Discoveries and Opinions of Galileo : Including the Starry Messenger (1610 Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina) by Galileo Galilei - Directing his polemics against the pedantry of his time, Galileo, as his own popularizer, addressed his writings to contemporary laymen. His support of Copernican cosmology, against the Church's strong opposition, his development of a telescope, and his unorthodox opinions as a philosopher of science were the central concerns of his career and the subjects of four of his most important writings. Drake's introductory essay place them in their biographical and historical context.
Galileo at Work : His Scientific Biography by Stillman Drake
Galileo : A Life by James, Jr. Reston - The dramatic story of an era during which science and religion were one and where one man dared to defy the only power on earth that was able to bring him to his knees. A suspenseful narrative and spirited rendition of the life of Galileo Galilei, the Renaissance giant. James Reston's meticulous research, astute use of excerpts from letters, poems, and church documents enliven his hero on every page.