Tibaldo and the Hole in the Calendar [Hardcover]

The story of how an eleven-year old boy growing up in 16th century Italy loses his birthday when the Gregorian calendar replaces the Julian calendar in 1582, and how he fights to prevent this loss. The author cleverly weaves elements of the cultural and scientific milieu of the time into an engaging and intelligent tale. Tibaldos father is a medical assistant, and his sister is a midwife. Thus, the boy grows up learning about current medical practices and his fascination for medicine makes him a fast learner. Then, when Tibaldo learns that he is about to lose his 13th birthday, he determines to do something about it. The result is both amusing and informative.The World of Tibaldo.- Tibaldos School.- Lessons in Astronomy.- The Trouble with the Calendar.- The Hole in the Calendar.- Tibaldo Begins the Battle.- The Birth of a Baby and a Plan.- Pope Gregorys Visit to Bologna.- What Happened Afterwards.- More and Better Astronomy.A fascinating look at the Renaissance period and a delightful tale that will entertain readers of all ages. This beautifully pakckaged book will make a wonderful gift for adults and young adults alike. A fun story that cleverly weaves an enjoyable account of the cultural and scientific milieu of 16th century Italy. Besides the Gregorian calendar reform, the reader learns of contemporary medical skills as practiced by Tibaldos family and -from Tibaldos schoolteachers- the Renaissance astronomy and other science. Beautifully illustrated with drawings that reflect the style of the era. Abner Shimony has taught at MIT and Boston University. He is a fellow of the American of Arts and Sciences and author of Search for a Naturalistic World View, which won the Lakatos Award in philosophy of science for 1996.This book will also appeal to bright junior high and high school students who are interested in history in general and the history of science in particular.