Review by Choice Review
Trefil (physics, George Mason Univ.) is the author/editor of numerous works on science for nonscientists, e.g., Science in World History (CH, Aug'12, 49-6861). His latest contribution is a beautifully printed coffee-table atlas, mapping the universe and beyond. As with any exploration into the unknown, selected maps, data, and illustrations are vital to understanding what lies ahead. This volume is masterfully done. A foreword by astronaut Buzz Aldrin sets the stage for a lavishly visual review of the universe. First, an object-by-object display presents the most up-to-date information, accompanied by color photos, of the major planets and their moons in the solar system. Readers then move outward from the sun into the Milky Way galaxy, and then to the universe, where coverage includes illustrated discussions of present theories on the beginning, working, and end of the universe as people know it. An epilogue discusses current string theory and the possible existence of a multiverse. Several appendixes and indexes likely will be valuable to amateur astronomers. With the incredible pace of technical change in the fields of physics and astronomy, this is a moveable feast for those interested in journeying through the heavens. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. R. J. Havlik emeritus, University of Notre Dame
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
This beautiful atlas provides the reader with a guide to the known universe. Through maps and photographs, it provides a colorful introduction to planets, stars, and galaxies. Starting with our own solar system (comprising one-half of the work) and moving outward, the atlas describes each feature, provides maps made from the latest satellite imagery, and discusses any unique aspects of the object. It also presents sections on topics and controversies, including black holes, supernovas, the big bang, and string theory. A hybrid atlas-coffee-table book, this low-priced volume will be an excellent addition to the astronomy collection in any library.--Tyckoson, David Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This is a stunningly beautiful and informative guide to the planets, stars, and beyond. Chapters on "The Solar System," "The Galaxy," "The Universe," and "Mysteries," accompanied by full-color photographs, computer graphics, and other illustrations, will entice readers to learn about what is beyond our world. Many topics are covered in a spread each, while some subjects-the birth of the solar system, for example-have several spreads devoted to them. Brief biographies credit and introduce scientists who made important discoveries-for example, one profile discusses Edwin Hubble, a scientist who transformed human understanding of the universe and who was also an outstanding athlete, choosing science over a career as a professional boxer. The finding aids and other extras in this guide make it highly user friendly. These include a table of facts about the planets with information about the planetary satellites alphabetically arranged under each planet heading; facts about notable deep-sky objects-the stars, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, etc. found beyond our solar system; a list of map terms-e.g., corona (singular) coronae (plural) meaning an ovoid feature; and a general index that has the page numbers of illustrations and the biographies of pertinent scientists bolded. VERDICT A gorgeous, fact-filled must for reference sections.-Frances Eaton Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, VA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-This stunningly beautiful and informative guide to the planets, stars, and beyond is illustrated in full color, providing photographs, art, and computer graphics that will draw readers into the mysteries and vastness of space. Brief biographies credit and introduce scientists who made important discoveries. The book explains, for example, that Edwin Hubble, one of the scientists who transformed our understanding of the universe, was also an outstanding athlete who chose science over a career as a professional boxer. The finding aids in this guide to the solar system, galaxy, and the universe make it highly user friendly. Appended are a table of facts about the planets, in which information about each planet's satellites is alphabetically arranged under each planet heading; a list of notable deep-sky objects-the stars, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, etc., found beyond our solar system; and a glossary and a list of map terms. The general index uses bold type for the page numbers of illustrations and the biographies of pertinent scientists, and it is followed by a lengthy place-name index. A gorgeous, fact-filled must for reference sections that need up-to-date astronomy information.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
