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tessisreading2's review against another edition
3.0
I did not go into this expecting to learn quite so much about astrolabes. One might even say, too much about astrolabes. I was expecting more of a comprehensive overview of medieval science; this was not that. The author apparently specializes in the history of medieval astronomy and related scientific instruments, and that was very much on display here. The audiobook format didn't help: we didn't have access to the diagrams the author was describing, and it was impossible to skim over the parts we found boring or re-read a confusing page or two. It was enjoyable enough for what it was, but... well, I just really didn't need to learn that much about astrolabes.
puckduckgoose's review against another edition
5.0
yes i had to read this for a class but i genuinely loved reading it. it so perfectly encapsulates why i love studying history and especially the history of science, and i genuinely got a little emotional at points cuz falk does such a good job of not just informing you, but of reminding you that humans have always been humans
cafffine's review against another edition
4.0
So fun and informative. I enjoyed how much detail this went into, it made sure to convey just how complex and genius the science being done by middle ages scholars was, no hand-waving. Kudos also to the emphasis on how diverse the field was, with chapters not only focusing on europe, but the huge importance of the Islamic golden age. Just a great read for science lovers.
rosieclaverton's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very interesting book and I learned a lot of things. However, it is DENSE and I really struggled to follow all the technical astronomical concepts. It was much more based on geometry than I had expected. Go in prepared to think!
kizzia's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.75
This book is well written, full of interesting facts, and also quite hard going if geometry and the mathematical elements of astrology are not quite your thing. I am incredibly glad I persevered and read it without worrying that I wasn’t understanding the complexities of the astrolabes and other scientific equipment being discussed since it was really not the point of the book at all.
I loved how following John Westwyk’s life unfurled so much of medieval life as well as the science and - although I had long ago discarded the myth of the dark ages - was left with a new appreciation for just how much was going on in the period.
This isn’t a book you’re going to zip through in a couple of days but it is absolutely worth taking your time and absorbing all it has to offer.
I loved how following John Westwyk’s life unfurled so much of medieval life as well as the science and - although I had long ago discarded the myth of the dark ages - was left with a new appreciation for just how much was going on in the period.
This isn’t a book you’re going to zip through in a couple of days but it is absolutely worth taking your time and absorbing all it has to offer.
lynnannwalsh's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
I think that this book would be better consumed as a book than an audiobook (through no fault of the narrator). Since it refers to complex trigonometry and medieval maths and science, it refers to illustrations and diagrams that would have been really helpful for understanding. Still, I learned so much about (and feel such a debt to) medieval scientists. Also, the author’s choice to follow a non famous monk, John Westwick, as our focal point for education was smart and helpful