Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Best popular science book for 20 years., 09 Sep 2008
This is the best science book I've read for 20 years, comparable in scope to "The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes. It tackles a fascinating, low-profile field, the molecular machinery of photosynthesis, and the history of its elucidation, and then traces all the tangents and implications of that knowledge: the evolution of photosynthesis and its impact on the earth's atmosphere; the co-evolution of plants and animals; the requirements and nature of life on other planets and in other solar systems; the complexity of the carbon-cycle and its interactions with the nitrogen cycle, temperature, volcanism, the weathering of mountains, ice ages, ice-caps, prairies, forests. When at last he arrives at the current carbon/climate crisis you feel really equipped to comprehend the scale of the changes going on and weigh up the merits of all the different energy sources that have been proposed as solutions to the crisis and to the end of fossil fuels. All this territory could be either incredibly dry and dull (I could never stay awake in lectures about plants when I was doing a degree in biology) or sensationalist in its prediction of future catastrophe. But Morton manages to make even the science of electron transport chains fascinating and indeed lyrical, and his take on the environmental situation is sober, compelling and not without hope. Should be required reading for everyone on the planet. At the very least everyone taking a degree in biological sciences.

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Best popular science book for 20 years., 09 Sep 2008
This is the best science book I've read for 20 years, comparable in scope to "The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes. It tackles a fascinating, low-profile field, the molecular machinery of photosynthesis, and the history of its elucidation, and then traces all the tangents and implications of that knowledge: the evolution of photosynthesis and its impact on the earth's atmosphere; the co-evolution of plants and animals; the requirements and nature of life on other planets and in other solar systems; the complexity of the carbon-cycle and its interactions with the nitrogen cycle, temperature, volcanism, the weathering of mountains, ice ages, ice-caps, prairies, forests. When at last he arrives at the current carbon/climate crisis you feel really equipped to comprehend the scale of the changes going on and weigh up the merits of all the different energy sources that have been proposed as solutions to the crisis and to the end of fossil fuels. All this territory could be either incredibly dry and dull (I could never stay awake in lectures about plants when I was doing a degree in biology) or sensationalist in its prediction of future catastrophe. But Morton manages to make even the science of electron transport chains fascinating and indeed lyrical, and his take on the environmental situation is sober, compelling and not without hope. Should be required reading for everyone on the planet. At the very least everyone taking a degree in biological sciences.

Out of this world, 06 Feb 2008
Read on a train trip to Torquay, this was a delightful meander through the Solar System. Snippets of information, entertaining tangents, flights of fancy...all perfect for those wanting to read something escapist and interesting but probably a nightmare to the 'shoes in a strait line' scientific reader. This is not the book for you if you want to know the specific gravity of Io or if you need to calatlogue the rotation speeds of Neptune's moons.

It is the sort of book that you read in order for your mind to go somewhere else. There are plenty of fascinating passages, but there are also lots of gentle pushes from Sobel that launch you off into a completely seperate set of thoughts that will see you returning in a page or two's time having missed the book's action but, nevertheless, had a fine time. It will drive scientific minds mad. I'm OK with that.

Fact, Context and Wonder, 29 Dec 2007
I started to read this book because I wanted to have a brief summary of what is known about the planets in our own solar system and because I had enjoyed "Longitude" by the same author. Sobel succeeds in her task by taking a well-worked subject and finding a new angle with which to approach it. In this book she has each chapter based around a planet but selects a different entry point to the topic each time, through for example an imagined letter from one of the characters involved at the times of discovery or through poetry or ancient myths. This approach is fresh and lively but at the same time is a vehicle by which to introduce just enough facts about each planet to be informative. For those who want a more detailed presentation of astronomy this book is not the one; in fact I could imagine it irritating some readers as it flirts with the mystical awe of the solar system as well as presenting the scientific knowledge available. However, if you want an interesting mix of fact, historical context and a glimpse of wonder in an engaging style then "The Planets" provides a perfect read.

The Planets - A Pulpit's View, 21 Oct 2007
As someone who'd thoroughly enjoyed 'Longitude' I'd greatly anticipated reading Dava Sobel's take on our extended home. Not that new scientific revelations had been expected, no, but simply a well-written and entertaining new slant on what countless Horizon programmes and suchlike had already amply illustrated in recent years.

