And finally, the literary qualities of the book merit special appreciation. The book has sufficient content on science and history that it would be helpful for those researching these subjects. But notwithstanding this fact, the book could be enjoyed purely for its literary and narrative excellence. Sobel’s prose is both lucid and crisp and the book engages the reader’s attention all through. The book is a stellar example of literary excellence in the non-fiction genre. This should come as no surprise though, for Sobel is already a noted writer when she undertook this project.
The author’s role as the translator of the letters from original Italian to English is also to be commended. Here the challenge was to retain the essence of 17th century South European sensibilities using the vocabulary of 21st century prose. Sobel overcomes this challenge with ease, as borne out by the natural feel of the translated letters. Hence Galileo’s Daughter can be seen as another feather in the cap of Dava Sobel’s writing career. Overall, the author and the book deliver to the audience all that could be expected of such a project. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in science, history or politics.
References:
Primary Source:
Galileo’s Daughter: A Drama of Science, Faith and Love by Dava Sobel, published by Fourth Estate in 2000, ISBN: 0140280553
Secondary Sources:
Galileo’s Daughter Study Guide, accessed from <http://us.penguingroup.com/static/rguides/us/galileos_daughter.html>, 9th September, 2010
Three Worlds and the Price of Paradise. The Washington Times. December 23, 2003. Page Number: A19.
Richard John Neuhaus, While We’re at It, First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life. November 2000. Page Number: 76. Institute on Religion and Public Life.
Reston, James (2000). Galileo: A Life. Beard Books. ISBN 1-893122-62-X
Drake, Stillman (1990). Galileo: Pioneer Scientist. Toronto: The University of Toronto Press.