O'Meara's Messier book

[matt]

Anyone able to tell me whether there are any Oz vendors of Stephen James O'Meara's The Messier Objects or anyone got a copy they'd like to sell???

Thanks:)

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

I purchased a copy from Bintel a few years ago. I just looked at their website and they show it for $85.00.

https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm

"The Messier Objects
O'Meara. The most widely observed objects in the sky. This book provides a fresh perspective on these famous objects. new drawings, new data, new charts. 304pp HC

$85.00"

It is a lovely book to browse and dip into, quite timeless in spite of the incredible advances in 'scopes and imaging since it was first published.

Cheers

Dennis

[DougAdams]

Yes, great book to sit down with and browse. His companion book on the Caldwall objects is just as good - I really like his story about what observing on the volcanos of Hawaii did to the optics.

[matt]

Thanks guys. I didn't even think to look at which books Bintel sell:whistle:

Funny how you only think of some vendors as scope/ep/hardware merchants.

Gee, $85 seems fairly rich? Is that the best price out there?

I don't mind paying a reasonable price for quality resource material but do you think that's about the right $$$$:shrug:

[DougAdams]

I think I paid about $60 from Technical Books in Melbourne, but that was years ago. If he came out with another one in the same format, I'd pay $85. If they have a fault, it's they provoke a profound sense of jealousy - observing from a dark sky site with a Televue, with his amazing eyesight. :)

[matt]

Cheers Doug

I guess it's not too bad a price when you consider the number of pages and colour plates?

It's probably a hardback too????

It's also not bad in light of the fact it is regarded as one of the definitive references of its type and carries such a wealth of personal material and thoughts by the author.

I can feel a purchase coming on. My coffee table's looking forward to a new visitor;)

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

As I sit flicking through my (hardback) copy, reprinted 2001, it is only in 8 bit grayscale, not a drop of colour I'm afraid. There are 306 pages, on which all images are only in 2 colours, black and white with probably 255 shades of grey ;) .

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

:sadeyes: but you get all 255 shades of grey, right Dennis? All 255 shades!:lol:

You have counted them since last posting, right?

[mickoking]

$85 strewth. Telescopes are much cheaper nowadays but astronomy books are still astronomically priced. I quite often buy books from the States and usually it is quite a saving.

[matt]

might be looking closely at that option micko:thumbsup:

[Dennis]

Hi Matt,

Careful with the postage, packaging and insurance costs – make sure you factor these in, as I often see quotes of between US $20 - 24.00.

I found that I only saved a significant amount if I was purchasing 3 or 4 books at the same time. When I looked into buying a single book, it was often cheaper to buy at the local Aussie price rather from the USA.

Cheers

Dennis

[janoskiss]

www.dadirect.com has the hardback version listed for $AU66.

[anthony2302749]

Guy’s

Think outside the box, there are many things that you can spend $85 on, accommodation at a hotel, dinner, electrical goods, bills etc.

Why is it so hard to depart with $85 dollars for one book that will give you a lifetime of enjoyment and which would more then likely be handed down to your children so that they can enjoy the wonders of the night sky as well. I think that is $85 well spent.

[matt]

Err ..mmm...gee...thanks for that profound response Anthony...

It's not that it's hard to depart (sic) with the $$$$

In fact, if you look around various threads you'll discover that I'm quite content to invest heavily in this fabulous hobby. It's just that I've not had a chance to view this tome "in the flesh" to gauge it's value, to my relative way of thinking.

This thread was aimed primarily at discovering where I could actually buy the book? As a happy consequence i've also discovered where one might find it for sale at a more competitive price? My astro friends have also been kind enough to offer their opinions of the book.

I think you've dredged a little too deep on this one? IMHO:)

[janoskiss]

Well, I think Anthony makes a fair point, but I also think books are too expensive considering what they cost to produce. Many technical and academic textbooks can cost $100s. :eyepop:

[matt]

Absolutely. Some fair points.

Steve, I followed that link but could only find the Caldwell book?

[janoskiss]

Just type 'Messier objects' in the quick search box and hit enter. The 4th match is O'meara's book.

[matt]

OK. Now I know why I couldn't find it.

It's a different edition to the one for sale at Bintel. Different number of pages. Different title. While the Caldwell book by the same author has the same title on both websites.

Check it out Steve. Probably a different edition? Similar contents, but not the same books.

hard to tell on the DA Direct site without a pic

[ThunderChild]

Actually, as long as black and white are not considered 'grey', then there should only be 254 shades of grey!!!
They're trying to con us!!! :P

[matt]

:tasdevil:

And I really wanted to believe I was getting 255!:lol:

[DougAdams]

Certainly the same book as the contents match, but perhaps an updated edition? You're right - we need a picture of it.

