An intriguing and accessible (Publishers Weekly) interpretation of the life of Galileo Galilei, one of historys greatest and most fascinating scientists, that sheds new light on his discoveries and how he was challenged by science deniers. We really need this story now, because were living through the next chapter of science denial (Bill McKibben).

Galileos story may be more relevant today than ever before. At present, we face enormous crisessuch as minimizing the dangers of climate changebecause the science behind these threats is erroneously questioned or ignored. Galileo encountered this problem 400 years ago. His discoveries, based on careful observations and ingenious experiments, contradicted conventional wisdom and the teachings of the church at the time. Consequently, in a blatant assault on freedom of thought, his books were forbidden by church authorities.

Astrophysicist and bestselling author Mario Livio draws on his own scientific expertise and uses his gifts as a great storyteller (The Washington Post) to provide a refreshing perspective (Booklist) into how Galileo reached his bold new conclusions about the cosmos and the laws of nature. A freethinker who followed the evidence wherever it led him, Galileo was one of the most significant figures behind the scientific revolution. He believed that every educated person should know science as well as literature, and insisted on reaching the widest audience possible, publishing his books in Italian rather than Latin.

Galileo was put on trial with his life in the balance for refusing to renounce his scientific convictions. He remains a hero and inspiration to scientists and all of those who respect sciencewhich, as Livio reminds us in this admirably clear and concise (The Times, London) book, remains threatened everyday.