The Power of Stars Author: Bryan E Penprase Publisher: Springer ISBN:978-1-4419-6802-9 Price: £35.99 (Hb) 348pp
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Subtitled, ‘How Celestial Observations Have Shaped Civilization’, this book is an enthralling account that takes the reader through a vast array of cultures and their beliefs. The subject matter is very en-vogue at the moment with a plethora of books attempting to decipher new ancient and cultural evidence that seems to be emerging on a daily basis. As each succeeding generation adds a new interpretation, so the world appears to be getting closer to the truth of the ancients.

The author takes us on a broad path that investigates the various global cultures, monuments, rituals and ceremonies that allow for linkages to our normal starting points as astronomers. These points being, why do we have seasonal cycles? What is the significance of time? What causes the Sun, Moon and planets to move across our sky? How do these phenomena influence our lives spiritually, intellectually and emotionally?

The contrasts outlined by the author are clear and concise throughout, no more so than in the section that deals with calendars and time. Take the case of ancient Hawaiians who chose to “...develop an original lunar calendar that made use of the lunar months and the position of the Pleiades star cluster to create a stellar–lunar calendar” and compare that the Zuni Native American tribe who used ceremonies as the basis of their calendar. Other Native Americans were known to relate animal behaviour, contrasting with the ancient Greeks who are thought to have used a combination of natural cycles related to changing patterns in the skies.

This book allows us to appreciate a plain of spiritual reasoning rather than, as so often the case, taking the science and dismissing the spiritual base. After all, we still have lifestyles dictated by the seasonal calendars, ceremonies and celebrations so why ignore this when discussing scientific levels? I am impressed author’s presentation of evidence. The pace and order is consistent throughout. The use of illustrations, many of which are the author’s own photographs, support and underpins the text fully.

I recommend this book to all who wish to blend the astronomy with cultural principles to strengthen the celestial debate. This book stands out as a study of human culture and astronomical relevance.

Ian Welland