The Practical Astronomer, 2nd Edition: Explore the Wonders of the Night Sky

Looks to be user-friendly for the average guy...

Did you ever think of the reasons why you purchased a particular book? Why did you choose to buy that one specific book. I have purchased books for several reasons: Because it was noted to be a good read. Because it provided me with specific information. Because it filled a notch in my small library. The decision to purchase this book was easy to make as it satisfied much of the previous noted criteria.The writters start with several sections containing basic information about the hobby. This was followed by several sections concerning different equipment such as telescopes, eyepieces, mounts, etc. The coverage on all was very light, but adequate for a beginner.Probably the most striking trait of this book is it’s presentation. It’s is bound with extra thick, brightly illustrated soft covers. It is printed on thick, high gloss paper. Inside the pics and illustrations appear to geared to grab your attention. It is a feast for your eyes.It’s odd; but the biggest problem I have with this book is the writing. Though the writers are knowledgeable and and proficient, I found it easy to be bored as writing bordered on dull. They used little imagination. At times I felt like I was reading instructors for assembling a bookcase. To be sure, the writing was not awful. But the writers seemed to be content to sit in the background while the reader marveled at the lavish illustrations. To be sure, one does not normally purchase a book such as this one for the writing skill. However, a bit of imagination would have been welcomed.That being said, this is a very good book. The illustrations and pics are top notch. The info is well presented (if indeed a little boring). It is well organized and thought out as the authors indeed know their readers.It is easy to recommend this book. It provides highly useful info for new comers to the hobby as well as a nice reference work for old hands. When one considers the price, it’s a steal.

This is a lovely, easy to read book that will guide you into astronomy in a very fun way. For starters the whole presentation of the contents is done the the legendary DK fashion, so richly illustrated and sketched in full colour so as to give an attractive visual aid to what is being said. Then as you wade deeper into it, you will find it a very engrossing read that demystifies many things about astronomy that hitherto one only heard but never fully understood. It has the right balance between scientific accuracy and nice, easy layman-oriented language that is easy to digest. It is divided into seven chapters. The final two are references with comprehensive star charts for both hemispheres and a reference tables section and it ends with sn adequately detailed glossary. It is also reasonably priced and suitable for all age groups. I enjoy both reading through it and cherrypicking topics as needed, in the way you consult any reference manual. I think its an easy five stars and recommend it to those of us who do not have a university degree in astronomy yet have the passion to take it up as a hobby.

This is a nicely structured and nicely presented book, explaining the phenomena of universe in a non-technical yet not too simplistic fashion. It gives practical hints how to find galaxies and constellations in the sky and gives you all the information you need to be confidently navigating through the night skies. Even my 6-year old son enjoyed it, at least the graphical pages outlaying constellations.

Love it, love it, love it! Perfect for beginner, who has no idea and want to learn about astronomy. Really like the bit where they describe the difference between the types of telescopes. Personally I find this book very helpful :) And it arrived before the estimated day, which was great!

This is a superb book superbly produced, and would make an excellent present. It is a joy, in these days of tatty paperbacks and easily forgotten 'downloads' to have in hand a really well thought out, and well put together 'hardback' printed beautifully upon high quality paper. The information contained is comprehensive, and very good, and forms a well founded starting point for further study in cosmology etc... It looks, feels and presents itself like a book far more expensive than it is.

Informative and educational for someone interested in stargazing etc