On Tycho's Island
Tycho Brahe, Science, and Culture in the Sixteenth Century

This book explores Brahe's wide range of activities which encompass much more than his reputed role of astronomer.

John Robert Christianson (Author)

9780521008846, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 October 2002

374 pages, 72 b/w illus. 4 maps
22.9 x 15.3 x 2.6 cm, 0.508 kg

"Anyone with an interest in astronomy or the history of science will enjoy this tale, thanks to Christianson's lively style and thorough research." Dan Falk, Toronto Globe & Mail

Tycho Brahe (1546–1601), the premier patron-practitioner of science in sixteenth-century Europe, established a new role of scientist as administrator, active reformer, and natural philosopher. This book explores Brahe's wide range of activities which encompass much more than his reputed role of astronomer, portraying Brahe as Platonic philosopher, Paracelsian chemist, Ovidian poet, and devoted family man. From his private island in Denmark, Brahe used patronage, printing, friendship, and marriage to incorporate men and women skilled in science, technology, and the fine arts into his program of cosmic reform. This pioneering study includes capsule biographies of over a hundred men and women, including Johannes Kepler, Willebrord Snel, Willem Blaeu, several bishops and numerous technical specialists all of whom helped shape the culture of the Scientific Revolution. Under Tycho Brahe's leadership, their teamwork achieved breakthroughs in astronomy, scientific method, and research organization that were essential to the birth of modern science.

Preface
Part I. On Tycho's Island: Introduction
1. In King Frederick's service, 1575–6
2. Junker and peasants, 1576–81
3. Among friends, 1570–6
4. Founding the familia, 1576–84
5. Breakthrough, 1584–7
6. The problem of continuity, 1580–91
7. The school of Europe, 1591–3
8. Magdalene and Calumny, 1593–7
9. The tempest, 1597
10. Epilogue: in search of Maecenas, 1597–9
11. Legacy
Part II. Tycho Brahe's Coworkers: Bibliographical directory
Glossary of technical terms.

Subject Areas: Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC], History of science [PDX], History of ideas [JFCX], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD]