The Scientific Revolution of the 17th century saw important transformations in human understanding of the universe. Improvements in telescopic design and new theories of planetary motion changed perceptions and interpretations of the cosmos in ways which continue to inform the field of astronomy today.
In this talk, the Cathedral’s Curator and Librarian, Eleanor Swire, will explore some of strange and wonderful books from the Cathedral’s historic 17th-century Morley Library to tell a story of the revolution in astronomical observation and understanding. Featuring works by Galileo Galilei and Athanasius Kircher among others, the talk will consider why these books were so significant and what they suggest to us about the reception of new scientific thinking at that time.