Overview
Beginning with the astronomical ideas of the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and pre-philosophic Greeks (Homer and Hesiod), it moves up through Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Xenophanes, Parmenides, Heraclitus, Empedocles, Democritus, and other early Greek cosmologists. The Pythagoreans are considered next, with their occasionally remarkable anticipations of modernity, and then Plato’s astronomical thought. The enormously important system of concentric spheres for planets, usually associated with Eudoxus, is described in detail, followed by a discussion of Aristotle, Heraclides, and Aristarchus. The theory of epicycles — which held for almost 2,000 years — is then considered, with chapters on the dimensions of the world and the finished Ptolemaic system.
Medieval European and Islamic cosmologies are then described in detail. Nicolas of Cusa, Regiomontanus, Calcagnini, and other transitional figures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance are then followed by detailed chapters on Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, and Kepler.
“Standard reference on Greek astronomy and the Copernican revolution.” — Sky and Telescope.
“A classical book in the field of the history of astronomy.”— Philosophy and Science.
This book title, A History of Astronomy from Thales to Kepler, ISBN: 9780486600796, by J. L. E. Dreyer, published by Dover Publications (December 8, 2011) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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