Just scanning the table of contents had me frown. Just a little. Chapter two, 'Genesis' - mmh... Could it be? Yes, it could! Before you can say Creationism, we meet the "architect", his subtle but all-pervading presence insidiously slipped in between romantic hogwash about the formation of our early solar system. 'Let there be light...', 'The Book of Genesis tells...', and perhaps most gallingly, when the chapter draws to a confused close on the subject of solar eclipses and marvels at the matching relative size of moon and sun, '...is this startling manifestation of the Sun's hidden splendour part of a divine design?'

Never before have I tossed a book in disgust. I have now. Expecting an if not scientific then at least factual account based on current understanding, what we get is a book that could easily be thrust in your face by those persistent, motormouthed disciples after ringing your doorbell on Saturday afternoons. Sadly, these days one cannot be sure if this abomination of science is Dava Sobel's own doing, or indeed was foisted on her by money-grabbing US editors, along with the generally bloated style of writing that milks the more romantic aspects of our solar system until the udders hurt. Given the currently raging US-based controversy re. the His Dark Materials movie, the latter seems more likely.

Conclusions: don't bother reading this book, unless sickly sweet writing and the notion that our world was created in a handful of days don't offend you.

A gem, 28 Sep 2007
How I wish I was Dava Sobel. When someone manages your thoughts with such clarity, it's spooky and hypnotic. How boring is it to read a drone about planets? Not here - Dava just drips out an image and it lands on your mind "plop". In a matter-of-fact explanation of the moon eclipsing the sun, she writes: "At totality, when the Moon is a pool of soot hiding the bright solar sphere....". I could tell you better lines but this morning, I loved that one. I'm on my third reading of her book but I mainly just read Lunacy (her chapter on the moon) over and over again - it has me floating. Dava stimulates such emotion around the wonderment of creation; it almost feels like a religion.

Journey through the solar system, 20 Feb 2007

This charming guide to the solar system explains the planets in everyday language while drawing on history, myth, science fiction, art, literature and the latest scientific advances. It discusses the ongoing discoveries in our planetary system, dealing with every body from the sun to Pluto. The writing style is accessible and highly engaging.

The chapter Genesis deals with the sun and the formation of the solar system, Mythology is devoted to Mercury and astronomers like Tycho Brahe, Copernicus and Kepler, and Beauty is reserved for Venus, where the poetry of amongst others, Blake, Wordsworth, Oliver Wendell Holmes and CS Lewis is quoted. Earth gets its turn in Geography (On Becoming a Planet), and the Moon in the chapter Lunacy.

Jupiter and the Galileo spacecraft are investigated in Astrology, whilst Music Of The Spheres is about Saturn and the music of the planets as represented by Holst in his Opus 32 and Kepler's book Harmonice Mundi in which he interpreted their motions as music. Uranus and Neptune are discussed in the chapter Discovery, and Pluto in UFO where the controversy on whether Pluto really is a planet is explored.

The concluding chapter Planeteers discusses the Cassini spacecraft and the Huygens probe which landed on Saturn's moon Titan in January 2005. The author concludes with the observation that the planets have always been stalwarts of human culture and the inspiration for much of mankind's higher-minded endeavor. The book concludes with a glossary, notes by chapter and a bibliography. There are black and white illustrations, photographs and maps throughout the text.

The PS section at the end contains an interview with the author by Travis Elborough, Sobel's favorite books and writers, Other books by Sobel and books she recommends, and an essay about the New Horizons spacecraft launched on 19th January 2006 on its 10 year journey to Pluto.

Francis Baily, spent his twenties exploring unsettled parts of North America and didn't get around to astronomy until he was 37, when he travelled to an annular eclipse of the Sun in southern Scotland. On May 15, 1836 he watched as light from the occluded sun poured through the lunar valleys and reached him broken up into "a row of lucid points, like a string of bright beads". With those words, Baily founded the industry of eclipse chasing.

