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This article is from the Astronomy FAQ, by Joseph Lazio (jlazio@patriot.net) with numerous contributions by others.

12 What are good books on astronomy (especially for beginners)?

By Hartmut Frommert <spider@seds.org>

Observing guides and images
* Kenneth Glyn Jones. _Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters_. Sky
Publishing 1968, 2nd ed 19XX. 427p. A great handbook and resource!
Contains introduction to historical and astronomical background together
with data, historic and newer descriptions with a finder chart, drawing,
and photo (in appendix) for each object, plus biographical and historical
material on Messier and the other discoverers and early researchers of the
Messier objects.

* John Mallas & Everitt Kreimer. _The Messier Album_. Sky Publishing
1978, 248p. Messier biography (by Owen Gingerich), reprint of Messier's
original catalog (in French), descriptions for each object (but M102) with
finder chart, drawing (from 4") and b/w photo (12 1/2"). Messier object
chart of the Heavens, check list, color photos of some, 248 p.

* Hans Vehrenberg. _Atlas of Deep Sky Splendors_. Vehrenberg+Sky
Publishing 1st ed. 196X, 4th edition 198X, 242p. Original title: _Mein
Messier-Buch (My Messier Book)_. Schmidt photo charts of all Messier and
many other Deep Sky objects, partially color, descriptions, some with
photos from observatories.

* Don Machholz. _Messier Marathon Observer's Guide -- Handbook and Atlas_.
Make Wood Products, P.O.Box 1716, Colfax, CA 95713 (USA). Interesting
stuff on Charles Messier, his comets, his catalog including discussion of
"nebulous" (missing, stellar, and the star cloud) and "add-on" objects, a
catalog, finder charts, plus proposed Marathon.

 

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