Stars: A Fully Illustrated, Authoritative and Easy-to-Use Guide (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This is one of the first books I read when I took up Astronomy as a hobby, 20+ years ago. It is full of practical, useful information for the amateur astronomer, covering different types of optics (newtonian, dobsonian, and schmidt-cassegrain reflectors, as well as refractors), including how to calculate magnification with different objectives and eyepieces. It contains a basic introduction to solar observing, with proper precautions to avoid blinding yourself, astro-photography techniques, some basic star charts, information on lunar viewing, deep-sky viewing, etc. This book is a classic on the subject of astronomy, and one that I hope never goes out of print. It was the single most useful astronomy book I had during my 5+ years of enjoying the hobby. I actually bought another copy as a gift for my nephew who was interested in astronomy. Buy it, if you want a superb introduction, covering a wide range of topics within this fascinating hobby. Cheers!

I believe I got my first Stars Golden Nature Guide at the age of 12-well over half a century ago. I learned the constellations and developed a lifelong interest in astronomy in no small part due to this guide, of which I have had several well worn copies over the decades. It is a perfect springboard to a fascinating world, clear and concise, a perfect celestial roadmap with relevant supporting text. My grandchildren were the recipients of the (updated) guides a year ago, and also have a budding interest in astronomy. Last week while visiting Yosemite National Park, I saw this guide at the Visitor's center...and, of course, bought another one.

Perfect pocket sized guide book. Great for little or big learners alike. We almost have a complete collection of these Golden Guides. Some are the originals and some like this one new prints. But they are all the same size and filled with great info. The collection is in our natural learning area. We love these.

I've had this book in paperback for many years and wanted a more permanent hardcover for my library. It's a great book for beginners and more advanced stargazers. I especially like the meteor shower calendar and star charts for each season. The descriptions of the constellations are very nice, too.

I remember this book when I was in grade school. I found it fasicinating. When a friend was learning about astronomy, I got her a copy to help with the basics. She liked it! It is frequently updated with each republishing.

Much of the information here is essential for novice readers, young or old. The book is beautifully illustrated and inspires the imagination through its nocturnal images and star charts. I've had this book since I was a child but often return to it. Few scholarly texts so vividly illustrate and explain the vastness and uniqueness of our universe.

Owned this book as a child and still have my original . this one is updated and still great.

I love this little book. I also own a first edition copy, and wanted to have a better/new copy to use. Perfect for stargazing.

Perfect size to easily bring with me on my star gazing adventures. Plenty of illustrations and basic information. My kids also enjoy it as it is easy to read and to the point. This book isnt chalked full with all the star info you can imagine, but it includes the basics and the description on this product didnt claim otherwise.

Just the Book I bought with my Mother, in Colombo, in 1964, steering me to Astronomy for ever. Now for the next generation ...

I had this book as a kid and my parents lost it/gave it away. I've been searching for this exact cover for a while and I'm 100% happy with my purchase. I don't mind it being a little used, it's part of its charm given its age.

Excellent guide i used when i was a kid in the 80s which spurred me into astronomy!