Book Review – Universe: the definitive visual guide (2020)
I came across this book in a book shop (remember those?) when I was staring out in amateur astronomy and was immediately impressed by the depth, breadth, beauty and authoritative nature of this volume.
The book is an encyclopedia of the universe written from the perspective of astronomy. Arranged in logical sections rather than alphabetical entries, it allows for a deep exploration of the many facets of the universe.
There are expansive sections on:
- The nature of the universe
- Objects in the solar system
- Stars, stellar phenomena and the Milky Way
- Galaxies and galaxy clusters
- Viewing the universe from Earth
- The constellations
- Monthly sky guides.
There are over 500 pages to explore in this well-bound, hardback volume.
The text is accessible, clear and engaging. It gives due consideration to contemporary astronomical and astrophysical concepts – there is no ‘dumbing down’ of content here.
The book is filled with thousands of beautiful, high-resolution pictures. The star charts are clear, practical and easy to use, including Northern and Southern hemisphere perspectives.
I found this book to be a delightful exploration of space from the perspective of astronomy. I think it would be suitable for an enthusiastic amateur astronomer wanting a broader and deeper dive into the science of the universe and for better understanding what they may see in the night sky. I think it would make an excellent gift.
‘Universe: the definitive visual guide’ (New Edition, 2020) is published by DK Penguin Random House, with Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, as general editor.
https://www.dk.com/us/book/978146549...-third-edition
