Life of Galileo

Life of Galileo is a play by Bertolt Brecht, written in German and first published in 1940. It centers on Galileo Galilei and the pressure that builds around his scientific ideas, placing him in conflict with the institutions that judge him. Rather than telling a straightforward biography, Brecht shapes the material as a drama about knowledge, public responsibility, and what it costs to stand by a difficult position.

It suits readers who want a play with ideas at its core, where the tension comes as much from argument and viewpoint as from plot. The book fits especially well if you are drawn to epic theatre, with its distance, clarity, and focus on social questions, and if you like seeing a historical figure examined through a wider political lens. If you enjoy drama that connects science, power, and conscience, this is a strong place to start.