Includes bibliographical references and index.; Galileo's childhood -- A scientist is born -- Going to school -- Italy in Galileo's time -- Everyday life -- Student and teacher -- The student -- The teacher -- New ideas -- An eye on the heavens -- Family matters -- Sun, moon, and stars -- Inquisition -- Trouble ahead -- Friends and enemies -- The trial -- The final years -- House arrest -- What we know now -- Spreading the word -- The fading light -- After Galileo.;