any popular books upon astronomy have been written during the Mpast few years, but most of them cater either for the casual dabbler who is content to learn from the depths of his armchair or else for the serious amateur who already knows the main facts.What I have done, or tried to do, is to strike a happy mean. This book has been aimed at the needs of the beginner who knows nothing whatsoever,but who is nevertheless anxious to make a start with what equipment he can collect at limited cost. All astronomers,professional or amateur,were beginners once,and all have had to draw upon the experience of those who have learned before them.I feel some dif?dence about offering myself as a guide,but at least I have one quali?cation: in my early days as an observer I made almost every mistake that it is possible to make! This explains the frequent occurrence of such phrases as "I once saw...."and "I rem- ber that when I...." I hope therefore that what I have written may prevent others from falling into the same ridiculous traps.
Reviews

From the reviews of the twelfth edition:

"The Amateur Astronomer is aimed at both novice and experienced amateur, although evidently biased towards the former. ... should be mandatory reading for anyone thinking of buying a first telescope. ... We find here useful statistical data, cartographies, catalogues, and notes relevant to the owners of small to medium telescopes. ... Now approaching 50 years old ... this 12th edition continues the book's long tradition of providing an invaluable handbook for those requiring a broad introduction to amateur astronomy. A classic; absolutely recommended." (Steve Ringwood, Astronomy Now, June 2005)

"Classic text that covers the basics of all the major areas of astronomical observing, from lunar and planetary studies to observing and measuring double and variable stars. The high-quality black & white illustrations and images in this book bring together the old and the new in a way that is refreshingly different. ... This highly recommended book will have pride of place on my bookshelf and I will continue to dip in and out of it for many years to come." (Neil English, Astronomy and Space, January, 2007)

Book Information
ISBN 9781852338787
Author Patrick Moore
Format Hardback
Page Count 293
Imprint Springer London Ltd
Publisher Springer London Ltd