Life Of Galileo

This Student Edition of Brecht's classic dramatisation of the conflict between free enquiry and official ideology features an extensive introduction and commentary that includes a plot summary, discussion of the context, themes, characters, style and language as well as questions for further study and notes on words and phrases in the text. It is the perfect edition for students of theatre and literature

Along with Mother Courage, the character of Galileo is one of Brecht's

greatest creations, immensely live, human and complex. Unable to resist

his appetite for scientific investigation, Galileo's heretical

discoveries about the solar system bring him to the attention of the

Inquisition. He is scared into publicly abjuring his theories but,

despite his self-contempt, goes on working in private, eventually

helping to smuggle his writings out of the country.

As an

examination of the problems that face not only the scientist but also

the whole spirit of free inquiry when brought into conflict with the

requirements of government or official ideology, Life of Galileo has few equals. Written in exile in 1937-9 and first performed in Zurich in 1943, Galileo

was first staged in English in 1947 by Joseph Losey in a version

jointly prepared by Brecht and Charles Laughton, who played the title

role. Printed here is the complete translation by John Willett.