Christopher M. Graney is professor of physics at Jefferson Community & Technical College.
"The most exciting history of science book so far this century,
Graney’s brilliant portrait of Riccioli and his science—amiable but
punchy, rigorous but accessible—ought to stimulate a complete
revision of what we thought we knew about the Copernican
Revolution. Rarely have scientific analysis, historical
scholarship, and writerly flair come together with such force."
—Dennis Danielson, author of Paradise Lost and the Cosmological
Revolution
“Christopher Graney’s recent monograph is best described by one
word: scientific. It is a book about knowledge, process, and
context. If only more history was like this.” —Paragon
"Graney's book is a first-class addition to the literature on the
history of astronomy in the seventeenth century and an absolute
must read for anyone claiming serious interest in the topic." —The
Renaissance Mathematicus blog
“Christopher Graney relates this story of the testing of a
profoundly important scientific theory in a uniquely engaging
style. This accessible presentation of science and history makes
this book ideal for undergraduates and recommended for academic
libraries.” —Catholic Library World
“Though Riccioli was one of the most important and widely-known
astronomers in the Society of Jesus of the seventeenth century, he
has received relatively little attention from historians of
science. . . . Ultimately, he [Graney] has managed a rare feat:
taking his own expertise and passion for physics and applying them
to sources and contents rarely encountered in the college
classroom.” —Journal of Jesuit Studies
“[A] valuable contribution to the current debate about the science
and religion conflict thesis. . . . Graney’s analysis of New
Amalgest, aided by his (and Christina Graney’s) careful reading and
translation of Riccioli’s difficult Latin prose, stunningly
disproves Riccioli’s critics. . . . Graney’s writing is also clear
and succinct and is accompanied by some effective illustrations and
diagrams, all helping to make the book accessible and enjoyable for
undergraduate students of all levels.” —European History
Quarterly
“Graney’s lucid account of Riccioli’s arguments in their historical
context complemented by ample helpful diagrams will inform and
entertain specialist and nonspecialist alike. A scientist turned
energetic historian, Graney offers compelling grounds for a
complete revision of what we thought we knew about the Copernican
Revolution." —The Historian
“Graney’s deep knowledge of the era’s astronomical debates partly
derives from his own translations of writings by Riccioli and
others from their original Latin, which highlight some of the
technical discussions among astronomers at the time. The Latin and
English translations of these writings are included as appendices,
making Setting Aside All Authority a valuable read for scholars and
armchair historians alike.” —Earth Magazine
“Christopher M. Graney’s Setting Aside All Authority makes a fine
contribution to the history of science and especially the history
of astronomy. The case Graney presents for the rationality of
denying Copernicanism, as late as the mid seventeenth century, is
cogent, and he presents a good deal of novel historical material
that urges a reevaluation of a major figure—Riccioli. The book will
interest not only historians but also philosophers of science, and
scientists in the relevant specialties (astronomy, physics)
together with their students at both the undergraduate and graduate
level.” —Peter Barker, University of Oklahoma
“Graney’s snapshot of anti-Copernican science proves false the
anachronistic claim that religion and science have always been
enemies in an uncomplicated sense, and he invites those who think
they know the truth of Galileo’s travails and secular martyrdom to
rethink.” – The Journal of Religion
“Setting Aside All Authority is a fascinating book that outlines
the strength of opposing arguments at the time of gravity problem’s
emergence and the scientific limitations of all sides. It makes the
victory of heliocentrism far more scientifically interesting than
the conventional history suggests.” – America Magazine
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