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kateelliottMy friend science writer Nancy Marie Brown is at it again. Two years ago I mentioned here her non fiction book Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman.
Last week marked the publication of her new non-fiction book The ABACUS AND THE CROSS: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages.
I haven't read this yet, but Nancy is not just a fine writer but also a fine researcher and synthesizer of material, so much so that I am willing to recommend this sight unseen (as of yet--I'll be purchasing this).
The publisher's description:
The medieval Catholic Church, widely considered a source of intolerance and inquisitorial fervor, was not anti-science during the Dark Ages—in fact, the pope in the year 1000 was the leading mathematician and astronomer of his day. Called “The Scientist Pope,” Gerbert of Aurillac rose from peasant beginnings to lead the church. By turns a teacher, traitor, kingmaker, and visionary, Gerbert is the first Christian known to teach math using the nine Arabic numerals and zero.
In The Abacus and the Cross, Nancy Marie Brown skillfully explores the new learning Gerbert brought to Europe. A fascinating narrative of one remarkable math teacher, The Abacus and the Cross will captivate readers of history, science, and religion alike.
On the amazon page can also be found the many glowing reviews for the book.
Gerbert (later Pope Sylvester II) is also the main character in Judith Tarr's excellent novel Ars Magica. You can read the first chapter and buy the e-book at Book View Cafe.
Last week marked the publication of her new non-fiction book The ABACUS AND THE CROSS: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages.
I haven't read this yet, but Nancy is not just a fine writer but also a fine researcher and synthesizer of material, so much so that I am willing to recommend this sight unseen (as of yet--I'll be purchasing this).
The publisher's description:
The medieval Catholic Church, widely considered a source of intolerance and inquisitorial fervor, was not anti-science during the Dark Ages—in fact, the pope in the year 1000 was the leading mathematician and astronomer of his day. Called “The Scientist Pope,” Gerbert of Aurillac rose from peasant beginnings to lead the church. By turns a teacher, traitor, kingmaker, and visionary, Gerbert is the first Christian known to teach math using the nine Arabic numerals and zero.
In The Abacus and the Cross, Nancy Marie Brown skillfully explores the new learning Gerbert brought to Europe. A fascinating narrative of one remarkable math teacher, The Abacus and the Cross will captivate readers of history, science, and religion alike.
On the amazon page can also be found the many glowing reviews for the book.
Gerbert (later Pope Sylvester II) is also the main character in Judith Tarr's excellent novel Ars Magica. You can read the first chapter and buy the e-book at Book View Cafe.