Doctor Copernicus.
Initially, I found this story surprisingly dull, until it came to the attempted publication of the scientist's work. I wonder whether people really swore so much as insults to each other, and behaved so appallingly towards each other. The first part of the book is about Copernicus' life and the 15th - 16th century world in which he lived, whereas the latter part tells of the exploits of his student, Rheticus, which proved to be more interesting. Seems to me a brave attempt to describe the world of Copernicus, but it lacked presenting the basic knowledge, the quirks of science at the time. One thing good about it has made me more eager to discover from other sources more about his life and science. It was suggested by Banville the student who began to publish his work didn't like his elliptical orbits, so changed them to circular ones.
Kepler.
John Banville does write in a poetic way. His descriptions are enjoyable to read "Regina came in, effecting a small but palpable adjustment in the atmosphere. She shut the big oak door behind her with elaborate care, as if she were assembling part of the wall. The world was built on too large a scale for her." The book was useful to familiarise me with the names of Kepler's acquaintances, and to learn about life in the 1500s, but the story is chronologically deranged and makes the flow of the story hard to follow. Like Doctor Copernicus, the story lacks the significance of the scientist's science, but rather concentrates on the bitter thoughts of the character, which are stipulations by Banville; and I found made Kepler quite unattractive and unappealing. Even the selection of letters in the third part of the book are printed backward in time, and the book does not state whether these are real letters, or more of the fictional biography.
The Newton Letter.
Oh such disappointment. Not even an attempt to describe Newton, instead the short novella is about (Newton's) biographer on retreat in Southern Ireland in order to complete his book, instead distracted by the women of the lodge there. I guess it was supposed to be reflective of Newton's own digression from science near the end of his life, but unless the reader already knows something of Newton, then this clever parody is lost.
Overall I think the trilogy might appeal to readers already knowledgeable on the three scientists; but as an introduction to the three men, it serves as a poor romanticised read. ( )

Another of great Banville books. Ha! What a writer? Having sworn allegiance to John Banville, I can read anything by him. Even if it is cheap-erotica for I am sure his words will elevate it into supreme art. ( )