Reviewer: Matt Wedel

I put off buying this book for an entire year. I figured that between the internet and my other coffee-table gee-whiz books, the last thing I needed was another book full of pretty pictures. I was so wrong. Take Rob Gendler's gorgeous astrophotos--there is a shot of Omega Centauri in here that makes me want to weep!--add concise, up-to-date descriptions, coordinates, seasonal sky maps, with every object ranked by right ascension, and you've got a pretty-picture book that doubles as a deep-sky guide and observing planner. Plus you will pick the book up just to leaf through it and enjoy it. And the production value is unbelievable, with a solid hardcover and excellent full-color reproduction on heavy glossy paper. I have no idea how they are able to sell this book at this price, but hey, their loss is your gain. You WILL use this book, and when you do, you will kick yourself for not getting it sooner. A fantastic holiday or birthday present for an amateur astronomer, or, heck, anyone with a pulse.