The sky atlas : the greatest maps, myths, and discoveries of the universe
THE SKY ATLAS assembles some of the most beautiful maps and charts ever created to understand the skies above us. This richly illustrated treasury showcases the finest examples of celestial cartography-a glorious art often overlooked by modern map books-as well as medieval manuscripts, masterpiece paintings, ancient star catalogues, antique instruments, and other curiosities. This is the sky as it has never been presented before: the realm of stars and planets, but also of gods, devils, weather wizards, flying sailors, ancient aliens, mythological animals, and rampaging spirits. Here are the crystal cosmos of the ancient Greeks; the medieval sea, sailed by ships above the clouds; Tibetan sky burials; secret messages hidden in starlight, and much more. With thrilling stories and gorgeous artwork, this remarkable atlas explores our fascination with the sky across time and cultures to form an extraordinary chronicle of cosmic imagination and discovery
Browse Related Items
| Subject |
| Stars > Atlases. Astronomy > History. Astronomy > History > Pictorial works. Astronomy > Charts, diagrams, etc. |
| Genre |
| Atlases. Graphs. Illustrated works. |
- ISBN: 9781797201184
- Physical Description 255 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 26 cm
- Publisher [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], 2020.
Content descriptions
| General Note: | "Originally published in Great Britain in 2019 by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd., a CBS company."--Colophon. |
| Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Formatted Contents Note: | The ancient sky -- The medieval sky -- The scientific sky -- The modern sky. |
Additional Information
BookList Review
The Sky Atlas : The Greatest Maps, Myths, and Discoveries of the Universe (Historical Maps of the Stars and Planets, Night Sky and Astronomy Lover Gift)
Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
This beautifully illustrated volume spans the history of astronomy and celestial cartography, beginning with prehistoric cave paintings and rolling forward to today's high-tech photographs of the cosmos. Brooke-Hitching does a superb job of making this complex, scientific, and technical subject accessible and exciting for readers both new to and enamored of astronomy. He takes deliberate care in explaining how the study of the sky has been a collaborative and global effort with many cultures contributing distinct discoveries over the ages; the book's layout makes clear the context for each culture's history and knowledge, emphasizing their interests in certain stars or celestial events. For example, in ancient Egypt, astronomers created detailed charts of the star Sirius because of its correlation with the flooding of the Nile. The art, astral maps, and photographs, many in lush, jewel-like colors, make this book shine. Readers will want to drink in every fine detail in this illumination of the fruitful union of art, history, and science.--Jennifer Rymont Copyright 2020 Booklist
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