Recently found in storage, have had this little book since 1963. This was my first of many astronomy books that have led to countless hours gazing into the heavens.
Cheers Keith.
'Secrets of the Sky' Presented to me in 1970 for coming third in my class. It's still on my bookshelf. I have in my care a few older books, the oldest being 'Practical Astronomy' from 1874.
My first ever Astronomy book was "Building a Low Cost Telescope", by someone named (Coombes,) I think ??
I used this book to build my first 8 inch reflector from bits and pieces from the shed.
I think that these two 'How & Why Wonder Books' were my first Astronomy books - they were given to me by my parents - probably around the time of Apollo 11.
when I was like 3 in 1980 my dad bought me a tasco refractor and the hard cover "the amateur astronomer" and soft cover "travellers through time and space". I still have them but in my sisters roof so I can't take pics.
being 3 years old I really didn't know how to use the scope, nor did my dad as he worked in Sydney and had to take the fish and chips line to springwood and was too tired to show me.
but I enjoyed reading about our solar system, and the universe, though I never could understand Patrick Moore's book. I will read it again when I get my books back 36+ years later
Matt
Keith
Like you I have a copy of Orr's little book. I received it along with a 50mm Royal Astro refractor (which I also still have) for my 12th birthday in 1964. The simple circular star charts are as clear in my mind now as they were back then.
Ian
Patrick Moore - The Observers Book of Astronomy. Had the good fortune to have Patrick autograph it when I met him in 1988. Even gave me one of his business cards which I stuck inside.
Page 215 " Membership of some organised body is strongly recommended. The beginner will not only learn but will come into contact with those who have similar interests, with results that can hardly fail
to be beneficial "
Recently found in storage, have had this little book since 1963. This was my first of many astronomy books that have led to countless hours gazing into the heavens.
Cheers Keith.
Patrick Moore, 1959, "Guide to the moon" which my dad got me in maybe 1967 when I was around eight.
I read that book at least a hundred times. Really really good.
Dad got me Moore's "Guide to the planets" a few years later. Also a truly great read, back in the era when information was so hard to obtain and libraries were the only source ... it staggers me just how easy it is to obtain information today, and of good quality.
My mother's copy of Sir James Jeans "The Universe Around Us". She bought a 1960 reprint sometime in the early 60's. She apparently regretted buying it as it consumed my life at the tender age of 10. Then someone bought me Patrick Moore's "Observer's Book of Astronomy" for Xmas and I spiralled out of control.
Encyclopedia of Discovery - Skywatching. I borrowed this almost continuously for 12 months from Brisbane City Library in 2010/11. This book led me along many paths of further reading.
Found a second hand copy on-line in a Balmain Bookstore coincidental to having a free return flight to Sydney. The fellow wouldn't believe I came down just to buy the book.
The book cost me $28.00. Probably a bit expensive, but it was mine. And still is.
I have jagged a few more at Lifeline Bookfests over time (only $3-$5 each!). I give them to the Teachers when my astro group does School Nights.
"The Universe" which was a hardcover from Life (early 60's), part of a series along with "The Fishes", "Evolution", "The Insects", "The Reptiles" and "The Plants".
. It's a really good read.
