At the turn of the 17th-century the greatest philosophers, alchemists, astronomers, and mathematicians of the day flocked to Prague to work under the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. The city was the centre of a cultural and scientific revolution kindled and encouraged by the Emperor the effects of which are felt even today. "The Theatre of the World" is the enchanting story of Rudolf II, an emperor more interested in the great talents and minds of his times than in the exercise of his power. Rarely leaving ...
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At the turn of the 17th-century the greatest philosophers, alchemists, astronomers, and mathematicians of the day flocked to Prague to work under the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. The city was the centre of a cultural and scientific revolution kindled and encouraged by the Emperor the effects of which are felt even today. "The Theatre of the World" is the enchanting story of Rudolf II, an emperor more interested in the great talents and minds of his times than in the exercise of his power. Rarely leaving Prague Castle, he gathered around him a galaxy of famous figures: the Italian painter, Giuseppe Arcimboldo; the Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe; the German mathematician, Johannes Kepler; and the English magnus, John Dee. Entranced, like Hamlet, by the new Renaissance learning, Rudolf found it nearly impossible to make decisions. Like Faust, he was prepared to risk all in the pursuit of magical knowledge and the Philosopher's Stone which would turn base metals into gold and prolong life indefinitely. But he also faced the threats of religious discord and the Ottoman empire, along with deepening melancholy and an ambitious younger brother. As a result he lost his empire and nearly his sanity, but had enabled Prague to enjoy a golden age of peace and creativity before Europe was engulfed in the Thirty Years' War. "The Theatre of the World" is a beguiling and dramatic human story involving the great sweep of culture and history. It is filled with angels and devils, high art and low cunning, talismans and stars, and offers a captivating perspective on a pivotal moment in the history of western civilisation.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Seller's Description:
Very good in very good dust jacket. Ex-library. Paper over boards. Audience: General/trade. Better than very good. Ex-library with minimal markings and no pocket. Very nicely covered in clear mylar. Tight and straight. Nice copy! Ships with tracking (2061C)
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. Size: 6x0x9; Dust-Jacket Is In Very Good Condition, The Book Is In Very Good Condition. With No Gift Inscription Or Remarks Inside. 276 Pages With The Index. based on your address. -We can ship from USA and Canada. Specializing in academic, collectible and historically significant, providing the utmost quality and customer service satisfaction. For any questions feel free to email us.
