The Almagest
The Almagest
Claudius Ptolemy
Neil deGrasse Tyson
The crowning achievement of a geocentric universe. Of course, the whole concept was wrong, but it was interestingly wrong. - Neil deGrasse Tyson
+
1
All books

The Almagest

The Almagest

Claudius Ptolemy
By
Claudius Ptolemy
4.0
622
ratings on Goodreads

Within the rich tapestry of ancient scholarship, "The Almagest" by Claudius Ptolemy emerges as a celestial masterpiece, intricately weaving together the threads of astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Crafted in the 2nd century, this magnum opus serves as a beacon that has guided the stargazers and scholars through the ages. Ptolemy's comprehensive treatise not only maps out the motions of the stars and planetary bodies with remarkable precision but also lays the foundational principles of the geocentric model, positioning Earth as the unmoving center of the universe. His meticulous observations and mathematical calculations offer a window into the heavens, as seen through the lens of antiquity. "The Almagest" stands as a monumental testament to human curiosity and the quest for understanding the cosmos. With its blend of empirical evidence and geometrical deductions, Ptolemy's work transcends its era, influencing the course of astronomical study for centuries to come. Through the meticulous translation from Greek to English, modern readers are invited to journey back in time, to marvel at the stars and the intellect that sought to chart their course. This timeless piece not only encapsulates the astronomical knowledge of the ancient world but also reflects the enduring human desire to explore the unknown and make sense of the universe.

Read more
Released
0150
1 Jan
Length
704
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

The crowning achievement of a geocentric universe. Of course, the whole concept was wrong, but it was interestingly wrong. - Neil deGrasse Tyson
I know that I am mortal by nature, and ephemeral; but when I trace at my pleasure the windings to and fro of the heavenly bodies I no longer touch the earth with my feet: I stand in the presence of Zeus himself and take my fill of ambrosia
— Claudius Ptolemy, The Almagest

Similar recommendations

View all
The Selfish Gene
The Selfish Gene
Richard Dawkins
12
people
person
The Beginning of Infinity
8
people
person
Gödel, Escher, Bach
Gödel, Escher, Bach
Douglas R. Hofstadter
7
people
person
The Singularity Is Near
7
people
person
Why We Sleep
Why We Sleep
Matthew Walker
7
people
person
A Short History of Nearly Everything
6
people
person
Behave
Behave
Robert M. Sapolsky
6
people
person
Life 3.0
Life 3.0
Max Tegmark
6
people
person
Lifespan
Lifespan
David Sinclair
6
people
person
Superintelligence
Superintelligence
Nick Bostrom
6
people
person

This site is part of Amazon’s Associates Program. Purchasing books recommended by successful individuals through my links earns us a small commission, helping keep the site running, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our site!