The Key to Newton's Dynamics: The Kepler Problem and the Principia

Rating:
Summary: The Rise of Universal Gravitation
Review: This book examines in detail Newton's solution to the direct Kepler problem: "Given that the planets' orbits are elliptical, what is the dependence of the force on the distance between the sun and the planet?"
Newton's solution is a triumph of mathematical astronomy (Euclid and Apollonius would be proud!). However, Brackenridge notes the difficulty for a general layperson to understand the solution. This book guides you step by step with only the prerequisite that you understand basic geometry. Brackenridge also emphasizes that we look at Newton's work from *his* perspective, not our modern one.
You'll know that you've touched something sacred when you make it through Newton's Preposition 17 (Problem 3 from _On Motion_ in this book). A must for anyone seeking to get an overview of how Newton saw celestial mechanics.

Rating:
Summary: The Rise of Universal Gravitation
Review: This book examines in detail Newton's solution to the direct Kepler problem: "Given that the planets' orbits are elliptical, what is the dependence of the force on the distance between the sun and the planet?"
Newton's solution is a triumph of mathematical astronomy (Euclid and Apollonius would be proud!). However, Brackenridge notes the difficulty for a general layperson to understand the solution. This book guides you step by step with only the prerequisite that you understand basic geometry. Brackenridge also emphasizes that we look at Newton's work from *his* perspective, not our modern one.
You'll know that you've touched something sacred when you make it through Newton's Preposition 17 (Problem 3 from _On Motion_ in this book). A must for anyone seeking to get an overview of how Newton saw celestial mechanics.

Rating:
Summary: In depth look at dynamics
Review: This book is well written and everything is explained well. This book, however, is not for the layman. This is a book that one should work though not just read.