Canopus Encyclopedia of Astronomy – P. Murdin and M. Penston (Eds)

Astronomy is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and there have never before been so many backyard astronomers, from beginners to those at the professional frontier. There is also huge interest in the startlingly imaginative concepts that professional astronomers use to explain our place, and existence, in the universe at large.

This established A-Z encyclopedia is a beautiful and authoritative illustrated reference to the whole of classical and modern astronomy. It includes 515 remarkable diagrams and photographs from leading artists and astrophotographers.

Students, journalists, librarians, and inquisitive families will find it answers any questions that might arise in a professional or personal context.

Within its complement of 1750 articles, it includes 40 articles on practical astronomy from the world’s top practitioners, including editors from Sky and Telescope magazine and members of the British Astronomical Association. These are articles to inspire beginners, and to refine the techniques of those with more experience.

There are 100 essays derived from the current work of 700 research astronomers. With the help of specially commissioned artworks, these articles interpret the latest research findings for non-specialists. Topics such as Active Galaxies, Dark Matter,and General Relativity are made truly comprehensible for the first time.
Under the direction of Professor Paul Murdin, an international team has created this unique reference work, which has been through careful stages of review and checking to ensure it is the ultimate single-volume reference in the field of astronomy.

Published Reviews

Rick Fienberg, Editor-in-Chief, Sky & Telescope
Until now there has been no single best reference…

Royal Astronomical Society
This authoritative and comprehensive volume will be of interest to armchair and backyard astronomers alike. It is an up-to-date work…

Sir Patrick Moore
This encyclopedia is by far the best of its kind I have ever come across.

Astronomy & Geophysics
Quite an achievement … neither patronizes nor overwhelms … an exceptionally useful and attractive volume.

Times Literary Supplement
Exceptionally comprehensive and up-to-date…pitched right at the limits of contemporary research… handsomely produced and reasonably priced.

Science News
Takes readers to the cutting edge of the latest research… details some of the most intriguing aspects of space.

Federation of Astronomical Societies
Well researched and attractively laid out… an excellent source of information and data for amateur and professional, beginner and experienced.

Publishers Weekly
An engaging trove of information.

2001, 480pp,  200 colour illustrations, Hardcover £40
978-0953786886