--- product_id: 13134647 title: "Galileo: A Very Short Introduction" price: "$31.46" currency: USD in_stock: true reviews_count: 10 url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/13134647-galileo-a-very-short-introduction store_origin: US region: United States of America --- # Galileo: A Very Short Introduction **Price:** $31.46 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Galileo: A Very Short Introduction - **How much does it cost?** $31.46 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/13134647-galileo-a-very-short-introduction) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description In a startling reinterpretation of Galileo's trial, Stillman Drake advances the hypothesis that Galileo's prosecution and condemnation by the Inquisition was caused not by his defiance of the Church but by the hostility of contemporary philosophers. Galileo's own beautifully lucid arguments are used in this volume to show how his scientific method was utterly divorced from the Aristotelian approach to physics; it was based on a search not for causes but for laws. Galileo's methods had an overwhelming significance for the development of modern physics, and they led to a final parting of the ways between science and philosophy. Now, in this extraordinary and concise introduction, Drake provides a stimulating view of Galileo's life and works, providing a fresh perspective on Galileo's methodology and his final incrimination. About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam. Review: Highly Recommended for Philosophical Types! - I recommend this book to those who are interested in further exploring the juncture of the so-called "war" between both science and religion. Drake posits that the Galileo Affair occurred largely due to an under-investigated error. This error, related to an unsigned Affidavit that was authored by the Vatican, fueled the fire for the case of an actual "war" between science and religion. What Drake uncovers, is that philosophy actually played a bigger role in the Galileo Affair than most would care to admit. The Vatican was heavily invested in the Aristotelian school of thought, relating to space and the Earth resting as the center of the Universe; that is, heliocentricity. What emerges for Drake, is a probable misunderstanding of Galileo's devotion to the philosophical wisdom and truth contained within the Universe. Drake paints a highly plausible picture that Galileo was a very devoted Catholic, who insisted upon maintaining the integrity of the Vatican. Review: Short but sweet - As usual the Very Short Introduction series comes through again . Very informative in such a compact book. I really enjoy all the books I have read in this series ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #1,557,804 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1,513 in Scientist Biographies #1,524 in Astronomy (Books) #3,343 in History & Philosophy of Science (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 54 Reviews | ## Images ![Galileo: A Very Short Introduction - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813NtjyhbzL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended for Philosophical Types! *by J***E on September 4, 2014* I recommend this book to those who are interested in further exploring the juncture of the so-called "war" between both science and religion. Drake posits that the Galileo Affair occurred largely due to an under-investigated error. This error, related to an unsigned Affidavit that was authored by the Vatican, fueled the fire for the case of an actual "war" between science and religion. What Drake uncovers, is that philosophy actually played a bigger role in the Galileo Affair than most would care to admit. The Vatican was heavily invested in the Aristotelian school of thought, relating to space and the Earth resting as the center of the Universe; that is, heliocentricity. What emerges for Drake, is a probable misunderstanding of Galileo's devotion to the philosophical wisdom and truth contained within the Universe. Drake paints a highly plausible picture that Galileo was a very devoted Catholic, who insisted upon maintaining the integrity of the Vatican. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Short but sweet *by L***A on November 20, 2019* As usual the Very Short Introduction series comes through again . Very informative in such a compact book. I really enjoy all the books I have read in this series ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ My visit to science in the 1600's! *by F***O on July 29, 2013* The experience of this Very Short Introduction is positive in meeting my want of a concise biography of an individual i find very interesting and significant in science history.There are many stories of Galileo,and this book does not give in to easy acceptance,instead explores the real events with original source material and not conjuncture.Plus,it makes the science aspects understandable,while placing his work in the historical context required.As a bonus i experienced being in 17th century Florence and Rome. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.us/products/13134647-galileo-a-very-short-introduction](https://www.desertcart.us/products/13134647-galileo-a-very-short-introduction) --- *Product available on Desertcart United States of America* *Store origin: US* *Last updated: 2026-06-03*