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The book depicts new ways to view constellations and all of the heavens. I had this book when I was young and enjoyed it then and enjoy it now. I studied the stars as a child and loved this book cover to cover. It remains informative and fun even over 30 years later. One of my favorite things about teh book is that it is written in terms that virtually everyone can understand; I enjoy books that do not talk down to me; this book is a great example of that. The illustrations are remarkable and accurate, although the perceptions of different constellations has changed slightly since the book was published. Regardless, it is an excellent guide for those who are just beginning to become interested in the shapes in the sky.
Are you curious about the stars, George? H.A. Rey, author of the Curious George series wrote this book originally in 1952 in order to simplify the world of astronomy for children, as well as adults who might wish to introduce children, to the wonders of the starry sky. The fact that the book has remained so popular for so long is a good indicator that it indeed helps in accomplishing that task. For the beginning astronomer, child or adult, the task of dividing the night sky into its various constellations is an arduous task. "Traditionally" mapped constellations may be quite difficult to visualize on the printed page, let alone in the sky itself. Rey's goal was to simplify the way the same stars in a given constellation were connected to each other to provide something that looked more like what the constellation is supposed to be. As Rey drew it, Hercules looks exactly like a man with a club. Pegasus is identifiable as the winged horse, and Cetus looks like a great whale. Not all constellations can be redrawn with such clarity, however, especially if there are too few stars in it to do so, such as Canis Minor with only two main stars. What I like particularly is that Rey begins at the beginning of observational astronomy. "Go out and look," he says. The heavens are beautiful. "You need no equipment." Observation is the foundation of science. Rey recognized that before you zero in on particulars it's important to see the big picture. If you want to learn the sky, you need to go out and look at it. With help from Rey's book that task becomes much easier. There are explanations of details for many constellations regarding their sizes and brightness of stars in them, as well as what time of year they are visible. Also there are plenty of star charts for reference. The emphasis is on the enjoyment of learning the sky without the usual technology and jargon. That can come later as your knowledge grows and the interest for it develops - or not. It's up to you. Whatever your interest level turns out to be, The Stars will get you off to a good start. Rey explains the essential mechanics of the night sky in a very understandable way. He discusses seasons, time, the planets, the zodiac, some history of astronomy and more. So, if you're a Curious George when it comes to astronomy, no matter what your age, The Stars by H.A. Rey is a fun and easy way to get started. Clear skies!Read full review
Have you ever gotten far away from urban light pollution and gazed at the majesty of the night sky and wondered exactly where are all these constellations you've heard mentioned? You don't see any archers, bears or twins? Outside of the big dipper, few of us can identify any constellations let alone name the stars within them. If you enjoy star gazing and like a layman's explanation of what you are looking at, you will find no better guide than H.A. Rey's The Stars. Rey explains the scene unfolding before your eyes as you view the night sky and explains why you'll see constellations at varying locations throughout the year and why sometimes you cannot see them at all. The book is filled with sky charts to help the reader identify the relative positions of all these points of light. One of the best parts of the book is his "stick" drawings illustrating the constellations for you. It helps you "see" the figures mankind has seen in the sky over the ages and the resulting names from them. These drawings not only show the positions of the stars within the constellation, they show the relative brightnesss of each star in the constellation helping the reader to find them by looking for the positions of the brightest stars first. He also provides the names of many of the brighter stars so you can know which one is Betelgeuse, which one is Sirius, which one is the Pole Star and which ones are Pleiades. As much as I loved this book I know it is not for everyone. Nowadays many people prefer being entertained with video games, night clubs, or other indoor activity. It also gets harder and harder to find a truly dark sky to view this show. In fact, I would not recommend star gazing in a major city at all. But if you are fascinated in the least by viewing a beautiful night sky, I'd highly recommend this helpful and easy to understand guide. It will make your gazing more enjoyable.Read full review
This book is perhaps the single-best introduction to familiarization with the sky. Its three major sections are: highlights of a few constellations at a time, all-sky charts for orientation throughout the year, and an introduction to enough celestial mechanics to understand why we see what we do and when. Rey's concise explanations are wordsmithed such that complex concepts can be understood with just a little effort. I purchase these books in batches to give away or resell at cost, and everyone seems to agree with the assessment above.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The book will work because it can be read but it’s certainly not “unread”. I would say it’s in fair condition.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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