God's Philosophers favourite to win Royal Society Science Prize
25 Aug 2010

Congratulations to James Hannam whose God’s Philosophers: How the medieval world laid the foundations of modern science is one of six short-listed titles for the Royal Society Science Prize.

The book, recently published by Icon Books, revives the forgotten philosophers, scientists, scholars and inventors of medieval Europe, revealing the Medieval Age to be responsible for inventions and ideas that would change the world forever.

The judges said: “A vibrant insight into the medieval approach to science, full of wonderful anecdotes and personalities. Dispelling common myths about the ‘dark ages’, this is a very readable book about a neglected era in the history of science. It very much fills a gap, making you realise that the great scientific achievements of the Renaissance are in debt to the “philosophers” prepared to sacrifice long held beliefs and frequently their lives for their ideas.”

The winner will be announced on 21 October 2010 and the winning book will receive £10,000. £1000 per book is awarded to the author(s) of the shortlisted books.

Hannam is the bookie’s favourite at 3/1.