The Sleepwalkers is a detailed exploration of the evolution of astronomical theories and the people behind them, from the ancient Greeks to Isaac Newton. Arthur Koestler takes readers through the history of Western science, focusing particularly on figures like Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo. The book reflects how their revolutionary ideas, despite facing opposition, changed humanity’s understanding of the cosmos. Koestler argues that scientific progress is often driven by individuals who, like sleepwalkers, move instinctively towards great discoveries without fully understanding their own impact at the time.

Why Read This Book

• Provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the history of scientific thought and how humanity’s understanding of the universe has evolved.
• Engages with the philosophical and psychological aspects of scientific discovery, blending history with reflection on human nature.
• Focuses on influential figures in science, such as Kepler and Galileo, bringing their struggles and insights to life.
• Offers a critical perspective on how science progresses, often in unexpected and irrational ways.
• Ideal for readers interested in the history of science, astronomy, or philosophy.

About the Author

Arthur Koestler (1905–1983) was a Hungarian-British author and journalist, known for his work on science, history, politics, and philosophy. He is best known for his anti-totalitarian novel Darkness at Noon and his writings on the intersection of science and human thought. Koestler was a prolific writer whose works often grappled with the nature of human understanding and the paradoxes of scientific advancement.