Star Struck: One Thousand Years of the Art and Science of Astronomy

These 150-plus illustrations would be perfectly fascinating on their own, but the accompanying text is also excellent. Authors Brashear, rare books curator at the Smithsonian's Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology, and Lewis, curator of American historical manuscripts at the Huntington Library, are joined by Owen Gingerich, senior astronomer at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Harvard University. Together they document the evolution of humanity's understanding of the cosmos, drawing on some of the most rare and beautiful books in the history of astronomy. Sources of the illustrations include the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Huntington Library, and the Hubble Space Telescope. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)