Abstract

Robert Westman's massive book—The Copernican Question. Prognostication, Skepticism, and Celestial Order. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. xviii + 681 pp. (double columns), 85 b&w illustrations, 7 tables, index—presents a novel thesis and a wealth of material. It is certain to raise questions that go beyond the Copernican. Therefore the Editors are pleased to be able to offer reviews by two people familiar with the documents to which the book refers. The first of these, by Noel Swerdlow, examines the evidence for the book's central thesis: concern for the defense and improvement of astrology caused Copernicus to build his system. The other review, by John Heilbron, considers the workmanship behind the book and related matters, particularly as manifested in its extensive treatment of Galileo.—The editors.

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