Gregorian Reform by Kaia Stonebrook

Gregorian Reform explores the dramatic shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, a change that briefly erased eleven days in 1582 for many Europeans. This book investigates the scientific, social, and political factors behind this reform, highlighting how a seemingly technical adjustment triggered widespread resistance and gradual global adaptation.

For over 1600 years, the Julian calendar miscalculated the solar year, leading to a ten-day discrepancy affecting religious observances like Easter. The book examines the meticulous calculations made by Pope Gregory XIII's commission to devise a more accurate system. It details the vehement reactions to the new calendar, particularly from Protestant countries that viewed it as a "Papist plot," and traces its eventual worldwide adoption.

Using primary sources and astronomical data, this book offers a balanced perspective on a pivotal moment in timekeeping history. The book begins with historical context, progresses through the scientific basis and social reactions, and concludes with its global implementation. It is a valuable resource for those intrigued by history of science or the sociology of time.