[matt]

Booktopia does the same edition as Bintel's for $74:thumbsup:

[astro_south]

Matt

I currently have this very book winging its way to me from Amazons. The total cost was around $65Aus. I see O'Meara is bringing out another book in this series entitled "Hidden treasures" - can't wait for this one - I think I can make out NGC1365 on the cover!

[matt]

G'day Andrew

Yeah, I've noticed that title during my searches.

No doubt another beauty to add to the shopping list.;)

[matt]

and because I seldom do things in half measures...

I've just visited Amazon.com myself and placed an order not only for The Messier Objects but the Caldwell book also:lol:

I couldn't resist. $58 US plus postage and handling for both.

Me got some purdy readin' books headin' mah way:rofl:

[janoskiss]

For the modest savings I personally don't think that amazon is worth the risk and the wait. I only buy DVDs through them that I can't get here and I've encountered quite a few dodgy dealers (with high ratings).

[matt]

We'll see, Steve. We'll see:)

Savings are savings, regardless of how modest.

How'd your DVD purchases turn out?

[janoskiss]

All I'm saying it's a bit of a gamble. If it pays off you save a few bucks, if it does not you lose a few. Chances are all will work out okay for a one-off purchase, but I would not make a habit of it, because on average there is little or no savings to be made.

The typical story goes like this. You order an item ready to ship. Your credit card is charged. Several weeks pass along with the amazon's predicted latest date of delivery. You contact seller. They say sorry they don't have it in stock, it will be another 4-6 weeks (or they don't know how long). You ask for a refund, and hopefully, eventually you get it. I always got a refund in the end but the whole affair costs time and significant amount of money in bank fees, currency exchange charges, interest on credit card.

[Vermin]

I was wondering what risk you were talking about. I've never had a problem buying new items from Amazon, and their shipping costs are the lowest around. You must mean buying second hand through Amazon?

I've been burnt once by buying that way but it is more than offset by the savings I've made.

I once thought I'd support my local bookshop and gave them a list of books I wanted. Big mistake, I paid heaps more and was waiting for about 6 months for some items that were in stock online. grrrr.

[matt]

@ janoskiss

Ok Mr Experienced... here's how this plays out :)

First of all, the items were in stock. Brand new.

Second, I've bought plenty of stuff through Amazon before and it's all been sweet. Don't assume someone's not familiar with the pitfalls of something like Amazon which has been around for ages. That sounds pretty naff, mate.

Third, if I'd bought from a domestic vendor such as Bintel I'd be up for around $170 instead of say $130. About a 25% saving, Steve, which ain't bad.

:D

[astro_south]

I have brought a number of items through Amazon.com and had no problems at all. Admittedly, the goods have been brand new and the website had indicated 'in-stock'. I have never even considered buying secondhand through them, but obviously people do and have success.

I would prefer to spend the money locally, but its my coin and if the difference is worth the inconvienience (ie I don't need the item tomorrow) I would rather keep it in my pocket

[janoskiss]

I only ever ordered new stuff that is "in-stock" according to dealer's listing. Based on all your comments, I guess my results must be skewed because I only used amazon to buy hard to find movies and CDs for which demand would be low. I bought 9 or 10 items through amazon, and had experiences similar to what I described above in 3 other instances.

[matt]

No worries, Steve. It is interesting to read of other people's experiences in Cyber Shoppingland.

I'll definitely keep you posted as to how my latest shopping spree turns out, good or bad.

Fingers crossed I'll end up with two beautiful books at a very nice price, delivered fairly promptly.

Thanks everyone for all your replies.

[dhumpie]

Amazon.com is as good as they come. And you get to save a bit too. I have bought heaps from them and never had problems. In fact I got my Caldwell Object book through them for the same price as what astro_south paid for his Messier Objects book.

Darren

[matt]

:thumbsup: That's right, darren

[matt]

Well, for the curious and particularly Steve, my 2 books arrived today.

They were beautifully packaged and delivered and they are superb.

And the best part? I now have both Deep-Sky Companions (Caldwell and Messier Objects) and for the very attractive price of only $100 AUS. So I've saved about $70. So pretty much 2 for the price of 1.

Thank-you Amazon

[DougAdams]

Good stuff - hope you enjoy them. I am delighted that he has another coming out later in the year - can't wait!

[dhumpie]

Good stuff Matt. The Messier Object book alone from local dealers would set you back by about $89AUD so you saved a bundle! Now you can use the balance to get some astro accessories :)

Darren

p/s: I am thinking about purchasing Sue French's Celestial Sampler now :)