Many of the greatest scientific advances of the Renaissance were achieved by astronomers. From new theories about the solar system to the discoveries of sunspots, new stars, and other objects, the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed major revolutions in the way people thought about and studied the known universe.
The History of Science Collection at BYU's L. Tom Perry Special Collections contains a large group of Renaissance astronomical works, from first editions by major figures like Galileo, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton, to the writings of amateur observers. This guide provides a sampling of some of the most important books from this period in Special Collections. Other items not included in this site can be found by searching the library catalog.
These historic materials are open to students, faculty, and other researchers for use in Special Collections' reading room. University faculty may also arrange with the curator for class presentations of these materials in Special Collections.
