GALILEO'S DAUGHTER

Based on the author's translation of 124 letters sent to the great astronomer by his illegitimate daughter until her death, this is an enlightening portrait of Galileo's life, faith and scientific achievements. Fritz Weaver lends his gently authoritative voice to give new life to Galileo. His style is both journalistic and personal as he narrates the details of his relationship with his daughter, the misunderstood conflict between his observations and Church doctrine, and his imprisonment by order of the Inquisition. It's disappointing that, in a text that would lend itself to two readers, the producers didn't supplement Weaver's fine narration with a female voice to read the correspondence of Maria Celeste. Nevertheless, this is a brilliant work that humanizes Galileo just as it exalts him. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 00]