Provides a scholarly perspective on the world wherein Copernicus came to make scientific discoveries. States of mankind, religion and governments are presented in a coherent time capsule that tells how and why events happened as they did. History from Julius Caeser to 16th century Germany is outlined and given its role to the development of events in Copernican times. The calendar of the church of the Vatican and Martin Luther's concurrent reformation in Germany is inextricably bound with Copernicus and his observatory. We see here a scientist functioning in daily life as a church and government official. Armitage gathered what facts were available on the man Copernicus in light of history and the scientific renaissance coming out of the dark ages.