Eyes on the Skies Authors: Govert Schilling and Lars Lindberg Christensen Publisher: Wiley VCH ISBN: 978-3527408658 Price: £16.99 (Hb), 132pp
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The attractive Eyes on the Skies – 400 Years of Telescopic Discovery is one of the most accessible books I have ever read. Released as part of the International Year of Astronomy, it brings the reader a history of telescopes from their beginnings to the present day. Easy to read and holding your attention from beginning to end, the text is illustrated with high quality images and diagrams. The authors explain in clear non-technical language how telescopes have developed from two pieces of glass to orbiting satellites, and from small mirrors to large radio telescope arrays.

For those who are more technically minded there are explanations of the technology involved in observing. There are plenty of text boxes to provide additional information, and a section is included at the end that leads nicely into the accompanying book Hidden Universe.

Also included is the official IYA 2009 DVD, which is closely based on the text of the book. The DVD is well-produced, easy to follow and entertaining. At this price, the excellent quality of writing, presentation, and the included DVD (you can buy the DVD separately for £15.99) make this book a must for IYA2009.

David Bowdley