The Light Ages by Seb Falk

The title of the book and the author take issue with the idea that medieval times were the dark ages, that there was no science whatsoever going on during the time between 1000 and 1400. In fact he articulates that the western world was awash in science and learning, some of which was probably the dissemination of knowledge from Asia and the Middle East to Wurope through Italy. The travelers and merchants along the Silk Road brought a vast array of information about astronomy, mathematics, how to measure the heavens, and how to interpret that to make accurate predictions. The book follows in the footsteps of John of Westwyck, a 14th-century English monk who was also a pathbreaking astronomer who left few tangible traces of himself. After studying at Oxford university, he returned to St Albans Abbey, where in 1379 he copied two manuscripts, both treatises on the use of astronomical instruments by Richard of Wallingford, a former abbot. Wallingford had, earlier in the century, invented “the world’s most advanced astronomical clock”, which sat on a raised platform above the abbey church. Wallingford was evidently a gifted thinker, in a powerhouse of an institution. THe big take home message for me, beyond the fact that a medieval monk understood aspects of science better than I do today is that while in modern times religion and science are at odds with one another, medieval thinkers did not see things the same way. The study of the way that the world that god created was a route to moral and spiritual wisdom. There was no contradiction in being a monk and a scientist--science was a holy pursuit. There are many fascinating things in this book, and it is well worth reading.