Margaret C. Jacob
The Cultural Meaning of the Scientific Revolution.
Alfred A. Knopf, 1988. New Perspectives on European History. First printing. 0394327993 xii/274 pages.
Softcover volume, measuring approximately 5.75" x 8.5", displays very light shelfwear, with mild sunning to spine and faint small crease at top of front cover. Binding is sound. Pages are clean and bright.
"This scholarly textbook is the first to examine the cultural  history of modern science at its origin, and the cultural and social history of the scientific revolution in Europe. The text describes how science became important for the wealthy and powerful class once it was seen as compatible with their larger political interests and cultural values. Unlike the traditional view of science as the work of a few geniuses isolated from their social context,the importance of science is seen as the result of intellectual,cultural,and social forces. Jacob challenges current thought by explaining the success of the scientific revolution as more than a few inventors revolutionizing modern technology and science."