Tackling Galileo as astronomer, engineer, and author, David Wootton places him at the center of Renaissance culture. He traces Galileo through his early rebellious years; the beginnings of his scientific career constructing a "new physics"; his move to Florence seeking money, status, and greater freedom to attack intellectual orthodoxies; his trial for heresy and narrow escape from torture; and his house arrest andphysical (though not intellectual) decline. Wootton reveals much that is new and, controversially, rejects the long-established orthodoxy which holds that Galileo was a good Catholic.Abstract: Galileo (1564-1642) is one of the most important and controversial figures in the history of science. Tackling Galileo as astronomer, engineer and author, the author places him at the centre ofRenaissance culture. He traces Galileo through his early rebellious years onwards.