Synopsis
Every night, a pageant of Greek mythology circles overhead. Perseus flies to the rescue of Andromeda, Orion faces the charge of the snorting Bull, and the ship of the Argonauts sails in search of the Golden Fleece. Constellations are the invention of the human imagination, not of nature. They are an expression of the human desire to impress its own order upon the apparent chaos of the night sky. Modern science tells us that these twinkling points of light are glowing balls of gas, but the ancient Greeks, to whom we owe many of our constellations, knew nothing of this. Ian Ridpath, well-known astronomy writer and broadcaster, has been intrigued by the myths of the stars for many years. Star Tales is the first modern guide to combine all the fascinating myths in one book, illustrated with the beautiful and evocative engravings from two of the leading star atlases: Johann Bode's Uranographia of 1801 and John Flamsteed's Atlas Ceolestis of 1729. This is an excellent reference and the perfect gift for the armchair astronomer and those interested in classical mythology alike.
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About the Author
Ian Ridpath has been a full-time writer, broadcaster, and lecturer on astronomy and space since 1972. A Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, he has written numerous trade books on aspects of astronomy, including the longest-standing star atlas in print.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Ridpath relates an amazing history of star gazing that was first recorded by the Sumerians in 2000 b.c. By 150 a.d. , Ptolemy, the Greek astronomer, had recognized the 48 constellations which are the basis for modern astronomy. An additional 40 constellations that were below the Greek horizon are also discussed. The illustrations, magnificent engravings reproduced from John Flamsted's Atlas Coelestris (1729) and the Uranographia star atlas of Johann Bode (1801), show the figures inhabiting the night skies. Astronomy today deals with quasars, red giants, white dwarfs, and other phenomena. Ridpath's book relates a simpler time in celestial history. A useful book for any situation in which mythology is researched or taught in the curriculum.
- Anne Paget, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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[0-7188-2695-7] [1988]. (Hardcover) Fine in fine dust jacket. 161pp. Maps, illustrations, glossary, bibliography, index. (Mythology, Constellations, Stars). Seller Inventory # 130139
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