Backyard Astronomer's Guide

This is a great book (one of a series by the same author). It contains a lot of wisdom for not too much money. There is no getting away from the fact that serious astronomy is an expensive hobby but the knowledge and understanding gained will either prevent unnecessary purchases and/or replacements especially when you are new to the hobby.

Easily the most comprehensive and clearly written practical primer on astronomy and star gazing. All the sections are laid out with intelligence and clarity, and the accompanying illustrations and photos are outstanding. Added to this there are bold recommendations and critiques of available equipment rather than bland comments seen in other astro how-to books. I appreciate that. Everything you need to know is here, not only to get you started but if you are rusty and making a return to star gazing this gem updates you on gaps since perhaps you last looked skywards, with a really good contemporary look at equipment and techniques, from observing planets to clusters to deep space objects. This book anticipates your yearning to learn and uncannily knows the kind of questions you want answered, whether you are simply star hopping, or getting deeper into the basic physics of astronomy. There is a very impressive guide to astrophotography too. This is an outstanding book in every way and super value. Highly recommended without reservation.

When it arrived, I was surprised at the size and weight of this book. It's published in Canada by Firefly Books but the style and format remind me a bit of Dorling Kindersley. What I like about the book is its hands-on, practical and advisary style. The authors have definite views in terms of equipment and techniques and don't hesitate to give you their opinions (eg Canon DSLR cameras are preferred for astrophotography over Nikon, a view which might not go down too well with everyone). But as I say, it is an extremely good reference book for the newcomer to the hobby of astronomy. Note that there are no star charts so you will need to buy something like the Cambridge Star Atlas in order the find your way around the sky.

This is a great book for those starting this hobby, it answers virtually all the questions a beginner asks. That said, it is also very informative for those of us who have been involved in astronomy for a while. Giving good explanations on how to upgrade with out falling into the various pitfalls many of us have dropped into. In all I would say that "The backyard Astronomer's Guide" is a very useful reference book to have to hand, one you can dip into as required, but also one you can read from cover to cover. Highly recommendable

Very good book. For someone new to the practical aspects of astronomy this book is well worth having. For example the tables on eyepiece comparision and filter comaparison are very helpful. As a matter of interest there is a downloadable article which is a update on the article in the book about DSLR cameras for use in astrophotography. A lot of book for the money so is very good value.