In 1973, on the 500th anniversary of Copernicus's birth, the Polish Academy of Sciences announced its intention to publish all of the astronomer's extant works, both in their original Latin and in modern translations.

His remarkable work, On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres, stands as one of the greatest intellectual revolutions of all time, and profoundly influenced, among others, Galileo and Sir Isaac Newton.

Dr. Duncan has set out to convey the meaning and tone of Copernicus's words in a simple, straightforward style for English-speaking readers. The introduction and notes give the essential background for understanding the work"--Dust jacket.

Includes "Commentariolus," Copernicus' hypotheses for heavenly motions; "Narratio Prima," popular introduction to Copernican theory; and "The Letter Against Werner," refutation of the views of a contemporary. Extensive editorial apparatus.

"The "Commentariolus" is Copernicus's most lucid exposition of his system. The "Letter against Werner" throws light on development of Copernicus's thought. The "Narratio prima" is earliest printed presentation of the new astronomy.

"Commentariolus", from Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolaus Copernicus, Renaissance mathematician and astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at its center (1473-1543)

In 1973, on the 500th anniversary of Copernicus's birth, the Polish Academy of Sciences announced its intention to publish all of the astronomer's extant works, both in their original Latin and in modern translations.

Not only was the sun the centre of creation, but the entire practice of science had been revolutionised. This is the story of that astonishing transformation, told through the words of the astronomers and mathematicians at its heart.