This is a modern classic in the literature of sky lore -- a comprehensive collection of myths, legends, and historical notes about each of the 88 constellations and the sun, moon, Milky Way, and shooting stars. Star maps depict the constellations with outline figures. Written for the non-specialist and widely respected by professional planetarians, this book provides a substantive review of the familiar star lore of classical Southwest Asian and Mediterranean civilisations as well as that of ancient China, South Asia, and traditional societies of northern Eurasia, North and South America, the Pacific Islands, and Australasia. This is one of the must-have books that should be in the library of every enthusiast of mankind's enchantment with the night sky.
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About the Author
Julius D W Staal was born in Batavia, Netherlands East Indies, in 1917 and began his work in planetariums in The Hague, Netherlands. He left the Netherlands during World War II, became a British citizen, worked in the London Planetarium, and was accepted as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, London. In 1960, he joined the staff of the Planetarium of Witswatersrand and the faculty of the University of Rhodesia. Subsequent travels took him back to England, then to the United States, where he open planetariums in New Orleans, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and Decatur, Georgia. He passed away in July, 1986.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
After looking for a while to find a readable book on the mythology of the stars, I am delighted with this one.
I wanted stories to tell me son while we look up at the stars and this book is full of them. They all link together as well.
There is also information on the non-Greek mythology.
Useful diagrams and very well written, non-technical text.
An excellent find.
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The book provides a good background on the myths relating to the constellations. Especially interesting is the coverage of the Chinese astronomy. However, I kept wishing there was just a little bit more information...
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.7 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
63 of 67 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting and informational
11 Aug 1999
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
The book provides a good background on the myths relating to the constellations. Especially interesting is the coverage of the Chinese astronomy. However, I kept wishing there was just a little bit more information...
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
includes star lore from around the world
20 Feb 2005
By Donald T. Childrey
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Staal's death in 1986 resulted in this book being published posthumously. His original 1961 book was focused on constellations visible from London, but he was revising it to provide more complete coverage of all 88 official constellations and to include bits of the star lore he collected from all parts of the world.
The book is divided into five major chapters, four for the seasons of the year and one to cover the constellations near the celestial poles. Each chapter is then subdivided into individual constellation sections. Stall included plenty of descriptive text as well as sketches of the individual asterisms being described. The appendices include a few star maps that show the relation of each constellation and asterism to the rest of the sky.
Although he does reference specific stars by their scientific names, the focus of the book is oriented towards providing the reader with information about the myths and legends associated with each constellation.
Anyone interested in getting a good overview of star lore from the various cultures around the world will appreciate this book.
Don Childrey, author of "STAR TRAILS - Navajo, A Different Way To Look At The Night Sky"
The book is divided into five major chapters, four for the seasons of the year and one to cover the constellations near the celestial poles. Each chapter is then subdivided into individual constellation sections. Stall included plenty of descriptive text as well as sketches of the individual asterisms being described. The appendices include a few star maps that show the relation of each constellation and asterism to the rest of the sky.
Although he does reference specific stars by their scientific names, the focus of the book is oriented towards providing the reader with information about the myths and legends associated with each constellation.
Anyone interested in getting a good overview of star lore from the various cultures around the world will appreciate this book.
Don Childrey, author of "STAR TRAILS - Navajo, A Different Way To Look At The Night Sky"
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A nice starting point
6 Sep 2005
By M. Gianluca
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Those looking for a good reference to start learning about star stories and legends will find a good tool in this book.
What I liked more was the different cultures kept in mind while narrating a story. Often, we see that only Greek Mythology is considered; this book keeps an eye to the other corners of the ancient world.
Perfect for those involved in astronomical education and public outreach
What I liked more was the different cultures kept in mind while narrating a story. Often, we see that only Greek Mythology is considered; this book keeps an eye to the other corners of the ancient world.
Perfect for those involved in astronomical education and public outreach
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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