientist and author who has had a decisive influence on the modern world."--Jacket.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn.