Shrouds of the Night Authors: David L Block and Kenneth Freeman Publisher: Springer ISBN: 978-0-387-78974-3 Price: £19.99 (Hb), 442pp
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This book, subtitled Masks of the Milky Way and Our Awesome New View of Galaxies, is essentially a chronology of astronomical photography from 1826 to the present day. Whilst the preamble is poorly written, Vera RubinÕs preface clearly sets context by explaining that the book is intentionally unconventional. The commentary by the authors occasionally alludes to religious beliefs but these in no way devalue the astronomical enquiry governed by the selection of images included.

Ten chapters take us through spiritual awareness of the heavens and then onto how the night sky, and in particular the deep sky, has been gloriously captured through a camera lens. The strength of the book is in the consistency of recalling famous astronomers and their observations, which in turn showcases compelling visual evidence.

I wish to take issue however, with the claim that some material has been uncovered by the authors themselves, suggesting authenticity of research. I do not argue that the authors have used occasional sources not readily available but I question the claim of almost pioneering usage. Furthermore, there are a couple of glaring errors, one of which involves the famous photograph of William HerschelÕs 40 foot telescope frame. The photographÕs reference provided in the book is incomplete and incorrect, suggesting that other references may have the same fate and that the authors should have double-checked their sources. I also take issue with some of the ÔBirr CastleÕ claims. In contrast, anecdotal quotations from a vast array of philosophers and astronomers segue favourably at junctions within the story.

I agree with the preface in that this book is a real mixture. As a photographic record, particularly of galaxies, this book is excellent but not as a serious study of related astronomical history.

Ian McClurg-Welland