All Other: Celestial Objects For Common Telescopes (2 Vols)

4.0 Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes Vol 1 & 2

Well written, great descriptions of objects and scopes. Insight into astronomical theories of late 19th century.

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In addition to his clergy duties, British astronomer T.W. Webb spent most of his leisure time making astronomical observations. In 1859 he published a two volume guide for amateur astronomers - Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes. The first volume deals with the local solar system objects, and the use of telescopes and what could be seen with them. Webb used refractors in the 3 to 6 inch range and reflectors of slightly larger aperture. Volume two of the guide deals with stars, double and variable. Nebulae and galaxies are explored, but sparingly. Knowledge of these objects were somewhat sparse and at the beginning of our understanding of what they were and how they worked.

These two volumes are enjoyable reads, and sets the stage for understanding where our astronomical knowledge of the universe was during the later part of the 19th century. I must say that I also enjoyed the sometimes poetic descriptions written by the author about many of these celestial objects. A 1962 final edition was published by Dover Press, edited by Magaret W. Mayall and is still available. These books are definitely worth seeking out.