The best feature of Totality is its wealth of biographical information about eclipse-chasers past and present. Throughout this century, every total eclipse over land has been attended by scientists willing to travel great distances, endure hostile climates--and risk complete failure because of clouds--for a few minutes' view of the corona. This turbulent outer part of the sun, best studied when the sun is obscured, draws observers across the globe to this day.

Totality is one of several portmanteau guides produced in time for the 1999 eclipse, and like most of them it doesn't seem to know which readers it's addressing. Near the beginning the reader is abjured not to let all the science bits "stand in the way of your enjoyment of the wild, wacky, and wonderful things people have thought and done about solar eclipses". What a naff sentiment, in such a fascinating and adult marriage of science, history, biography and sound technical advice. - -Simon Ings

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Best popular science book for 20 years., 09 Sep 2008
This is the best science book I've read for 20 years, comparable in scope to "The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes. It tackles a fascinating, low-profile field, the molecular machinery of photosynthesis, and the history of its elucidation, and then traces all the tangents and implications of that knowledge: the evolution of photosynthesis and its impact on the earth's atmosphere; the co-evolution of plants and animals; the requirements and nature of life on other planets and in other solar systems; the complexity of the carbon-cycle and its interactions with the nitrogen cycle, temperature, volcanism, the weathering of mountains, ice ages, ice-caps, prairies, forests. When at last he arrives at the current carbon/climate crisis you feel really equipped to comprehend the scale of the changes going on and weigh up the merits of all the different energy sources that have been proposed as solutions to the crisis and to the end of fossil fuels. All this territory could be either incredibly dry and dull (I could never stay awake in lectures about plants when I was doing a degree in biology) or sensationalist in its prediction of future catastrophe. But Morton manages to make even the science of electron transport chains fascinating and indeed lyrical, and his take on the environmental situation is sober, compelling and not without hope. Should be required reading for everyone on the planet. At the very least everyone taking a degree in biological sciences.

Out of this world, 06 Feb 2008
Read on a train trip to Torquay, this was a delightful meander through the Solar System. Snippets of information, entertaining tangents, flights of fancy...all perfect for those wanting to read something escapist and interesting but probably a nightmare to the 'shoes in a strait line' scientific reader. This is not the book for you if you want to know the specific gravity of Io or if you need to calatlogue the rotation speeds of Neptune's moons.

It is the sort of book that you read in order for your mind to go somewhere else. There are plenty of fascinating passages, but there are also lots of gentle pushes from Sobel that launch you off into a completely seperate set of thoughts that will see you returning in a page or two's time having missed the book's action but, nevertheless, had a fine time. It will drive scientific minds mad. I'm OK with that.

Fact, Context and Wonder, 29 Dec 2007
I started to read this book because I wanted to have a brief summary of what is known about the planets in our own solar system and because I had enjoyed "Longitude" by the same author. Sobel succeeds in her task by taking a well-worked subject and finding a new angle with which to approach it. In this book she has each chapter based around a planet but selects a different entry point to the topic each time, through for example an imagined letter from one of the characters involved at the times of discovery or through poetry or ancient myths. This approach is fresh and lively but at the same time is a vehicle by which to introduce just enough facts about each planet to be informative. For those who want a more detailed presentation of astronomy this book is not the one; in fact I could imagine it irritating some readers as it flirts with the mystical awe of the solar system as well as presenting the scientific knowledge available. However, if you want an interesting mix of fact, historical context and a glimpse of wonder in an engaging style then "The Planets" provides a perfect read.

The Planets - A Pulpit's View, 21 Oct 2007
As someone who'd thoroughly enjoyed 'Longitude' I'd greatly anticipated reading Dava Sobel's take on our extended home. Not that new scientific revelations had been expected, no, but simply a well-written and entertaining new slant on what countless Horizon programmes and suchlike had already amply illustrated in recent years.

Just scanning the table of contents had me frown. Just a little. Chapter two, 'Genesis' - mmh... Could it be? Yes, it could! Before you can say Creationism, we meet the "architect", his subtle but all-pervading presence insidiously slipped in between romantic hogwash about the formation of our early solar system. 'Let there be light...', 'The Book of Genesis tells...', and perhaps most gallingly, when the chapter draws to a confused close on the subject of solar eclipses and marvels at the matching relative size of moon and sun, '...is this startling manifestation of the Sun's hidden splendour part of a divine design?'

Never before have I tossed a book in disgust. I have now. Expecting an if not scientific then at least factual account based on current understanding, what we get is a book that could easily be thrust in your face by those persistent, motormouthed disciples after ringing your doorbell on Saturday afternoons. Sadly, these days one cannot be sure if this abomination of science is Dava Sobel's own doing, or indeed was foisted on her by money-grabbing US editors, along with the generally bloated style of writing that milks the more romantic aspects of our solar system until the udders hurt. Given the currently raging US-based controversy re. the His Dark Materials movie, the latter seems more likely.

Conclusions: don't bother reading this book, unless sickly sweet writing and the notion that our world was created in a handful of days don't offend you.

A gem, 28 Sep 2007
How I wish I was Dava Sobel. When someone manages your thoughts with such clarity, it's spooky and hypnotic. How boring is it to read a drone about planets? Not here - Dava just drips out an image and it lands on your mind "plop". In a matter-of-fact explanation of the moon eclipsing the sun, she writes: "At totality, when the Moon is a pool of soot hiding the bright solar sphere....". I could tell you better lines but this morning, I loved that one. I'm on my third reading of her book but I mainly just read Lunacy (her chapter on the moon) over and over again - it has me floating. Dava stimulates such emotion around the wonderment of creation; it almost feels like a religion.

Journey through the solar system, 20 Feb 2007

This charming guide to the solar system explains the planets in everyday language while drawing on history, myth, science fiction, art, literature and the latest scientific advances. It discusses the ongoing discoveries in our planetary system, dealing with every body from the sun to Pluto. The writing style is accessible and highly engaging.

The chapter Genesis deals with the sun and the formation of the solar system, Mythology is devoted to Mercury and astronomers like Tycho Brahe, Copernicus and Kepler, and Beauty is reserved for Venus, where the poetry of amongst others, Blake, Wordsworth, Oliver Wendell Holmes and CS Lewis is quoted. Earth gets its turn in Geography (On Becoming a Planet), and the Moon in the chapter Lunacy.

Jupiter and the Galileo spacecraft are investigated in Astrology, whilst Music Of The Spheres is about Saturn and the music of the planets as represented by Holst in his Opus 32 and Kepler's book Harmonice Mundi in which he interpreted their motions as music. Uranus and Neptune are discussed in the chapter Discovery, and Pluto in UFO where the controversy on whether Pluto really is a planet is explored.

The concluding chapter Planeteers discusses the Cassini spacecraft and the Huygens probe which landed on Saturn's moon Titan in January 2005. The author concludes with the observation that the planets have always been stalwarts of human culture and the inspiration for much of mankind's higher-minded endeavor. The book concludes with a glossary, notes by chapter and a bibliography. There are black and white illustrations, photographs and maps throughout the text.

The PS section at the end contains an interview with the author by Travis Elborough, Sobel's favorite books and writers, Other books by Sobel and books she recommends, and an essay about the New Horizons spacecraft launched on 19th January 2006 on its 10 year journey to Pluto.


Get ready for the 2009 total eclipse of the Sun!!, 02 Oct 2008
Wednesday 22nd July 2009 promises to deliver a spectacular total eclipse of the Sun - provided your skies are clear! Passing through India and China this eclipse of the saros 136 series (you'll need to read the book to see what that's all about) will give a maximum totality of 6 minutes and 34-seconds. This book will be invaluable if you are to go eclipse chasing (sorry viewing) next year, and is simply the greatest source of solar eclipse information in one book - if you're not. It is also a very easy and pleasant read, not at all like a textbook, and I sat and read "Totality" in just one day, it really is that good.
You want to take pictures of eclipses - fine, there are sections on both still and video recording of eclipses. You want to know about past eclipses, or their impact on society? It's all in here. Future eclipses are also fully documented.
Here is your single source of information for everything you always wanted to know about solar eclipses - this should be on EVERY astronomer's bookshelf!

One of the best all-round books for Eclipse chasers., 04 Apr 2002
This is a very good guide to Solar Eclipses, written by authors who have a real passion for Eclipse chasing (Fred Espenak is NASA's leading Eclipse expert).

The book is detailed and informative whilst still remaining an interesting read, and good value as well.

There are other books which take a more scientific approach (such as 'Total Eclipses' by Koutchmy & Guillermier), but I think this is possibly the best single book on the subject, and defenitely the most enjoyable.

An amazingly informative and interesting book., 17 Aug 2001
Having seen someone else's copy of this book and having thumbed through it, buying it was a must. Having purchased it, I am delighted with it. It is one of the most interesting and informative books that I have ever read. The information is extemley well presented in an easy to understand format. If you have ever seen an eclipse or have a vague interest in eclipses, this book will enhance your understanding and indeed your experience of an eclipse beyond beleif.

The complete guide to natures greatest spectacle., 06 Jul 2001
Everything you could ever wish to know about eclipses. The science behind how eclipses occur, the history of scientific discovery associated with eclipses, cultural aspects, photographic and video tips, what to look for during an eclipse, a list of future eclipses for the next 20 years. This is perhaps the most readable and complete book on eclipses by some of the world's leading authorities. It successfully combines the science, the passion, and the emotion associated with these remarkable celestial events. Don't get left in the dark !!! This excellent book prepares you for the big event.

My experience of the recent 2001 african eclipse was enhanced several fold after reading this book.

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Best popular science book for 20 years., 09 Sep 2008
This is the best science book I've read for 20 years, comparable in scope to "The Making of the Atomic Bomb' by Richard Rhodes. It tackles a fascinating, low-profile field, the molecular machinery of photosynthesis, and the history of its elucidation, and then traces all the tangents and implications of that knowledge: the evolution of photosynthesis and its impact on the earth's atmosphere; the co-evolution of plants and animals; the requirements and nature of life on other planets and in other solar systems; the complexity of the carbon-cycle and its interactions with the nitrogen cycle, temperature, volcanism, the weathering of mountains, ice ages, ice-caps, prairies, forests. When at last he arrives at the current carbon/climate crisis you feel really equipped to comprehend the scale of the changes going on and weigh up the merits of all the different energy sources that have been proposed as solutions to the crisis and to the end of fossil fuels. All this territory could be either incredibly dry and dull (I could never stay awake in lectures about plants when I was doing a degree in biology) or sensationalist in its prediction of future catastrophe. But Morton manages to make even the science of electron transport chains fascinating and indeed lyrical, and his take on the environmental situation is sober, compelling and not without hope. Should be required reading for everyone on the planet. At the very least everyone taking a degree in biological sciences.

Out of this world, 06 Feb 2008
Read on a train trip to Torquay, this was a delightful meander through the Solar System. Snippets of information, entertaining tangents, flights of fancy...all perfect for those wanting to read something escapist and interesting but probably a nightmare to the 'shoes in a strait line' scientific reader. This is not the book for you if you want to know the specific gravity of Io or if you need to calatlogue the rotation speeds of Neptune's moons.

It is the sort of book that you read in order for your mind to go somewhere else. There are plenty of fascinating passages, but there are also lots of gentle pushes from Sobel that launch you off into a completely seperate set of thoughts that will see you returning in a page or two's time having missed the book's action but, nevertheless, had a fine time. It will drive scientific minds mad. I'm OK with that.

Fact, Context and Wonder, 29 Dec 2007
I started to read this book because I wanted to have a brief summary of what is known about the planets in our own solar system and because I had enjoyed "Longitude" by the same author. Sobel succeeds in her task by taking a well-worked subject and finding a new angle with which to approach it. In this book she has each chapter based around a planet but selects a different entry point to the topic each time, through for example an imagined letter from one of the characters involved at the times of discovery or through poetry or ancient myths. This approach is fresh and lively but at the same time is a vehicle by which to introduce just enough facts about each planet to be informative. For those who want a more detailed presentation of astronomy this book is not the one; in fact I could imagine it irritating some readers as it flirts with the mystical awe of the solar system as well as presenting the scientific knowledge available. However, if you want an interesting mix of fact, historical context and a glimpse of wonder in an engaging style then "The Planets" provides a perfect read.

The Planets - A Pulpit's View, 21 Oct 2007
As someone who'd thoroughly enjoyed 'Longitude' I'd greatly anticipated reading Dava Sobel's take on our extended home. Not that new scientific revelations had been expected, no, but simply a well-written and entertaining new slant on what countless Horizon programmes and suchlike had already amply illustrated in recent years.

Just scanning the table of contents had me frown. Just a little. Chapter two, 'Genesis' - mmh... Could it be? Yes, it could! Before you can say Creationism, we meet the "architect", his subtle but all-pervading presence insidiously slipped in between romantic hogwash about the formation of our early solar system. 'Let there be light...', 'The Book of Genesis tells...', and perhaps most gallingly, when the chapter draws to a confused close on the subject of solar eclipses and marvels at the matching relative size of moon and sun, '...is this startling manifestation of the Sun's hidden splendour part of a divine design?'

Never before have I tossed a book in disgust. I have now. Expecting an if not scientific then at least factual account based on current understanding, what we get is a book that could easily be thrust in your face by those persistent, motormouthed disciples after ringing your doorbell on Saturday afternoons. Sadly, these days one cannot be sure if this abomination of science is Dava Sobel's own doing, or indeed was foisted on her by money-grabbing US editors, along with the generally bloated style of writing that milks the more romantic aspects of our solar system until the udders hurt. Given the currently raging US-based controversy re. the His Dark Materials movie, the latter seems more likely.

Conclusions: don't bother reading this book, unless sickly sweet writing and the notion that our world was created in a handful of days don't offend you.

A gem, 28 Sep 2007
How I wish I was Dava Sobel. When someone manages your thoughts with such clarity, it's spooky and hypnotic. How boring is it to read a drone about planets? Not here - Dava just drips out an image and it lands on your mind "plop". In a matter-of-fact explanation of the moon eclipsing the sun, she writes: "At totality, when the Moon is a pool of soot hiding the bright solar sphere....". I could tell you better lines but this morning, I loved that one. I'm on my third reading of her book but I mainly just read Lunacy (her chapter on the moon) over and over again - it has me floating. Dava stimulates such emotion around the wonderment of creation; it almost feels like a religion.

Journey through the solar system, 20 Feb 2007

This charming guide to the solar system explains the planets in everyday language while drawing on history, myth, science fiction, art, literature and the latest scientific advances. It discusses the ongoing discoveries in our planetary system, dealing with every body from the sun to Pluto. The writing style is accessible and highly engaging.

The chapter Genesis deals with the sun and the formation of the solar system, Mythology is devoted to Mercury and astronomers like Tycho Brahe, Copernicus and Kepler, and Beauty is reserved for Venus, where the poetry of amongst others, Blake, Wordsworth, Oliver Wendell Holmes and CS Lewis is quoted. Earth gets its turn in Geography (On Becoming a Planet), and the Moon in the chapter Lunacy.

Jupiter and the Galileo spacecraft are investigated in Astrology, whilst Music Of The Spheres is about Saturn and the music of the planets as represented by Holst in his Opus 32 and Kepler's book Harmonice Mundi in which he interpreted their motions as music. Uranus and Neptune are discussed in the chapter Discovery, and Pluto in UFO where the controversy on whether Pluto really is a planet is explored.

The concluding chapter Planeteers discusses the Cassini spacecraft and the Huygens probe which landed on Saturn's moon Titan in January 2005. The author concludes with the observation that the planets have always been stalwarts of human culture and the inspiration for much of mankind's higher-minded endeavor. The book concludes with a glossary, notes by chapter and a bibliography. There are black and white illustrations, photographs and maps throughout the text.

The PS section at the end contains an interview with the author by Travis Elborough, Sobel's favorite books and writers, Other books by Sobel and books she recommends, and an essay about the New Horizons spacecraft launched on 19th January 2006 on its 10 year journey to Pluto.


Get ready for the 2009 total eclipse of the Sun!!, 02 Oct 2008
Wednesday 22nd July 2009 promises to deliver a spectacular total eclipse of the Sun - provided your skies are clear! Passing through India and China this eclipse of the saros 136 series (you'll need to read the book to see what that's all about) will give a maximum totality of 6 minutes and 34-seconds. This book will be invaluable if you are to go eclipse chasing (sorry viewing) next year, and is simply the greatest source of solar eclipse information in one book - if you're not. It is also a very easy and pleasant read, not at all like a textbook, and I sat and read "Totality" in just one day, it really is that good.
You want to take pictures of eclipses - fine, there are sections on both still and video recording of eclipses. You want to know about past eclipses, or their impact on society? It's all in here. Future eclipses are also fully documented.
Here is your single source of information for everything you always wanted to know about solar eclipses - this should be on EVERY astronomer's bookshelf!

One of the best all-round books for Eclipse chasers., 04 Apr 2002
This is a very good guide to Solar Eclipses, written by authors who have a real passion for Eclipse chasing (Fred Espenak is NASA's leading Eclipse expert).

The book is detailed and informative whilst still remaining an interesting read, and good value as well.

There are other books which take a more scientific approach (such as 'Total Eclipses' by Koutchmy & Guillermier), but I think this is possibly the best single book on the subject, and defenitely the most enjoyable.

An amazingly informative and interesting book., 17 Aug 2001
Having seen someone else's copy of this book and having thumbed through it, buying it was a must. Having purchased it, I am delighted with it. It is one of the most interesting and informative books that I have ever read. The information is extemley well presented in an easy to understand format. If you have ever seen an eclipse or have a vague interest in eclipses, this book will enhance your understanding and indeed your experience of an eclipse beyond beleif.

The complete guide to natures greatest spectacle., 06 Jul 2001
Everything you could ever wish to know about eclipses. The science behind how eclipses occur, the history of scientific discovery associated with eclipses, cultural aspects, photographic and video tips, what to look for during an eclipse, a list of future eclipses for the next 20 years. This is perhaps the most readable and complete book on eclipses by some of the world's leading authorities. It successfully combines the science, the passion, and the emotion associated with these remarkable celestial events. Don't get left in the dark !!! This excellent book prepares you for the big event.

My experience of the recent 2001 african eclipse was enhanced several fold after reading this book.

A simply amazing and beautiful collection of images, 12 Feb 2006
I had always been a huge fan of space and astronomy, ever since I was a kid. Over the years, I'd seen countless images on television, on the Internet, in books, magazines and newspapers. I thought I'd become thoroughly familiar with the lunar surface, the valleys on Mars, the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. I thought I'd seen all the best photographs. I thought, there was little that could really surprise me anymore.

I was therefore STUNNED by the number of photographs in "Visions" which I'd never seen before, the sheer quality of each individual image, and the sense of "newness" they all brought. This book is a marvel! A simply amazing and beautiful collection of space images that will appeal to everyone.

I doubt you'll find a more impressive collection of photographs of our solar system anywhere. Please don't even hesitate to get this book... you won't be disappointed. The shots of Mars and the incredible variety of its landscapes and surface features are particularly mind-blowing, as are the numerous fold-out panoramas throughout the book.

Fully recommended!

Amazing!, 18 Nov 2005
I have purchased quite a few books on Amazon that contain photographic documentation in Space but this by far is the best and most visually stunning.
I would highly recomend anyone to get this book and you will not be disappointed. It reminds us what a beautiful universe we are all part of and how beautiful things still remain outwith our own world.

Lot of pictures but little context, 06 Aug 2005
Bit disappointed - was expecting a lot more information to go with the stunning scenes.
Knowledge always adds enormously to the enjoyment of subjects like this no matter how impressive or beautiful the eye candy is.
Also rather on the heavy side - but might provide some cardiovascular workout if you're a couch potato like me...

Gorgeous!!! Nothing Comparable.,, 11 Jul 2005
This book is really a space buff's wet dream. I mean, there is not a single book on the market, anywhere, that has such gorgeous, exquisite and detailed pictures of the planets and moons of our solar system as this book has (made by Voyager, Galileo, Maggelan and the like). You just won't believe your eyes. And the essays of Benson (and those of Arthur C. Clarke and Lawrence Weschler) are also splendid, one by one. Convince yourself and surf to the website of Kinetikon Pictures to behold some of the photographs offered in this book and to read some of the essays (and even more). Robotic planetary photography made into (abstract expressionist and impressioinst) art, that is what Beyond is all about. Buy this hefty beast of a book before it is sold out.

