Galileo's "Bastard" Daughter

Early scientists whose ideas "shatter the cosmos" are a specialty of science writer and biographer Dava Sobel, who comes to speak Thursday, Nov. 10, about her new book on Copernicus.

Sobel's earlier bestsellers include Galileo's Daughter (1999), about the relationship between Galileo and his illegitimate daughter Virginia who, because of her "bastard" status, was regarded as unmarriageable, and was placed in a convent at the age of 13 to live out her life in poverty and seclusion. Galileo carried on a rich correspondence with Virginia. 124 letters survive.

From the book:

"She alone of Galileo's three children mirrored his own brilliance, industry, and sensibility, and by virtue of these qualities became his confidante." More.