Patricia
11-19-2007, 07:13 PM
First published in two volumes in 1853, this is the first historical novel of Charles Kingsley.
It is loosely based on the true story of the early 5th-century philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria. She was a noted mathematician and Neo-Platonic philosopher. Together with her father, she has been credited with the invention of the astrolabe and hydrometer.
She was massacred by a Christian mob. Bertrand Russell noted, “After this, Alexandria was no longer troubled by philosophers.” Wikipedia has a useful article on her life.
It is loosely based on the true story of the early 5th-century philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria. She was a noted mathematician and Neo-Platonic philosopher. Together with her father, she has been credited with the invention of the astrolabe and hydrometer.
She was massacred by a Christian mob. Bertrand Russell noted, “After this, Alexandria was no longer troubled by philosophers.” Wikipedia has a useful article on her life.