Synopses & Reviews
Robert Boyle ranks with Newton and Einstein as one of the worlds most important scientists. Aristocrat and natural philosopher, he was a remarkably wide-ranging and penetrating thinker—pioneering the modern experimental method, championing a novel mechanical view of nature, and reflecting deeply on philosophical and theological issues related to science. But, as Michael Hunter shows, Boyle was also a complex and contradictory personality, fascinated by alchemy and magic and privately plagued with doubts about faith and conscience, which troubled the rational vision he heralded.
This extraordinary work is the first biography of Boyle in a generation, and the culminating achievement of a world-renowned expert on the scientist. Deftly navigating Boyles voluminous published works as well as his personal letters and papers, Hunters complete and intimate account gives us the man rather than myth, the troubled introvert as well as the public campaigner. Lively, perceptive, and full of original insights, this is the definitive account of a remarkable man and the changing world in which he lived.
Review
“Michael Hunters new biography will add greatly to readers knowledge of Boyle and may correct some misimpressions....It would be unfortunate…to overlook the merits of this authoritative study of a very significant figure in the history of science.”--
American ScientistReview
"Hunter has written what will be the first point of reference for future inquiries concerning Boyle."--
American ScientistReview
"Michael Hunter is. . . our leading authority on Boyle."--Michael Dirda,
The Washington PostReview
"Definitive."--
Choice Michael Dirda - The Washington Post
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"Definitive."--
Choice The Washington Post
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"Robert Boyle [is] one of the most prominent natural philosophers of the second half of the seventeenth century. . . . This book will provide essential background for scholars."—Margaret J. Osler, Journal of Ecclesiastical History Choice
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Selected as one of the Top 10 Books of the Year, Seed Magazine
Review
Shortlisted for the 2009 History of Science's Pfizer Prize for Outstanding Book
Review
Winner of the 2011 Roy G. Neville Prize sponsored by Chemical Heritage Foundation Margaret J. Osler - Journal of Ecclesiastical History
About the Author
A renowned world expert on Robert Boyle, Michael Hunter is professor of history, Birkbeck College, University of London.