In 'The Almagest', Claudius Ptolemy unveils the intricate workings of the cosmos through a geocentric model that dominated astronomy for over a millennium. This monumental work combines detailed star maps with complex mathematical calculations, inviting readers into a world where the heavens are meticulously charted. Ptolemy's profound insights challenge our understanding of the universe, revealing the delicate balance between observation and theory. As a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge, this ancient text sparks modern curiosity about the evolution of scientific thought. What mysteries of the sky did Ptolemy uncover, and how did they shape our perception of the universe?
By Claudius Ptolemy
Published: 2014
"In the vast expanse of the cosmos, we discover not only the dances of the stars but also the reflections of our own souls."
The Almagest is by far the greatest work in astronomy in ancient times. In a massive series of thirteen books, Ptolemy shows how every detail of the motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars can be expressed using geometrical models that can be used to compute celestial positions with remarkable accuracy The present selection covers all the essential features of Ptolemy s treatment of the heavens, omitting only more difficult and abstruse matters such as the moon s motion and the calculation of eclipses. In the interest of conciseness, development of planetary theories is restricted to two planets, one inferior (Venus) and one superior (Mars). Ptolemy s text is accompanied by extensive notes and introductions that are aimed at making the book accessible to students encountering Ptolemy for the first time. This edition is designed to provide everything needed for a one-semester course, or it can be a component of a more general course on planetary theory or history of astronomy."
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“In the vast expanse of the cosmos, we discover not only the dances of the stars but also the reflections of our own souls.”
The Almagest
By Claudius Ptolemy
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Claudius Ptolemy (c. 100–170 AD) was a Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer, and geographer, best known for his influential works that shaped scientific understanding for centuries. His notable texts include the "Almagest," a comprehensive treatise on the geocentric model of the universe, and the "Geographia," which laid the foundations for cartography and geographic knowledge in the ancient world. Ptolemy's writing style is characterized by its systematic approach and rigorous methodology, combining observational data with theoretical models. His ideas dominated Western and Islamic science until the Renaissance, making him a pivotal figure in the history of science.
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