Review
Ridpath explains in readable, concise, and reliable terms the origin and meaning of constellations, the 88 star patterns visible in the night sky. He emphasizes throughout that these configurations are a product of the human imagination and, as such, the patterns have changed throughout history. The author shows how Greek and Roman mythology shaped these celestial images into the assemblages of figures we see today. Each constellation is well explained using sufficient detail. Most public libraries will want this wonderful story of star tales. - Robert Paul, Dickinson Coll., Carlisle, Pa. --Library Journal
Product Description
Every night, a pageant of Greek mythology circles overhead. Perseus flies to the rescue of Andromeda, Orion faces the charge of the snorting Bull, and the ship of the Argonauts sails in search of the Golden Fleece. Constellations are the invention of the human imagination, not of nature. They are an expression of the human desire to impress its own order upon the apparent chaos of the night sky. Modern science tells us that these twinkling points of light are glowing balls of gas, but the ancient Greeks, to whom we owe many of our constellations, knew nothing of this. Ian Ridpath, well-known astronomy writer and broadcaster, has been intrigued by the myths of the stars for many years. Star Tales is the first modern guide to combine all the fascinating myths in one book, illustrated with the beautiful and evocative engravings from two of the leading star atlases: Johann Bode's Uranographia of 1801 and John Flamsteed's Atlas Ceolestis of 1729. This is an excellent reference and the perfect gift for the armchair astronomer and those interested in classical mythology alike.
About the Author
Ian Ridpath is among the leading British writers and broadcasters on astronomy and space. Regular appearances on both BBC TV's Breakfast Time and TV-AM, as well as many children's programmes, have made him a familiar figure. His radio broadcasts include Science Now and Today on Radio 4, Radio 2's John Dunn Show, programmes for the BBC World Service, LBC and BBC Radio London. He has written over 30 books on astronomy and space for both adults and children. He is editor of Popular Astronomy magazine and of Norton's Star Atlas.
