1001 Celestial Wonders to See Before You Die Author: Michael E Bakich Publisher: Springer ISBN: 978-1-4419-1776-8 Price: £29.99 (Pb) 497pp
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With the growth of amateur astronomy, visual observing guides have come and gone, constantly re-inventing the wheel. Some are overly descriptive, while lacking in important information. Other guides are overly myopic, confining their narrative to the appearance of an object as seen by only one size of telescope. And some of the best guides are now hopelessly outdated.

Michael E Bakich, well known to many as the Senior Editor of Astronomy magazine, has retraced his roots as a visual observer in this wonderful new text. Drawing on his own extensive experience (believe me you can tell!), as well as that from a wealth of seasoned observers, both contemporary and historical, the book is a meticulously researched compilation of over a thousand magnificent objects best seen with equipment ranging from ordinary binoculars to 30-inch (762mm) Dobsonians.

Providing clear instructions on how to get there, the full pantheon of celestial real estate is covered – double and variable stars, open and globular clusters, planetary and emission nebulae, and extraordinary galaxies – conveniently arranged into chapters presented month by month. As if that were not enough, the book is handsomely illustrated with many full colour images of some of the more famous objects to be seen in the starry heavens. There is easily enough in this single volume to keep a keen observer happy for years!

All in all, this is a warmly welcomed, no-nonsense guide to observing the heavens and will appeal to observers of all levels, from curious novices to die hard deep sky veterans. Heartily recommended!

Neil English