Book of the Month for November
25% DISCOUNT:
FOR THIS MONTH ONLY YOU PAY JUST £11.25 including post & packing
Emily Winterburn – £14.99
1845297245
THE STARGAZER'S GUIDE
The stars are probably any child’s first introduction to wonder: think “Twinkle, twinkle, little star”, one of our best-loved nursery rhymes. Even with the lights of the city dimming the view – making the very best starry nights those experienced upon the ocean – stars can fascinate and have entered mythology from the earliest times. It is astronomy that has regulated our calendars and timepieces (and thus aided navigation and exploration) whilst its less-scientific younger brother, astrology, has interpreted the data with varying degrees of responsibility, as evidenced by the plethora of horoscopes that exist in our newspapers and magazines.
The author has a background in the history of science and is Curator of Astronomy at the Royal Observatory, so is well-placed to bring a level perspective to the subject of stargazing. Yes, she explains the science and history behind the constellations at various times of the year - and the book is divided broadly into the twelve months of the year, with numerous sub-sections touching on a myriad of different aspects – but it is interspersed with personal reminiscences, literary allusions and the mythology that has grown up over the centuries and in many cultures.
Above all, it is eminently readable: we start in April with an introduction to “the Bears”, moving through to June and the Sun; September and the Milky Way (stopping at confectionery along the way); shooting stars in November; Herschel’s Tea and Stars in January; and finally the astrology and the Zodiac in March. Every segment is an eclectic mix of fascinating facts, calculated to make you feel the need to stand outside on a clear dark night somewhere in the Outer Hebrides (away from all those intrusive street-lights) trying to identify the constellation in question.
Although recent publication has prompted its choice as November’s book of the month, you may be unaware that an International Star Count is currently taking place (from Oct 20 – Nov 3) preparatory to the International Year of Astronomy in 2009, celebrating four hundred years of the telescope, and forty since the first moonwalk – so if ever there was a time to get involved in stargazing, this is it, and this is the guide that can help.
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Book Services Manager, on 020 7654 7008
Previous Books of the Month - 2008
Archived Book Reviews - 2007