Best space photography I've seen., 24 Dec 2003
Summary: Superb images of the solar system with short explanatory essays.

As a child of the space race era, I have been a life-long addict of astronomy, space flight and large, heavily illustrated books about space.

This book by writer, filmmaker and photographer Michael Benson, is a collection of truly amazing pictures covering most of the major planetary bodies in our solar system and has been compiled from the very best space probe images from the dawn of space exploration in the early 1960s right up to on-going missions to explore the outer solar system. The book includes the Earth and Moon, the Sun, a number of asteroids, all the planets (with the exception of Pluto which has not yet been visited by space probes), and a good number of moons of other planets, notably those of Jupiter. There are many images of each object, giving a real impression of what it must be like to see these worlds for yourself. The highlights for me were: the images from Mars Global Surveyor, whose detail and resolution is stunning; the moons of Jupiter, a mini solar system in itself of incredible colour and diversity; and Saturn’s rings in superb detail. I was also amazed by the detailed radar images of the surface of cloud-covered Venus sent back by the Magellan probe, very few of which I had seen before. The text throughout the book is both interesting and informative, as are the Foreword by science-fiction grand-master and visionary Arthur C. Clarke and the Afterword by Lawrence Weschler, reporter, author and Director of the New York Institute for the Humanities.

There are a number of space photography books of this type on the market and I own a several of these, however, I can safely say that this book is the best example of the genre that I have come across. The images are carefully chosen and are truly awe-inspiring and I recognised only very few that I’d seen in other books or websites. The quality of the photographic reproduction is first-rate and where large mosaics have been assembled from smaller images, this has been done absolutely seamlessly. The cover photo of the crescent Neptune and its moon is like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey and like many of the pictures in this book, is almost beyond belief. If, like me, you are a big fan of space and can’t wait for humanity to get off this rock we call home and see what else is out there, then this is the book for you. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Stunning photography, 31 May 2007
Great photography and a nice browser of our nearest neighbours. Possibly could have done with a little more information to go with the pics. Makes you want to know more about our solar system which a book such as the Dorling Kindesley "Universe" provides in abundance. The DK book would be my choice: great value for money with lots more photos and information. In fact Giles Sparrow contributed to this. Good as an engaging short pictorial guide but leaves you wanting more.

Definitely worth getting, 23 Nov 2006
This book is fully up to date, now that Pluto isn't a classed as a planet, with beautiful pictures and easy writing. I will be getting of this book out of the cupboard even if it just for looking at these amazing pictures.

So Simple, Even I Can Find What I'm Looking For!, 13 May 2004
I am one of those people who has trouble finding specific constellations, and is never quite sure whether I'm looking at Jupiter or Venus. I carry around little scraps of paper from the newspaper so I can figure out which planets are visible . . . but have a hard time reading the scraps in the dark.

With this book, I can see when and where each planet will appear through 2012. I can also get all the help I need to know what constellations are up there now, and which ones will be present when.

As a result, I can finally introduce the starry heavens in an appropriate way to younger people. I already know a lot about astronomy, but the night sky was beyond me. No longer! Whew!

Although my four children did not get much help with the heavens from me, the grandchildren will receive great benefits from this resource.

Even if you are good at identifying objects in the night sky, this book will be a valuable, convenient reference for you.

Enjoy the lore that our ancestors appreciated by seeing new aspects of the night-time sky!

A Robust Guide For Stargazers, 16 Sep 2003
This is a classic Dorling Kindersley handbook:solid,glossy and very durable. You can thumb this to your hearts content and it will still keep its shape. A double-page spread is given to each planet with lots of facts and figures presented in a clear and colourful format. All 88 constellations are described in detail with the major items of interest to be found in each one. Sky-guides are provided for every month of the year as well.

There are some useful photographs of the constellations and the various astronomical objects they contain but I found some of these difficult to make out. Perhaps things are clearer in the field.

A well designed book that really does pack a lot in and the array of facts alone will please the astral trainspotters no end. The celestial hemispheres on the inside of the front and back covers are a nice finishing touch to an aesthetically pleasing as well as informative guide.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.