Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), the premier patron-practitioner of science in sixteenth-century Europe, established a new role of scientist as administrator, active reformer, and natural philosopher. This book explores his wide range of activities, which encompass much more than his reputed role of astronomer. Christianson broadens this singular perspective by portraying him as Platonic philosopher, Paracelsian chemist. Ovidian poet, and devoted family man. From his private island in Denark, Tycho Brahe used patronage, printing, friendship, and marriage to incorporate men and women skilled in science, technology, and the fine arts into his program of cosmic reform. This pioneering study includes capsule biographies of over a hundred individuals, including Johannes Kepler, Willebrord Snel, Willem Blaeu, several bishops, and numerous technical specialists, all of whom helped shape the culture of the Scientific Revolution.