The Stars

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 16, 2017

Review

This is an updated edition of the 1954 classic. The updated information concerns the status of Pluto, which is now considered a dwarf planet and now not considered one of the nine planets of our solar system. There is also new and updated scientific information on the planets, stars, and constellations. There is an abundance of information packed into this book. First, the the night sky, stars and constellations are explained in relatively simple terms. There are also simple illustrations of the constellations, the old views and the new views. Next, the constellations are presented in wonderful detail, complete with equally detailed illustrations. Next there is a detailed examination of the stars. There are time and star charts, magnitudes of stars and constellations, various calendar charts of stars, star gazing via longitude and latitude and more. The final section of this book deals with planets, moons, planetary tables, the celestial clock, the zodiac and more. To round it out, there is a very detailed glossary/index along with a universal sky chart. This book is not just for children. It is for any astronomer, from beginner to expert. Knowledge and enlightenment are to be found within the pages of this book. This is a must for all astronomy/science collections, both juvenile and adult.

Overall Book Score: very good