The Sky's Dark Labyrinth - Stuart Clark

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

This novel falls into the historical fiction genre. Dava Sobel credits his work as being a 'fast-paced, beautifully crafted story'.

We all know about the important work that Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei carried out to enhance knowledge. Stuart Clark's book brings out the human story behind these characters, detailing their struggle with the religious and political powers of their time. It is easy to wonder how people could find it so difficult to accept the truth revealed by Kepler's calculations and Galileo's observations. No doubt future generations will think many in our time are ignorant as well.

It is clear from his acknowledgements that he has undertaken a lot of research in order to get a sense of the personalities of Kepler an Galileo.

I enjoyed this book and for those who like this style of literature it is worth reading.

http://www.stuartclark.com/cosmo-blog

[Shark Bait (Stu)]

The Sensorium Of God - Stuart Clark

Don't be put off by the title. The title is a quote from one of Newton's own manuscripts.

This is the second in this series by Stuart Clark. I enjoyed the first book, so it was a given that I would get hold of his next. These works fall into the 'faction' genre. Clark makes it clear which areas have been created as a means of turning historical events into a readable story.

For a large part of the story, Edmond Halley is used as a narrator of sorts. The interactions between Hooke, Newton, Leibniz, Flamsteed and the changing Monarchs are often seen through his eyes.

Newton was a genius but I did not realise just how twisted some of his ideas really were. They all lived in a time where you could still find yourself dangling from the end of a rope for going against the politics and religion of the day. It is a good thing that some of his ideas were not widely known until after his death or it might have meant a big delay in the progress of Science and enlightenment.

A final book The Day Without Yesterday, is yet to be published. It will focus on the life of Albert Einstein.

Once again, if you like this style of story telling then Stuart Clark's books are worth reading.


http://www.stuartclark.com/cache/jw_...113879d361.jpg

[mikerr (Michael)]

Thanks for the recommendation Stu. I just ordered The Sky's Dark Labyrinth from The Book Depository.
For $13.00 I'll give it a go!

Michael.

[mikerr (Michael)]

Stu, I enjoyed "The Sky's Dark Labyrinth" so much that I have just finished "The Sensorium Of God".

Now waiting on " The Day Without Yesterday" to arrive from The Book Depository.

Giving these well known characters in depth personalities and families makes the facts, figures and dates flow smoothly. A great read.

Thanks for your original post.

Michael.