Planets: A Very Short Introduction Author:David A Rothery Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0-19-957350-9 Price: £ 7.99 (Pb), 125pp
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As you might imagine, I have read a number of books about the planets and our changing understanding of exactly how they formed, how they are today and what they can tell us about the Earth and its place in the cosmos. Well, don't let the sub-title of this book give you an impression that it is somehow not of any real value. It is one of a number of books that Oxford University Press have released under the banner, 'A Very Short Introduction', such as Ancient Philosophy, Dinosaurs, Diplomacy, Human Rights and Terrorism, to name but a few. It is among these bedfellows that 'Planets' has been published.

A quick search on the Internet reveals David Rothery as an accomplished writer with a number of publications to his name. So his background in planetary geology makes him the ideal candidate to write this book. Although this small paperback cannot cover every nook and cranny of planetary knowledge, the writing style is exceptionally clear and precise and not afraid of pointing out common misunderstandings. At the beginning there is a good discourse on planetary formation, a subject that has changed markedly over the last decade. It then goes on to cover each planet more or less in turn, giving plenty of room to unravel many of their idiosyncrasies. For good measure, it also includes chapters on the asteroids, trans-Neptunian objects and exoplanets. Many of these particular objects are just beginning to be understood. Rothery covers the discovery of exoplanets very well, showing the many methods now available to astronomers seeking out these far off and enigmatic worlds.

Because this book is clearly targeted at the beginner, I would feel a little happier with a few more illustrations and images, especially in colour although there is only so much you get into such a small book. Those that are included, however, have been chosen extremely carefully. I feel assured that this small but up-to-date publication would not disappoint anyone interested in gaining a basic grounding about our planetary domain.

Greg SmyeÐRumsby