The Sleepwalkers
In 'The Sleepwalkers,' Arthur Koestler embarks on a mesmerizing journey through the evolution of human thought and the emergence of science. He intricately weaves together the lives of three revolutionary thinkers: Kepler, Descartes, and Newton, showcasing their breakthroughs and the cultural context that shaped their ideas. As each figure grapples with the mysteries of the universe, the narrative poses profound questions about the nature of knowledge and belief. Koestler's eloquent prose reveals the tension between reason and imagination, sparking curiosity about our own understanding of reality. Dare to unlock the secrets of the past that continue to influence the present?
By Arthur Koestler
Published: 1990
""Humanity is not a product of evolution; it is a conflict of contrasts, a dialogue between light and darkness, the absurd and the sublime.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
An extraordinary history of humanity's changing vision of the universe. In this masterly synthesis, Arthur Koestler cuts through the sterile distinction between 'sciences' and 'humanities' to bring to life the whole history of cosmology from the Babylonians to Newton. He shows how the tragic split between science and religion arose and how, in particular, the modern world-view replaced the medieval world-view in the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century. He also provides vivid and judicious pen-portraits of a string of great scientists and makes clear the role that political bias and unconscious prejudice played in their creativity.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Sleepwalkers
About the Author
Arthur Koestler
Arthur Koestler (1905-1983) was a Hungarian-British author and journalist, renowned for his exploration of political and philosophical themes during the 20th century. He is best known for his influential works such as "Darkness at Noon", a profound examination of totalitarianism and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in oppressive regimes, and "The Sleepwalkers", an acclaimed history of mankind's search for scientific understanding. Koestler's writing style is characterized by its intellectual rigor, engaging narrative, and deep psychological insights, often reflecting his own tumultuous experiences with ideology and conflict. A staunch advocate for human rights, he was also a prominent critic of totalitarianism, which shaped much of his literary output.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Arthur Koestler
- Published
- June 1990
- Publisher
- Penguin Books
- ISBN
- 0140192468
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 628
- Genres
- PhilosophyHistoryHistory of Science
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Lessons of History
Will Durant, Ariel Durant
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Susanna Clarke
Homo Deus
Yuval Noah Harari
Cosmos
Carl Sagan
A Brief History of Time
Stephen Hawking
How Proust Can Change Your Life
Alain De Botton
The City in History
Lewis Mumford
A History of God
Karen Armstrong
Showing 8 of 22 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations
Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.
View Collection
Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations
Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.
View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations
Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.
View Collection
Brian Earp's Book Recommendations
Brian Earp is a distinguished ethicist and interdisciplinary researcher, renowned for his extensive work in medical ethics, philosophy, and psychology. He serves as the Associate Director of the Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy at Yale University. Earp has co-authored several influential books, including "Love Drugs: The Chemical Future of Relationships," which explores the ethical implications of using pharmaceuticals to enhance romantic relationships. His scholarly articles have been widely published in leading academic journals, making significant contributions to debates on bioethics, sexuality, and human enhancement. Earp is also recognized for his engaging public outreach, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and public discourse.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Jamie Dimon's Book Recommendations
Jamie Dimon is an American business executive, best known as the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential financial institutions in the world. Dimon has led JPMorgan through multiple economic crises, including the 2008 financial crash, and has consistently been recognized for his leadership in the banking industry. Under his tenure, JPMorgan has grown into a global financial powerhouse, focusing on innovation and sustainability. Dimon is also an advocate for corporate responsibility and frequently speaks on economic and regulatory issues. His leadership style and strategic insights have earned him widespread respect in the business world.
View Collection
David Blaine's Book Recommendations
David Blaine is an American illusionist, endurance artist, and magician, known for his daring and extreme stunts, such as being buried alive, encased in ice, and holding his breath underwater for a record-breaking amount of time. Blaine gained fame for his street magic performances, but his endurance feats have pushed the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to magic and illusion, combining elements of mysticism with physical and mental challenges. Blaine’s work has captivated audiences worldwide and has set new standards in the world of magic and performance art.
View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations
Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 20 related collections
“"Humanity is not a product of evolution; it is a conflict of contrasts, a dialogue between light and darkness, the absurd and the sublime."”
The Sleepwalkers
By Arthur Koestler
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.