Description
Book SynopsisA revised and expanded edition of the classic introduction to the myths and legends associated with the stars and constellations.
Trade Review'In this highly readable Star Tales ... Mr Ridpath has splendidly combined astronomy with the lore of classical mythology. ' Adrian Berry, Daily Telegraph 'There is another way to look at [stars and galaxies] - as the creation of human imagination. ... To help steer us round these wonders, Ridpath has produced Star Tales. ... a pleasant amalgam of sheer fancy and historical and scientific fact. The book will help us appreciate how we reached out present awareness.' Robin McKie, Observer Sunday 'Many readers will welcome this book of tales of the constellations . ... [Ian Ridpath's] list of sources is quite impressive, but the greatest value of the book must lie in the illustrations . ... This is a book to enjoy. It is easily read and does successfully what it sets out to. Ridpath has already earned a reputation as a presenter of the celestial constellations and the real curiosities they contain. ... Now we must see him as an authority on their entertainment value too.' Rosemary Naylor, Federation of Astronomical Societies 'I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautifully-illustrated book, and it will be a lovely reference book as well. It is meticulously researched and very well written, and I can recommend it to anyone interested in the constellations from a historical or mythological perspective' Robert Connon Smith, The Observatory, vol. 139, no.1269, pp.74-5
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter One: Stars and storytellers Chapter Two: Star maps Chapter Three: The celestial eighty-eight Chapter Four: Obsolete constellations Sources and acknowledgements References Glossary of mythological characters Index
