Galileo’s Working Library

Abstract

This chapter examines the books that Galileo requested, cited, and annotated to bring to light inherent tensions in the composition of his library. These actions are at once the representation of a single authority, but also a community effort for reputation management. Citations represent explicit references to other authors, but also hidden, coded messages to knowledgeable readers. Special attention is given to possible forged materials. The analysis brings to light lost conversations between Galileo and his book procurement network that would provide further evidence for the library contents. The analysis also highlights the ways that editorial practice and training limit the available data for studying Galileo’s working library.