Book Review: The Transit of Venus - 1631 to the Present

[iceman]

Having just written an article for IceInSpace on how to observe and photograph the Transit of Venus in June 2012, I was excited to receive the opportunity to review this book, "The Transit of Venus: 1631 to the Present", written by Dr Nick Lomb, the Curator of Astronomy at the Sydney Observatory.

Published by NewSouth Publishing in association with Powerhouse Publishing, the book is a large hardcover book (240 x 235mm), 228 pages long and contains a great balance of text, with beautiful black and white and full colour illustrations and photographs.

You can read my full review (including pictures) from the IceInSpace Reviews page (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/reviews.html), or directly by clicking on the link below:

Book Review: The Transit of Venus - 1631 to the Present (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/46-662-0-0-1-0.html)

If you'd like to contribute a review or article to IceInSpace, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with us through the Write for IceInSpace (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/write-for-iceinspace.html) page.

[iceman]

Review uploaded.

[Poita]

I bought this last weekend, and was in the middle of writing a review, you saved me the trouble! It is a beautiful book, and I agree with everything you said!

Re the cover, I think the red-trail is just to suggest the path of movement across the sun, which a realistic static shot wouldn't do, and the red to offset the yellow of the sun and re-inforce the feeling of heat, looking at the sun etc. It also suggests the look of those old Edwardian illustrations to me. I like the cover, even though it is obviously not realistic, I think it is striking, 'tells a story' and makes you want to pick up the book and look inside.

I think anyone with even a passing interest in the transit of Venus will thoroughly enjoy it.

Anyone in Sydney can attend the book launch on the 24th at the Observatory.
http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/2011/2011-11-24-transit-of-venus-the-book-launch/

[iceman]

Oh I agree, I don't dislike the cover just pondered it. It does tell a story and gets you to pick it up. I was only nitpicking to find some 'negatives' :)


Definitely agree with that.

[Poita]

I agree, the book is hard to find any big reasons not to buy, except for my ever pressing need to get more bookcases first!

[kinetic]

Enjoyed the great review Mike,

I just HAVE to seek out this book now.:thumbsup:
The historic side to the event fascinates me also.

regards

Steve

[deejayvee]

Thanks for the review. I picked up a copy yesterday :)