The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide is a lot more than a review of heavenly objects and locations, although there is plenty of that inside. There are the expected and awfully useful lists of constellations, star charts, night sky maps, or details about planets, stars, and galaxies and all that. But there is also a wealth of information about the equipment used in astronomy, including some prices, consumer-type information, advice on when to use and when not to use binoculars, telescopes, cameras, film, lenses, filters, and other items for the amateur astronomer. As a practical guide for amateur and learning astronomers, this is a virtual and very helpful compendium of information. The recommendations for this book are excessive – all written by very accomplished people in the field. Coffee Table sized, it makes a colorful and informative guidebook for anyone taking seriously their interest in the Heavens.

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Billed as an educational tool for kids aged 8-80 might be taking things a bit far, but this nice little tome describes the stars, galaxies and the constellations from a human-based perspective, mirroring well the literal transfer of power down to us persons, here on Earth. Only 28 pages, it has most interesting illustrations, perfect for culling from the night sky those wonders we relish. This is a starter book, perfect for the novice who wants to understand more about the sky.

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